The board of trustees of the North Central Regional Library has announced the retirement of Director Dean Marney, effective Jan. 1.

Named to replace Marney is Dan Howard, who had served in a management position along with Marney for several years. The vote to appoint Howard was unanimous.

Marney had been with the library system for 35 years. “I am so fortunate being able to work for the communities I love, promoting my passion for reading and lifelong learning. I’ve worked for the strongest and most visionary board of trustees and the most dedicated staff of librarians,” Marney stated.

Dean recently passed the ACE personal trainer exam and will be training individuals and teaching yoga classes at the WRAC in Wenatchee.

Howard was formerly director of public services, heading up the 28 branches of the library system and mail order program. He will become the fourth director in the history of the library system. He has a BA in history and a MLS from the University of Washington.

The Grand Coulee library is part of the North Central Regional Library System.