The Hancock County Library System welcomed new Executive Director John Brdecka on September 13, 2021. Hancock County Library System serves roughly 46,000 residents on the coast from its five outlet locations in Bay St. Louis, Kiln, Diamondhead, Waveland, and Pearlington. Brdecka is an Illinois native, hailing from the Chicago area. Brdecka completed his MLIS at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. He brings sixteen years of experience to the position, making the leap from academic to public libraries after working in various positions at Northwestern University, most recently as Interim Associate University Librarian for Resource Delivery and Management. Brdecka will oversee HCLS’ thirty-two staff members.

“I’m fortunate to be in the position to work with so many passionate people who eat, drink, live for the communities they serve and I look forward to working with them to move this library system forward,” said Brdecka.

John Brdecka was recently featured in the local news article for the Sea Coast Echo detailing his background and influences. Brdecka also provided input for an article in American Libraries on the challenges libraries face in recovering from severe storms. Hancock County Library System suffered only minor impacts from this season’s Hurricane Ida. The library was able to provide services to evacuees in the wake of significant damage to neighbors in Louisiana.