John Clexton

John Clexton, President

Gladwin County District Library, Gladwin, MI

Professional Background

After completing my Master of Library & Information Science in 1998, I served as a Children's Librarian, first with Ypsilanti Public Library and then with Detroit Public Library. In 2000, I joined my hometown library, Grosse Pointe Public Library, as a Branch Coordinator. I served 18 years there while raising my three kids alongside my wife. In 2018, I left for the Caribbean island of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands to serve as Territorial Librarian supervisor.

Today, I serve as Library Director for Gladwin County District Library. In addition to the many hats and tasks of a Director, I serve as a member of our state library board and on national committees such as the American Library Association (ALA). In 2022, I completed my graduate certificate in library financial management at the University of Georgia.

I have served as the president of my library union for more than a decade and have been the lead negotiator in labor contracts, policy and procedure creation, and combatted challenges. Most of my non-daily activities involve searching for and writing grants. With my certificate in library financial management, I aim to improve my library organization and understand the complex world of finance at a national level concerning libraries.

What inspired you to get involved with the board?

I come from a diverse background in public libraries of all sizes, and my current work is rooted in a small and rural library in the State of Michigan. I aim to leverage my knowledge and experience to foster collaboration and enhance the overall quality of our libraries, with a particular focus on supporting small and rural libraries in communities across the country.

When I transitioned from a large suburban library, my most important goal was to connect with other library staff and librarians who experience similar daily challenges in their work. What I discovered was far beyond my expectations - I found a vibrant community of small and rural library staff who have taught me so much about their work lives, which mirror my own and the complex ways we navigate our roles with little to no funding.

"The more I interact with other ARSL members, the more I have found a library family like no other."

My vision for ARSL's future is to watch this organization grow in numbers, voice, and recognition. We must continue to show the world what libraries can do, how they change lives, and how they continue to grow.

It is my passion that we continue to make libraries a special place, no matter where or how. The libraries that need the most help are in the backyards of the communities in which we reside.

I would like to see ARSL recognized nationally in our political, library, and funding institutions. As we continue to grow and work hard, our small and rural libraries will gain a strong and sometimes loud voice on a national level.

Why is the mission of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries important to you?

I can think of nothing that expresses my feelings about libraries more passionately than building strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and enhancing our impact across the nation. Libraries, regardless of their size, have a profound impact on everyone. They provide places of wonder, engagement, and learning. The betterment of society and our development as human beings is of utmost importance. ARSL plays a crucial role in this mission for library workers, both for myself and for those who came before me.

Our annual conferences and membership continue to increase in size. Yet, beyond the numbers, the dialogues and conversations I witness in committees and networking groups and the friendships and mentorships that develop among our small and rural libraries from coast to coast truly stand out.

The role of advocacy is essential, especially as I observe our current advocacy committee navigating some of the most turbulent times in our field. I have had the pleasure of speaking at larger library groups (ALA, PLA, and my own state organization) promoting and emphasizing the important work that ARSL does.

Our nation consists primarily of small and rural libraries, and it has been my sincere pleasure to give a voice to libraries that need support from our national partners and financial institutions. I will continue to advocate for small libraries, as some of our efforts have the most significant impact in our communities.

What are your favorite library programs and books or genres?

I loved doing an Academy Award night before a film studies professor showed clips of the potential movie winners. Also, you can't beat live jazz programs in the library.

I love travel and adventure books, especially travelogues alongside rock and music biographies. I still love childhood classics, such as Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary.

Professional Background

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