Jensen Named New Director of Chesterfield Public Library
TL;DR: Carolyn Jensen, who has spent 17 years with Chesterfield County and nine years as assistant director, has been named the new director of Chesterfield Public Library.
Quick facts
- Who: Carolyn Jensen
- What: Named director of Chesterfield Public Library
- When: Effective December 20, 2025
- Where: Chesterfield County, Virginia
The story
Carolyn Jensen has been named director of Chesterfield Public Library, a role she assumed effective December 20, 2025. Jensen brings more than 18 years of library leadership experience, having worked with Chesterfield County since 2008. She spent the past nine years serving as assistant director of library services before her promotion to director.
Jensen holds a Master of Science in Library Science from Catholic University of America and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Reading in Reading, England. She is a graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond and has been recognized as a frequent presenter at library conferences on topics including library leadership, artificial intelligence in libraries, and data-driven innovation. In 2009, she was named Chesterfield Public Library Employee of the Year.
Under Jensen's leadership in her previous role, the library system successfully navigated pandemic recovery, bringing daily visits back to pre-COVID levels while achieving record library card generation. The system currently serves over 1 million customer visits per year across its 10 locations and maintains a collection of over 800,000 items available for checkout in person and online. Jensen earned a 9.47 out of 10 customer satisfaction rating during her tenure as assistant director.
The library system offers diverse programs and services including passport and notary services, Read to Recovery (a community initiative providing free books on opioid addiction recovery), health and wellness resources including naloxone availability, exam proctoring, story times for young children, book discussion groups, and extensive digital content through services like Libby and Hoopla.
Key players
- Carolyn Jensen: Director of Library Services, Chesterfield Public Library
- Chesterfield Public Library: Public library system serving Chesterfield County
- Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors: County government oversight
Key dates
- 2025-12-20: Carolyn Jensen assumed role as director of library services
The case for
A promotion from within the ranks demonstrates the county's confidence in tested leadership continuity. Jensen has proven track record navigating complex institutional challenges, including pandemic recovery and innovative service expansion. Her background in library leadership and technology positioning the system well for future growth.
The case against
Promoting from assistant director means the library relies on existing institutional thinking rather than fresh outside perspectives. The system foregos opportunity to recruit director-level expertise from other high-performing library systems. External candidates might bring proven strategies from larger or differently-structured library systems.
Why it matters: The library director sets strategic priorities and vision for a system serving over 1 million annual visits across 10 locations, directly impacting community access to educational resources, health information, and digital services. Jensen's appointment ensures continuity in the library's recovery and innovation trajectory while maintaining experienced leadership during a critical period for public library systems.
Places
Development timeline
- 2008-01-01Carolyn Jensen joins Chesterfield County: Jensen begins employment with Chesterfield County library system [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/6816)
- 2009-01-01Employee of the Year Award: Jensen recognized as Chesterfield Public Library Employee of the Year [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/6816)
- 2016-01-01Appointed Assistant Director of Library Services: Jensen becomes assistant director of library services, a position she held for nine years [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/6816)
- 2025-12-20Appointed Director of Library Services: Carolyn Jensen assumes role as director of Chesterfield Public Library [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/6816)
Related links
- Jensen Named New Director of Chesterfield Public Library (Official Announcement)
- Chesterfield Public Library Official Site
- Library Administration
Read the original at Chesterfield County News →
Sources
- Jensen Named New Director of Chesterfield Public Library
- Chesterfield Public Library Official Site
- Library Administration
- Carolyn Jensen Staff Directory