The Lake Forest Library Board has initiated the process of hiring a new administrative leader after Executive Director Ishwar Laxminarayan announced he will retire later this year.
Laxminarayan, who was appointed the library’s executive director on May 1, 2023, revealed last month that he plans to retire sometime in 2026.
“My time here has been the highlight of my nearly 45-year professional career in libraries,” he said in a statement. “I am deeply grateful to the Lake Forest community for your support throughout my tenure, and to the library staff and board for their dedication to serving library patrons and visitors. Lake Forest Library is in a good place and poised for greater things to come.”
Before his hiring in Lake Forest three years ago, Laxminarayan worked at libraries in both India and the United States, including the Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee.
Under Laxminarayan’s leadership, the Lake Forest Library completed a restoration of its prominent rooftop dome and refurbished the murals painted by artist Nicolai Remisoff that hang in the building’s rotunda.
In addition, the library’s courtyards have been enhanced, with a ceremony celebrating their public reopening set for May 21.
“He has had a great three-plus years,” Library Board member Robert Shaw told the City Council on May 4.
Looking ahead, Shaw did not offer a specific date for Laxminarayan’s departure, saying only that it would occur in the latter half of the year.
Shaw added that he and fellow board member Garth Pearson are co-chairmen of a search committee for the next executive director. He said the committee has already begun speaking with community members and library staff about the position and is seeking additional public input.
A specific job description is expected to be released later this month, according to library officials.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
