Philip Neilson

WEIRTON – After a multi-month search, the Mary H. Weir Public Library has a new executive director.

The library’s board of directors, Tuesday, announced the selection of Philip Neilson to head the library into its next chapter.

Neilson currently serves as the youth services librarian at the Octavia Fellin Public Library in Gallup, New Mexico, where he oversees operations of the Children and Youth Library building.

According to information provided by the board of directors, “He has pioneered an array of innovative youth and teen programs including coordinating the New Mexico Battle of the Books for the northwest region of the state, establishing a teen advisory board, leading an adult discussion series on artificial intelligence and supporting the local Friends of the Library organization.”

Neilson also led the creation and implementation of a MakerSpace program through the library, offering the community training in 3D printing, laser cutting and other technology.

He is a graduate of the University of Alberta’s Master of Library and Information Studies program, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a master’s in teaching.

Prior to his library career, Neilson held several teaching positions, focusing on communications and middle school English. He is set to begin the position in Weirton in early summer after he and his family, including wife, Erin, move to the area.

Neilson is taking the reins at the library following the retirement of Rik Rekowski, who ended his almost-45-year career at the Mary H. Weir Public Library in November. Rekowski was hired by the library in February 1982 as an extension services librarian to head up the local Bookmobile program. He was named the library’s director in 1987.

During his tenure, Rekowski worked to establish an online digital catalog, provide free Wi-Fi access, as well as access to computers for the community, training sessions, an adult literacy program, an outdoor art gallery, and various children’s and community programs.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)