Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn announced April 14 that Monteria Hightower has been appointed Nevada state librarian, with an expected starting date of May 3. "I think it's appropriate to make this announcement at the beginning of National Library Week," said Guinn, "since Miss Hightower brings such a wealth of experience and dedication to running libraries."
Hightower has been regional library administrator for the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District since 1994. Last year she served as acting director following the removal of Director Darrell Batson by the library board. Before coming to Nevada she was associate commissioner for libraries and state librarian in Missouri, where she also served on the governor's council on literacy. She has also held library positions in Seattle, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C.
Dale Erquiaga, acting director of the state's Department of Museums, Library, and Arts, said that Hightower "not only has the experience and breadth of knowledge this position requires, she has a unique sense of determination and commitment to public service."
Posted April 19, 1999.