David L. Leamon

David Lee Leamon (July 31, 1939 - April 23, 2018[1]) was a public library administrator from the United States.

David Lea Leamon
Born(1939-07-31)July 31, 1939
DiedApril 23, 2018(2018-04-23) (aged 78)[1]
Lawrence, Kansas
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPublic library administrator

Education and early career

Leamon received his bachelor's degree with a double major in Fine Art and Theater from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri. He earned his Master of Library Science from Case Western University.

Leamon began his library career at Mid-Continent Public Library in the Kansas City, Missouri area. He next served at the Tulsa Public Library in Tulsa, Oklahoma.[1] He then served as a regional director for the Seattle Public Library in Seattle, Washington.

Later career

While director of the Jackson Public Library in Jackson, Michigan, Leamon oversaw the creation of the Jackson District Library, which combined the public libraries of Jackson, Brooklyn, Spring Arbor and Springport.

As director of the San Antonio Public Library in San Antonio, Texas from 1989–1992, Leamon worked closely with Ricardo Legorreta during the construction of the landmark main library. He also oversaw the Hertzberg Circus Museum.

Leamon finished his career at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library in Topeka, Kansas.[2] During his time in Topeka, Leamon led the effort to create a new Library District. Leamon assisted in expanding the Library Foundation, including playing a major role in raising over $4 million in support of Library activities.[3] He also oversaw the construction of the new main library which was designed by Michael Graves[4] While at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Leamon was honored with the naming of the David L. Leamon Circulation Lobby [5]

In addition to his work as a library director, Leamon was active in the art community in every city where he lived. In Topeka, he was the leading force behind the creation of the Aaron Douglas Mural Project.[6][7][1]

On November 17, 2008, Leamon came out of retirement to take a job as the Executive Director of the Lawrence Arts Center,[8][9] a job which he kept until July 28, 2009.[10]

Notes

Wanted: A Modern Main Library, San Antonio Express News, January 27, 1991, p. 3M.

S.A. Library's Leamon bids farewell, San Antonio Express News, June 25, 1992, p. 2G.

Library system director resigns in surprise move, San Antonio Express News, May 21, 1992, p. 1B.[11]

References
  1. Moore, Katie (April 24, 2018). "David Leamon, former Topeka director, dies at 78". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  2. "David Leamon -- Mr. Library". Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
  3. Andrew Richard Albanese (May 1, 2002). "Foundations for the Future". Library Journal. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  4. Blankenship, Bill (January 27, 2002). "Bookworm loves his new digs". The Capital Journal. Archived from the original on January 19, 2013. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  5. Mendoza, J.R. (August 29, 2002). "Library dedicates lobby". The Capital-Journal. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007.
  6. "Aaron Douglas Mural, Dedicated May 23, 2005". Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  7. "Aaron Douglas Mural Time Line". Turn Around Team. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  8. "Lawrence Arts Center selects new director".
  9. Rombeck, Terry (November 21, 2008). "Center stage: New LAC director takes helm". Lawrence Journal World & News. Archived from the original on February 9, 2009. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  10. Rombeck, Terry (July 8, 2009). "Lawrence Arts Center director announces resignation". Lawrence Journal World. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  11. Friend, Diana (July 2005). "Library Director Retires" (PDF). Kansas Libraries: 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 12, 2006. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
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