OFFICE OF GOV.

TOPEKA – Governor Sam Brownback today announced that the State Librarian, Jo Budler, will step down at the end of the month. Budler has served as State Librarian since 2010.

“I am grateful for the wealth of experience Jo has provided to the state,” said Governor Brownback. “Her career has been full of service to our state and many others. We appreciate the hard work and dedication that she has given to Kansans at the State Library.”

Budler was formerly State Librarian of Ohio. She has also served as Deputy State Librarian of Michigan and the Director of Network Services and NEBASE, the State of Nebraska’s Online Computer Library Center network.

“It has been a privilege to serve as State Librarian of Kansas and to work with librarians across Kansas to provide services to all Kansans,” Budler said. “The highlight of my career was being named Librarian of the Year in 2013 for retaining the statewide e-book collection. This would not have been possible without the support of the Attorney General’s office, in particular, Jeff Chaney, and the work of State Library staff.”

Cindy Roupe will take over as State Librarian upon Budler’s retirement. Cindy currently serves as Director of Reference at the State Library.

The State Library of Kansas seeks to improve the lives of Kansas residents by providing resources that increase reading readiness and on-grade reading acuity, improve chances for academic success, help start and grow businesses, assist individuals with employment opportunities and provide lifelong educational opportunities.