The Hays Public Library announced Wednesday that a new library director has been hired. James Agee will begin as director on Sept. 1.

According to a news release, multiple candidates were interviewed for the position. Both the Board of Directors and the administrative team were involved in the interviews to ensure the best possible fit for the library, the release said.

Agee, a Topeka native, fills the vacancy created when former director Eric Norris resigned his position in May.

Agee comes to Hays after a stint as librarian at American University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.