Retiring Capital District Library Director Tallies $78 Million Impact

The founding director of the Capital Area District Library (CADL) is retiring in June. Susan Hill has been there from the beginning, when the Lansing School District Library and the Ingham County Library system merged.

She predicts that the library board of trustees will enlist a national search firm seeking her replacement.

In a little over a decade, Hill crafted the library system into a financial powerhouse, nearly doubling its annual budget to $13 million while spinning-off annual community economic impact of $78 million.

“Studies show that every $1 spent on a library system yields $6 spent in that community,” Hill says. Libraries tend to be destination points, drawing people into the towns where they are located. Patrons then spend money nearby, she says.

CADL serves 10 communities, from Stockbridge to Lansing, and Holt to Webberville.

Public computer usage has increased by 340% over her tenure. The libraries had three or four computers for public use when she came on board. Now, there are 260 public access computers, with specialized classes to teach their use.

Reaching into the community has been a Hill priority. A business librarian was brought in four years ago. She developed a collection for entrepreneurs and now offers classes for small business owners ranging from accounting to Internet marketing.

A contest is running now for the best start-up business plan; the winner will receive $2,000 in cash plus services such as advertising. Fifty people have signed up so far.

What will Hill do in her retirement?

“Maybe nothing for awhile,” she laughs. “But who knows what opportunities may arise?”

Gretchen Cochran, Innovations & Jobs editor, may be reached here.

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie