The West Fargo Public Library will host a Library Director Open House from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 26. This event will celebrate the career of former Library Director Sandra Hannahs as she enters retirement, while welcoming newcomer Carissa Hansen to the role.

Hannahs has served as library director since 2007. During her tenure, Hannahs' primary goal was to "make the library and its services more accessible to our public, both online and in person." Hannahs oversaw the installation of public Wi-Fi, the launch of the library's first multipage website and the implementation of Library2Go, a product that provides access to e-resources. Under Hannahs’ direction, library services were extended to residents south of I-94 via a book vending machine and remote book returns. The library was also renovated multiple times to accommodate vast growth in program attendance under Hannahs’ direction. In 2014, Hannahs was named Librarian of the Year by the North Dakota Library Association.

Hannahs will hand the role over to Carissa Hansen on Dec. 1. Hansen has served as technology and technical services librarian since October 2017. Like her predecessor, Hansen has helped implement many new services both inside and outside the library. Hansen worked to implement e-cards and other technology programs, redesigned the library website and spearheaded a drop-in technology tutoring program. Hansen is currently leading the implementation of a new library management system, which will go live Dec. 11, 2019.

Both Hannahs and Hansen will be present at the event, which will feature refreshments courtesy of the Friends of the West Fargo Public Library. This event is free and open to all ages.