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Welcome to the North Dakota State Library. It is my privilege to serve the citizens of the great state of North Dakota. Libraries are meeting the needs of their communities in new and exciting ways, and I am excited to be a part of it.

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Mary J. SoucieMary Soucie began the duties of State Librarian on January 6, 2014. Mary moved here from Illinois, where she was born and raised. She received her undergraduate degree from Illinois State with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a Minor in Reading. Later, Mary went on to receive her Master’s in Library and Information Science from Dominican University in Illinois.

Mary’s passion for libraries started young. She began volunteering at the library at the age of 12, and by 18 was leading story time. She also spent school breaks volunteering at her local library. Mary’s passion for libraries is in her blood; her mother was a reference librarian for 19 years.

Prior to joining the North Dakota State Library Team, Mary has worked in public and school libraries; as the Youth Services Consultant for a Regional Library System; and was also an adjunct professor at a community college teaching Reader’s Advisory and Adult Programs. She has served as a trustee for both a public library and an Illinois Regional Library System. Mary has served on the boards of several library associations at the state, regional and national levels She has served in many volunteer capacities, both within the library community and her own community. Mary believes that libraries serve as community centers, connecting all the parts of the community that they serve.

If you would like the State Librarian to visit your library, please submit a request to ndsladmn@nd.gov and we will schedule a date and time. This is a great opportunity to show off what your library and community is all about. It is also a great time to ask questions and do some hands-on training!