Westport’s own Dan Woog brings his popular blog “06880: Where Westport Meets the World” to life, via the Verso Studios at The Westport Library – recorded LIVE in the Trefz Forum! His guest this week is Bill Harmer, executive director of The Westport Library himself! Hailing from Michigan, Harmer stands out as a dynamic advocate for public libraries, asserting their crucial role in today’s society. With more than 20 years in the field, he has redefined library management, fundraising, strategic planning, programming, and community development. Beginning his journey as the executive director at the Chelsea District Library in Michigan, Harmer then made a significant impact at The Westport Library, elevating it to national recognition for innovation and community engagement. A visionary in incorporating cutting-edge technology and digital resources, Harmer transformed the library into a tech and cultural hub. He introduced the state-of-the-art Trefz Forum, a flexible space that can fit up to 650 attendees — and serves as the filming location for “Where Westport Meets the World”; as well as Verso Studios, the media arm of the The Westport Library, making Westport the first public library with a professional media facility. Harmer's visionary approach and unwavering commitment have significantly transformed libraries into dynamic, essential centers for learning, culture, and community engagement in the 21st century.
