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The Salt Lake City Library's board of directors voted this week to appoint Debbie Ehrman as acting director when John Spears departs Jan. 15.
Ehrman has been deputy director under Spears.
In a statement, board President Mimi Charles said she is pleased that Ehrman has accepted the position and will provide leadership as the board searches for a new director.
"We have great confidence in Debbie's ability to serve in this capacity," she stated. "It is a role she has performed before, and we know with her leadership the city library will continue to move forward as the board searches for a new director."
Spears, who has served as executive director since July 2013, has accepted a position at Pikes Peak Library District in Colorado Springs.
"Although we are sad to see him go," Charles said, "we know the city library is better primed to address current and future issues in our community, thanks to his vision and leadership."
During Spears' tenure, the city library opened the Glendale branch; increased partnerships with community organizations, including a program with the Salt Lake City School District that provides a library card for every student at school registration; and opened its first creative lab, providing the community with tools and support to realize creative projects.
In January, the city library will open its eighth library in the Marmalade district at 280 W. 500 North.