Library Director
Marcy Sims is passionate about libraries. She knows first-hand the difference libraries make each day in the lives of citizens, from young children gaining school readiness skills in storytime class, to adults learning computer skills to get jobs and keep up with the times. She’s an early literacy advocate, an adapter of technology, and a lover of books and reading – both in print and digital formats.
Director of Virginia Beach Public Library since 1976, Marcy has ensured that the library continually evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of its citizens. During her tenure, VBPL has expanded from 3 locations to 10, and has greatly increased its collection. On the horizon is the 120,000 square foot TCC-City Joint Use Library, on TCC’s Virginia Beach campus, expected to open in 2013.
A Beach resident since 1971, Marcy serves the community on several boards, including the Virginia Literacy Foundation, Smart Beginnings South Hampton Roads and Westminster Canterbury. She is a past chair of the Virginia Beach United Way Campaign.
She has been recognized by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities with the Award for Excellence in the Humanities, Stihl Inc. and Norfolk Tides Hometown Hero Award, the Liberty Bell Award presented by the Virginia Beach Bar Association and the Outstanding Virginia Beach Civil Servant Award from the American Legion.
Prior to joining Virginia Beach Public Library as a librarian at the Bayside branch in 1971, Marcy worked in the undergraduate library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and at the Richmond Public Library. She holds a Masters in Library Science from the University of North Carolina and a Masters in Public Administration from Old Dominion University.
Library Executive Team
The Library Executive Team provides leadership and coordination for the department. Marcy Sims - Library Director
David J. Palmer - Public Services Manager
Clara Hudson - Support Services Manager
Nancy Pavona - Administrative Services Manager