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Administrator Discusses Library
 Meet Darrell Hofland, Sheboygan's new city administrator. Hofland was the city administrator in Grafton for almost 26 years, during a time of dramatic change there, he said in a recent interview. Grafton created a regional retail hub and medical center and Hofland also worked in the area of economic development, downtown redevelopment, and developing parks and open space.
Hofland said, "It's important for the city administrator to strive for balance between maintaining the rich cultural history and authenticity of the downtown area, and the need and desire for establishing sustainable goals throughout the entire city for the future."
As part of that plan, Hofland added, "We are looking at ways to provide not only essential or necessary services but also those additional amenities that improve citizens' quality of life. These are the kinds of things that are important in maintaining and growing our population base. For example, Mead Public Library is a shining example of an outstanding city service."
"Even with some recent cuts to the budget and staffing, Mead Library Director Garrett Erickson has done a commendable job in maintaining services, including customer service, and embracing technology as part of the solution," Hofland said. "Garrett has his eye on the long-term needs of public libraries in the area with his involvement with the Eastern Shores Library System and the potential system merger."
Hofland said he recognizes that Mead Public Library "continues to enhance its program offerings to attract additional patrons, including the community's youth and generations of lifelong learners. I am impressed with the strong relationship between the library and our school district. By the time they become adults, the library has become a comfortable, vital part of students' lives, a place to which they will then bring their own children."
He said that he is impressed at the level of support by the Mead Public Library Foundation, and also the Friends of the Library. "They play a critical role in underwriting the cost of construction additions and needed annual program funds," Hofland added.
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