The Richland Library Board of Trustees has appointed Tamara King as the organization's next executive director, effective August 24, 2025.
King, who was unanimously selected following a nationwide search, will become the first African American to lead the nationally recognized library system.
King has two degrees from the University of South Carolina — a Master's in Library and Information Science (2014) and an undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism (2000). She also earned Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).
With more than 25 years of experience spanning public libraries, broadcast journalism and strategic communications, King has positioned herself as a trusted leader in equity-centered engagement and public relations.
"Tamara King’s commitment to equity, engagement and community-responsive service exemplifies the kind of visionary leadership our field needs right now, and we are thrilled about this announcement," says Lyda Fontes McCarten, Ph.D., director of the School of Information Science. This is a celebration of both Tamara’s exceptional qualifications and our program's continued influence in developing outstanding library leaders.
King most recently served as Richland Library’s chief equity and engagement officer. In that position, she spearheaded programs that expanded access and belonging, including the Let’s Talk Race Curriculum, sensory-friendly programming and accessibility-focused spaces that reflect the diversity of Richland County. She was named one of “South Carolina’s 12 Black Leaders to Know” by The Post and Courier in 2024.
“Tamara King has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives and creating accessible spaces for all Richland Library customers," said Erin Johnson, chairperson of the Richland Library Board of Trustees. "Tamara is deeply rooted in this community and her expertise in public library leadership and community engagement will further elevate Richland Library’s national reputation for excellence.”
King serves on the board of directors for the Public Library Association, was recognized as a 2019 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, a 2024 Riley Fellow of Furman University’s Diversity Leadership Initiative and is a nationally sought-after facilitator and public speaker.