New library manager looks toward public interaction
By Kaila Mellos
With the retirement of the previous Scripps Miramar Ranch Library manager, Philip Gunderson has become the new manager for the branch. He has big plans for the future of the library and hopes to grow to know the Scripps Ranch community more.
Formerly the integrated library system coordinator for the San Diego Central Library, Gunderson started the Scripps Miramar Ranch position in late May. He is excited to work in a different format and be more involved with residents in this position.
“The integrated library system coordinator position was in the support services division,” Gunderson said. “It was doing a lot of technical work behind the scenes, like working with our database vendors and catalog provider, and running technical reports for statistics for library admin. As the branch manager, I’m now more public-facing and interact with the public daily.”
Gunderson has been in the library system since the 90s and has slowly reached this exciting new position.
“I’ve been a longtime library employee. I’ve worked in the library department since 1994, working my way up from library aid physician and shelving books to branch manager,” Gunderson said.
Since he has never been in a position like this, he faces a learning curve regarding what he can now do for and with the library.
“I think I’m most excited about learning event programming and being able to put on events for patrons in the community, whether that’s for kids or adults. This is an entirely new domain for me, and I’m looking forward to learning the ins and outs of how that works,” Gunderson said. “It’s allowing me to explore aspects of librarianship that I didn’t get the chance to with the previous position. It’s nice to interact more with the community and see the direct effects of our work in the community.”
As the first big event of Gunderson’s manager role approaches, he is thrilled to be able to dive into the responsibilities. The Scripps Miramar Ranch Libraries’ 30th anniversary is being hosted in conjunction with the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library.
“I think this event will be great to see the potential of possible events I am planning for the future and to celebrate the library,” Gunderson said.
The main public celebration will take place on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is a communitywide event for all to enjoy. There will be fun, educational activities for all ages and new programs and equipment shown off, including a 3D printer, laser cutter, vinyl cutter and multimedia laptop in the new Idea Lab space.
For more information about this event and others upcoming, visit sfrol.org.