West Plains, MO. – The City of West Plains is looking for a new Director at the West Plains Public Library, as Greg Carter has resigned from his position.
This resignation comes as a part of a job offer acceptance as a Manager of Communications with the Columbia Public School system. Carter stated that while this decision was not easy, considering his history as a long-standing educator and resident of West Plains as well as the previous Director of the Library. However, he is excited for his new role and the opportunity it provides.
Advertisement
Greg Carter:
The West Plains Public Library released this statement:
Today, we share bittersweet news with our West Plains Public Library family.
Our Library Director, Greg Carter, has accepted the position of Communications Manager with Columbia Public Schools in Columbia, Missouri. While we are excited for Greg as he begins this new chapter in his career, we will certainly miss his leadership, vision, and dedication to our library and community.
During his three years as Library Director, Greg helped lead West Plains Public Library through a period of remarkable growth and achievement. Under his leadership, the library was honored as the 2025 Missouri Library of the Year, secured over a hundred thousand dollars in grant funding to expand technology, literacy initiatives, and community programming, and welcomed record attendance at library programs. His commitment to innovation, collaboration, and service has strengthened the library in countless ways and leaves a lasting legacy.
Greg shared these thoughts as he prepares for his new role:
“I’m incredibly grateful to our amazing staff, the Library Board, our community partners, and everyone who has supported the library over the past three years. Together, we’ve accomplished so much, and I’m proud of all we’ve achieved.
While I’m excited for this new chapter, I’ll always be thankful for the friendships, memories, and opportunities West Plains has given me. Thank you for believing in me and allowing me to serve. I’ll always be cheering for West Plains from wherever I am.”
On behalf of our staff, the City of West Plains, the Library Board, and the Library Foundation, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Greg and wish him every success in his new position.
Although we will miss his leadership, our commitment to this community remains as strong as ever. Together, we will continue building on the momentum of the past several years, striving to make West Plains Public Library a welcoming hub for our community, a place of lifelong learning, and a trusted resource for everyone we serve.
Thank you, Greg, for your dedication, your leadership, and the positive impact you’ve made on West Plains Public Library. We wish you nothing but the best in Columbia!
The position will now require a new individual, and a listing for the application of the role is like to be up on the City of West Plains employment opportunity page, found here.
To inquire for more information on the Library and the requirements of the role, call City Hall at (417) 256-7176.
