A new director of Memphis Public Libraries is on deck after Mayor Paul Young appointed career educator Eric D. Harris to the position on Monday, Feb. 9.
Harris’ recent background includes early childhood development and pre-K expansion. In 2022, he founded the nonprofit JESSRAN, which operates the Elevate to Primary Center serves 2- and 3-year-olds year-round in high-poverty areas. It also provides wraparound services to support families, including academic support, health awareness, financial literacy courses and possible financial assistance.
As the new head of the public libraries, Harris’ focus will expand to providing educational opportunities for Memphians of all ages.
“(Libraries) are places where literacy begins, skills are built, technology is accessible and communities connect,” Harris said in a statement.
With more than 20 years of experience in education, Harris rose through the ranks as a teacher, coach, vice principal and principal. He led East High School STEM Academy from 2010 to 2015.
His education includes a doctorate in urban affairs and public policy and an executive MBA from the University of Memphis. He also earned a Master of Science in education leadership from Christian Brothers University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee.
“Eric Harris understands Memphis because he is Memphis,” Young noted.. “He brings a strong record of leadership and a clear vision for how libraries can support literacy, workforce development and lifelong learning for residents at every stage of life.”
Harris succeeds Keenon McCoy as library director. McCoy retired last month after 18 years.
He also takes the reins as the Memphis City Council prepares to vote on reclassifying library employees as civil service workers. They are currently appointed city employees. The change would allow the workers to join the ranks of the city’s unionized employees.
Council members also will vote on Harris’ appointment.
The employee search does not end with the library. A search is underway for a new director of the Memphis Museums of Science and History following the resignation of former director Kevin Thompson late last year. He was appointed in 2020.
The museum’s chief operating officer, Jeff King, was named interim director by the MoSH board on Monday. He has served as COO since 2021. King previously worked for the Denver Art Museum.
The 15-member board also will choose a permanent replacement.
MoSH includes the Pink Palace Museum & Mansion, Mallory-Neely House, Lichterman Nature Center and the Coon Creek Science Center in Adamsville, Tennessee. They are operated by the City of Memphis Parks Division and the nonprofit Memphis Museums Inc.
On Monday, MoSH also announced a full-price exhibit ticket at the Pink Palace includes admission to the AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium.
The Pink Palace also is opening its doors for “Free Third Thursday” general admission. Meanwhile, the cost of admission to the AutoZone Dome, Giant Screen Theater and the “FOOD” traveling exhibit has been set at $5. The latter rolls into town on Feb. 19.
