Greetings!

More than 13 years ago, former Anythink Director Pam Sandlian Smith, along with a dedicated Board of Trustees, brave employees, and community members, transformed and elevated library service in Adams County. This experiment, known simply as “Anythink,” is now synonymous with innovation, risk-taking, creativity, and inclusivity. I’m honored to join the Anythink community to continue this tradition of service and excellence.

After more than two decades working in California, I am excited to start this next chapter as Anythink’s new executive director. Growing up in Alaska and Colorado instilled in me a great love of the outdoors. Adams County is ideal for integrating this lifestyle with my passion for public libraries.

Prior to working at Anythink, I held management and executive roles with four county libraries in California. Most recently, I served as the Library Director and Chief Archivist for Yolo County, located a few miles from Sacramento, where I worked closely with staff, volunteers, partners, elected officials and community stakeholders.

I believe that a successful library evolves and thrives by embracing innovation and risk-taking while adopting a mission-driven strategy that reflects the identity, needs, and personality of its constituents. Anythink has done just that over the past 13 years, and I’m thrilled to be part of the next phase of its evolution.

As we look toward 2023, we are excited to build even deeper connections with our community. For me, this will be a time for listening – a time to continue getting to know our dedicated staff and loyal customers. This year, we are committed to assessing our organizational culture through a DEI lens. Anythink will implement its first-ever DEI plan to help us understand ways we can become a more inclusive and equitable organization which, in turn, will elevate the level of service we provide to our communities.

We will also be embarking on a new strategic planning process to best understand the hopes and dreams of Adams County residents and how the library can meet their needs. Work will continue on our two new library projects – the Anythink Nature Library and Thornton Community Center Library – both designed to support the wellbeing of our community.  

Part of what drew me to Anythink was how much my own personal values align with Anythink’s values:

• Compassion for our customers and for each other
• Passion for our product
• Eagerness to learn
• Everyone is creative
• Optimistic attitude – we believe that anything is possible

We integrate these values in everything we do. This is one reason people look to Anythink for meaningful experiences and connections. Our staff live these values by working tirelessly to support and inspire those who walk through our doors. Whether that’s by offering story times for your family, finding you just the right resource, or offering a smile and a warm greeting, our team is always on your side.

I look forward to connecting with you all – our Anythink community – and hope to see you at the library very soon.

Best,

Mark Fink
Executive Director