Trenton Smiley Accepts New Leadership Role at Free Library of Philadelphia
LANSING, MI — Capital Area District Libraries (CADL) announced today the upcoming retirement of Marketing and Communications Director Trenton Smiley.
Smiley is retiring after 15 years of dedicated service to CADL. He was originally hired as CADL’s Marketing & Resource Development Director in 2004 and served in that position through 2009. In 2014, Smiley returned to CADL as Marketing & Communications Director. In addition to working at CADL, he has held library marketing positions at Genesee District Library and Detroit Public Library.
He has earned numerous industry honors, including American Library Association’s prestigious John Cotton Dana Public Relations Award, Michigan Library Association’s Award of Excellence, Library of Michigan Foundation’s State Librarian’s Excellence Award (2x), and the Genesee District Library Black History Month Award of Excellence.
Over the course of his career at CADL, Smiley played a key role in strengthening the library system’s brand through robust digital marketing strategies and forming partnerships with local organizations and national brands. His efforts have also increased library memberships and retention as well as the usage of library services.
He has been featured in publications, including Superlibrarymarketing.com, Marketing Library Services, Public Libraries Online, The ‘M’ Word: Marketing Libraries, OCLC’s Engaged Libraries, WebJunction, and Information Technology & Libraries. Plus, have developed and taught online courses for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Information School Continuing Education Department.
“I’ve had a long and rewarding career with Capital Area District Libraries. It’s been a wonderful ride and I have truly been blessed to work with some amazing people along the way,” said Smiley. “I am very passionate about marketing and libraries, so I will be moving on to my next challenge at the Free Library of Philadelphia.”
Smiley announced he has accepted a position at the Free Library of Philadelphia, where he will relaunch the library’s marketing and communications department and serve as Communications and Engagement Director. The Free Library of Philadelphia operates 54 branches and serves as many as six million visitors each year.
“Trenton has done a phenomenal job at Capital Area District Libraries and we wouldn’t be where we are without his work,” said CADL Executive Director Scott Duimstra. “He has helped us pass our millages, moved us into digital marketing, and helped us craft our message and services for our communities. We are truly grateful for his outstanding service to our libraries.”
Smiley’s last day with CADL will be May 19, 2023.
About CADL: Under the leadership of an appointed Board of Trustees, CADL serves most residents in Ingham County and part of Eaton County. With 13 branches and a Mobile Library, CADL’s service area includes 23 different municipalities. Its system is funded through a district-wide millage.
