New Director for the Libraries and Expanded Learning division at the Minnesota Department of Education

Tami Lee has been appointed director for the Libraries and Expanded Learning division at the Minnesota Department of Education. She will begin her new role at MDE on Monday, October 25, 2021.

Tami is a dedicated library professional with twenty-two years of experience leading, managing, and implementing innovative and equitable library services to Ramsey County residents and the Minnesota library community.

Tami holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Management from St. Catherine University and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science, with a focus on early literacy and youth services, from Dominican University. Tami is an ALA SPECTRUM scholar, ALA Discovering Librarianship recruiter, adjunct instructor in the St. Catherine University MLIS program, and certified early literacy specialist and Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR2) trainer. Tami co-authored a piece on racial diversity and inclusion in story time for the ALSC Journal of Children and Libraries in 2016 and an upcoming piece in Information Today on introducing antiracism concepts to children.

A message from Tami: “I’m excited and honored to accept this position and look forward to continuing and advancing the great work of State Library Services and Expanded Learning at MDE. My leadership approach is influenced by my commitment to organizational justice and the values ingrained in my profession. I believe that collaboration, equity, integrity, and transparency are all important components of a healthy workplace environment and a healthy community.”

Tami lives on the west side of St. Paul with her husband, Pete; teenager, Xavier; and two very large, orange cats.