As the Library Center of the Ozarks begins their third year as a public library, a new person has been selected to lead the organization.

The full release from the Library Center is below:

A new director has been named to lead the Library Center of the Ozarks (LCO). The Library’s board of trustees met January 14 and unanimously selected J. Nicholas Holladay as its new director. Holladay will begin his duties with LCO on February 17.

“We are thrilled to name Nicholas as the new LCO director,” said Anne E. McGregor, chair of the library’s board of trustees. “We are confident his leadership, vision and commitment to public service will strengthen the library’s role as a vital resource for our community.”

Holladay will oversee the library operations, strategic planning, staff development and leadership and community outreach. He will be instrumental in advancing the library’s mission to provide resources to enrich the quality of life for the community. 

Holladay is a community engagement leader with experience in public service, libraries and higher education. As the Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the Christian County Library, Holladay oversaw marketing, outreach and public relations efforts, including a liaison to both the Library Foundation and Friends of the Library. In addition to his role with the Christian Country Library, Holladay held positions with the Springfield-Greene County Library District. 

Holladay holds a master’s degree in library information science (MLIS) from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master’s in sociology. He earned a graduate certificate in multicultural education, as well as a bachelor’s degree in advertising. 

“Our library thrives when the community comes together in support of learning, connection and access to information,” said Dave Dove, President of the Friends of the Library. “As we look to 2026, we are committed to working closely with the new library leadership and expanding our circle of friends to ensure the library continues to grow and serve future generations.”