Fairhope Public Library Selects New Director

The Fairhope Library Board of Trustees voted to select Mr. Rob Gourlay as the new Fairhope Library Director at a special called meeting Monday, December 9. Mr. Gourlay will begin duties on January 1, 2025. 

Rob Gourlay grew up in a military family and lived across the United States and abroad. He attended Florida State University and received a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs. Mr. Gourlay studied at the University of Alabama and graduated with a Master’s in Library and Information Studies. 

Library services and in particular, library services in Fairhope, is very important to Rob. He began working at Fairhope Public Library in 2015 as the Circulation Department Head. He was later promoted to Assistant Director and now he is so excited to continue serving the Fairhope Public Library as Director. During his time at the Library he has helped coordinate the 2024 renovations to the 2nd floor of the library, provided IT services, managed the library website and marketing, written grants, and various other projects over his almost 10 years of service. Rob loves to empower other staff to be creative and contribute to the library in unique ways.

Rob got married in early 2024 and will soon expect his first child in March 2025.