NORMAL - Brian Chase, circulation services manager at Bloomington Public Library, has been hired as director of the Normal Public Library.

Chase will replace Bob Wegman, who officially retires today after 35 years.

"We're just extremely happy with (Chase)," said Normal library board President Joan Steinburg. "His resume is excellent."

Chase, 35, has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Western Illinois University, and a master's in library and information services from the University of Illinois.

He worked as the first evening supervisor at Sheean Library at Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, and as information services librarian at the Heartland Community College Library before going to Bloomington Public Library. He's been at Bloomington for 3½ years.

"I fell into the profession," Chase said. "I love serving people, promoting the library and encouraging reading. I also enjoy leading people toward a common task."

Chase said he has had good mentors who encouraged him to further his education. He earned his master's while working at Heartland.

The move to the Normal library won't be totally foreign to the Galesburg native. He worked with many of the staff while at Heartland and Bloomington, he said.

"The library certainly has a good reputation," he said. "It has a good staff. Bob (Wegman) has done a great job."

While Chase said the new position will be a challenge, he's looking forward to it.

Steinburg said she is confident he will do a good job.

"He's not been in the field as a director, but he's been a supervisor," she said. "He's had a lot of classes and good grades. His had excellent references."

Chase was one of 23 applicants for the position. The field included one applicant from another country, Steinburg said. Three candidates were interviewed.

"I'm very excited to get going, but it's sad to leave Bloomington," said Chase, whose first day at Normal Public Library will be Feb. 25.

He's looking forward to getting to know the staff and board members and to "get a feel for what residents of Normal want."

He also might look into adding a radio frequency identification system similar to that used at Bloomington Public Library. The system combines security and identification for outgoing items.

Chase also supports a master plan that would help determine the future of the library and the best way to serve residents.

"It's an exciting time in library services," he said. "The library service as a whole is transitioning. But there always will be a library full of books."