RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — The Library of Virginia today announced two key appointments aimed at strengthening public library services and connecting Virginians with Revolutionary-era documents through innovative digital engagement.

 

“These appointments reflect our commitment to innovation, collaboration and service to the people of Virginia,” said Librarian of Virginia Dennis T. Clark. “Our new colleagues bring exceptional expertise and fresh vision to their roles, and we are eager to see the transformative impact they will have on our libraries and public engagement with Virginia’s rich history."
 

Diana Price, who has extensive experience in library management and programming collaborations, was named chief of library development — a vital role on the Library’s Senior and Management Leadership Teams. She will oversee programs and services for Virginia’s public libraries, including oversight of state and federal library funding. 

 

Price most recently worked at Alexandria Public Library, where she served for six years as central library youth services manager and then progressed to central library manager in 2020. During her tenure, she founded Sister Libraries programming partnerships with the Dundee Public Library in Dundee, Scotland, and Bibliotek Familjen Helsingborg in Helsingborg, Sweden — two of Alexandria’s Sister Cities; co-presented virtual programs with Scottish partners quarterly and Swedish partners bi-monthly; and worked with the Alexandria Library Sustainability Committee and Library Administration on a successful proposal for the Alexandria Library to join the Sustainable Libraries Initiative. Price also served in various librarian roles at the Bucks County Free Library in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She earned a B.A. degree in English from William & Mary and an M.L.I.S. from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. 

 

"I am honored to join this amazing team and am looking forward to working with my new colleagues at the Library of Virginia, as well as with Virginia's 95 public library systems,” said Price. “Born and raised in Virginia, I have experienced firsthand the tremendous positive impact of the Commonwealth’s libraries, which inspired me to pursue a career in this field. Having worked at the Alexandria Library for the past 11 years, I have experienced how the incredible work of the Library Development Division supports public libraries and library staff throughout the Commonwealth.”

 

 

Johnson brings significant experience working in libraries and museums. He most recently served as associate professor and head of the Creative Technologies and Scholarship Department at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he managed the creation, launch and ongoing operation of The Workshop, VCU Libraries’ state-of-the-art multimedia studio and makerspace. Johnson previously led outreach and public services at the University of Virginia Library’s Scholar’s Lab and held librarian and social media positions at Monticello. He earned a B.A. in history from William & Mary, an M.A. in U.S. history from George Mason University, an M.S. in information studies from Florida State University, a graduate certificate in geographic information systems from VCU, and an M.S. in cartography and geographic information systems from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

 

“I look forward to collaborating with colleagues at the Library of Virginia and beyond to engage students and the public with more than 2,000 Revolutionary-era petitions submitted by Virginians of all backgrounds,” Johnson said. “These petitions, unrestricted by race, class or sex, provide a unique perspective on daily life and the formation of an independent government. This project underscores the enduring importance of civic participation and the power of making one’s voice heard.”

 

###

 

ABOUT THE LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA 
The Library of Virginia is the leading source of information on Virginia’s history, government and people. The Library’s collections, containing more than 134 million items, document and illustrate the lives of both famous Virginians and ordinary citizens. Our online resources draw nearly 2 million website visits per year, and our on-site records, exhibitions and events bring in thousands of visitors annually. The Library is located in downtown Richmond near Capitol Square at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Learn more at www.lva.virginia.gov.