Sioux City Public Library Appoints New Director

The city has named Tammi Moe to lead the Sioux City library system following a nationwide search.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration showing a minimalist, empty public library interior with clean lines, representing a leadership transition. — The Sioux City Public Library Board has appointed Tammi Moe as the new director, following a nationwide search to lead the municipal library system. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Tammi Moe has been appointed as the new director of the Sioux City Public Library. She brings over 20 years of public library executive experience to the position and will officially begin her role on December 14, 2026.

Why it matters

Moe takes the helm after a challenging search process where the library board canceled initial interviews with three finalists to broaden the candidate pool. Her arrival marks a new leadership chapter for the system following the retirement of former director Helen Rigdon.

The library board reviewed 40 applicants for the position after initially canceling interviews with three finalists. This follows a City Council vote in March 2026 to reduce the library's proposed FY 2027 budget by $100,000.

The players

Tammi Moe

She is the incoming director of the Sioux City Public Library who previously served as the director of libraries and cultural services for Gallup, New Mexico.

Helen Rigdon

She served as the director of the Sioux City Public Library until her retirement in April 2026.

The details

Moe currently serves as the director of libraries and cultural services for Gallup, New Mexico. She will oversee the Sioux City Public Library system, which includes the Aalfs Downtown Library, the Morningside branch, and the Perry Creek branch.

March 18, 2026: City Council voted to reduce the library budget by $100,000.
April 2026: Helen Rigdon retired as the director of the Sioux City Public Library.
October 30, 2026: Tammi Moe was announced as the incoming director.
December 14, 2026: Tammi Moe is scheduled to begin her new role.

Market Landscape

The hiring of a new director occurs against the backdrop of the Sioux City FY 2027 library budget, which saw a $100,000 reduction. This leadership shift positions the library to navigate tighter municipal funding while managing its three primary branches.

Residents should expect the new director to oversee operations at the Aalfs Downtown Library, the Morningside branch, and the Perry Creek branch starting in December. The appointment concludes a months-long search that saw the board pause hiring to ensure a successful match.

The takeaway

The appointment of a director with two decades of experience suggests the library board is prioritizing seasoned leadership to stabilize operations. Residents can anticipate a focus on administrative continuity as the new director steps into the role during the upcoming budget cycle.