updates

February 13, 2026: DOWNERS GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY NAMES HEATHER-MARIE MONTILLA AS NEW DIRECTOR

Heather-Marie Montilla has been named the new Director of the Downers Grove Public Library (DGPL). The decision was approved by the Board of Library Trustees during a special meeting on Thursday, February 12, which concluded the nation-wide search following Julie Milavec’s retirement announcement. Montilla will begin her position on April 13, 2026. 

“I am excited by the opportunity to steward a trusted library with such a strong legacy, distinctive culture, and deep connection to its community,” said Montilla. “Downers Grove Public Library’s reputation for excellence, [and] its engaged residents are compelling to me…I see the Director’s role not only as an administrator, but as a listener, connector, and public ambassador, who honors the library’s history while partnering with the community and staff to guide it boldly into its next chapter.”

Montilla comes to DGPL with more than 25 years of experience, including a strong background in libraries, public media, nonprofit institutions, higher education, and finance. Montilla currently serves as the Library Director at Bellwood Public Library, and previously served as the Executive Director of Pequot Library (Southport, CT). Her love of libraries and books extends beyond buildings as she serves as the National Director Consultant of PBS Books, leading national library engagement efforts. Outside of libraries, her professional experience includes previous positions such as directing the visual arts nonprofit, Doing Art Together; working as the Development Director at the Neuberger Museum of Art; and lecturing at Michigan State University, Eastern Michigan University, and Cleary University. 

Montilla holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Wayne State University (MI), as well as a Master of Public Administration degree in Advanced Management Techniques & Finance from Columbia University (NY). Her Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy and Art History is complemented by a certificate in Markets & Management, both from Duke University (NC). 

"I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Heather-Marie Montilla as the next director of the Downers Grove Public Library. We were lucky to have many highly qualified and skilled candidates to select from, and we are confident that Montilla is the best person to take the helm,” said Board President Matt Topic. “We look forward to her leadership as we continue DGPL's mission of welcoming all to discover, grow, play, and learn." 

The search process was collaborative in every phase. The library surveyed the community for input and received 448 responses. Staff from all departments of the library were invited to participate by observation during a portion of the final interviews. Trustees considered both community and staff feedback during the process. “Montilla brings with her a strong background and an overall enthusiasm and dedication to the mission and purpose of DGPL. We were immediately impressed with her commitment to engaging in meaningful dialogue with all members of the community as well as her knowledge of our library and the significance it holds within Downers Grove and beyond,” said Trustee Barnali Khuntia. “We are looking forward to her leading DGPL into its next great chapter.”

All community members are invited to welcome Montilla to the Downers Grove Public Library; opportunities to meet her will be announced on the library's website, dglibrary.org, after she begins her new role.

February 4, 2026: DIRECTOR JULIE MILAVEC RETIRING FROM DOWNERS GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY

After nearly 10 years at the Downers Grove Public Library (DGPL), Julie Milavec will be retiring as the library’s Director on March 2, 2026. 

Milavec’s leadership ushered in the 21st century library for Downers Grove, elevating its services to be driven by community involvement, customer service, and collaboration. Services were enhanced and created to respond to expressed needs of the community including: the social work programs; numerous partnerships with community organizations; increased programming and outreach; and a fiscally responsible capital improvement plan. Downers Grove’s use of the library has grown significantly during her tenure, surpassing over 1.1 million checkouts and 438,000 visits in 2025. Her hard work led the library to be named a 5-Star Library by Library Journal in 2022 with continued recognition from other professional organizations such as the Illinois Library Association (ILA) throughout the years. “Under Julie's leadership, the Downers Grove Public Library has been not only a cornerstone of our community, but a model for other libraries throughout Illinois,” said Library Board President, Matt Topic.

Milavec has been an executive director for over 30 years, previously leading the Worth Public Library, West Chicago Public Library, and Plainfield Public Library. Throughout her career, Milavec shared her talents with numerous individuals, libraries and organizations, including serving as a previous Treasurer of the Illinois Library Association; Director-at-Large of the ILA Executive Board; member of the ILA Finance and Reporter Advisory Committees; board member of Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) and System Wide Automated Network (SWAN), and Prairie Cat; participant in the Illinois State Library Advisory Committee; presenter at national and state conferences. She is a mentor to many and utilizes her knowledge and experience to lift other professionals. Milavec’s many contributions to the library profession earned her the honor of being named the Librarian of the Year by the Illinois Library Association in 2025. This year, Milavec has been nominated to be an ILA Illinois Library Luminary, which is an honorable designation for those who have made significant contributions to Illinois libraries. To learn more about supporting this nomination, visit the ILA Luminaries website.

“As I step into retirement, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement. Gratitude for the memories we’ve created and the lessons I’ve learned, and excitement for the adventures that lie ahead… DGPL makes a difference in people’s lives every day - whether it’s preparing our kids to be successful in school or providing a social outlet for seniors, what we do matters. Thank you for making this journey unforgettable. I look forward to the next chapter for me and for DGPL,” said Milavec. 

The Library Trustees began a national search for a new director in December, 2025. 56 applicants applied for the position, with 19 of the 56 from out-of-state candidates. The Board of Library Trustees is currently in the process of selecting a new director for DGPL and looks forward to announcing the new director when the time comes.

Community members are invited to attend a farewell reception following the February Board of Library Trustees meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 7 p.m., located at the Betty Cheever Council Chambers at the Downers Grove Civic Center.