Shafaq Patel , Axios; Houston Public Library appoints first diplomat in residence
"The Houston Public Library announced it is hosting a diplomat in residence, a role library officials say is believed to be the first of its kind at a public library system in the country.
Why it matters: In the new role, former U.S. Ambassador Chase Untermeyer will help build relationships between the library, Houston's consular corps and international communities and organizations, Nicholas Sawicki, executive director of the Houston Public Library Foundation, tells Axios.
Context: Untermeyer's public service career spans more than five decades, including serving as the U.S. ambassador to Qatar and assistant secretary of the Navy.
How it works: Sawicki says they're working on programming, but library leaders envision partnerships that could bring international authors, filmmakers, scholars and other global voices to library programming.
Between the lines: The appointment was inspired by diplomat in residence programs commonly found at colleges and universities, Sawicki says.
The position is voluntary, unpaid and is currently a two-year term."
