When Chuck Gibson packed up and moved to Georgia three years ago, he hoped he wasn't leaving Worthington for good.

He told Meribah Mansfield to let him know when she decided to retire, because he would love to have her job.

And now he does.

Chuck Gibson, 44, was hired June 15 to succeed Mansfield as director of the Worthington Libraries.

Mansfield is retiring after 19 years. Her last day is July 23.

Gibson, who worked at the library from 1995 until 2007, said he is thrilled to be returning to Worthington and its library.

"I couldn't be happier than to be coming back to Worthington," he said.

The library has an amazing staff, the public support is phenomenal, and the community is a great place to live, Gibson said.

"It's kind of a special place," he said.

Gibson joined the Worthington Libraries after receiving his master of library science degree from Emporia State University, in his home state of Kansas.

He was the library's technology coordinator for seven years, and the associate director of public services from 2002 until 2007.

Since then, he has been director of the South Georgia Regional Library System in Valdosta, Ga. His is responsible for overseeing library operations in six facilities in three counties.

Since he began as director, circulation has increased more than 50 percent.

Libraries board president Lynn Nadler announced the appointment of Gibson, who was chosen following a nationwide search that attracted 37 applicants.

"His knowledge of the community and of the library itself is a tremendous asset," she said. "His financial management skills and leadership abilities, coupled with this love of both traditional library service and new technology, is the right combination for the Worthington Libraries."

Gibson is expected to begin in his new position in early August.

A community reception to honor Mansfield is planned for Friday, July 23, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Old Worthington Library.

cbrooks@thisweeknews.com