The Indianapolis Public Library Appoints Mary G. Barr as Director of Communications

The Indianapolis Public Library is pleased to announce that Mary G. Barr has been appointed director of communications.

Barr will work closely with the chief executive officer and senior leadership to develop and implement comprehensive and strategic initiatives in the areas of internal and external communications, media and public relations, awareness campaigns, and marketing strategies to advance The Library’s mission and strategic goals. She will also serve as a member of The Library’s executive committee.

As a longtime Indianapolis resident, Barr is a leader in strategic communications, marketing, and branding. Her two-decade career in higher education included roles at Ball State University as its chief marketing officer and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology as its vice president for communications and marketing. Barr managed the research and rollout of Ball State’s award-winning “We Fly” marketing campaign. She earned her Bachelor of Science in journalism and French from Ball State.

“Mary has excelled in various roles throughout her career,” said Gregory Hill, Sr., chief executive officer at The Indianapolis Public Library. “I’m looking forward to seeing the ways she applies those skills to share our mission.”

Barr is excited to build upon The Library’s 150 years of service to the community.

“The Indianapolis Public Library is such a crucial part of our city,” Barr said. “I have such an affection for The Library—having relied on it personally and professionally. I’m honored to lead the charge in sharing the story of The Library’s important role in lifelong learning, free access, and literacy as well as the joy of reading.”