PRINCESS ANNE — The director of the Lewes Public Library in Delaware will be Somerset County’s new library director starting Nov. 28. Ed Goyda was selected by the Board of Library Trustees to succeed Gale Sheldon, who in July stepped down to return to Alabama after 2½ years of service.

Mr. Goyda served for more than 10 years in Lewes and oversaw the construction of a new $11.4 million public library, increasing adult programs from 160 to 465 annually while more than doubling the attendance.

He earned his Masters of Library and Information Systems degree from the University of Pittsburgh. In a message to library trustees during the application process, Mr. Goyda wrote that he has as passion for public service among staff, “and in doing so, have been able to greatly expand informational and recreational opportunities for members of our community, mentor and develop a staff member to initiate teen services, and provide emerging creative opportunities using technology such as a 3D printer and digital media creation tools.”

Mr. Goyda’s goal for Somerset County libraries is “to continue successes in guiding the long-term direction of the library and emphasizing the library’s presence and visibility, focusing on the library’s role as an educational opportunity serving every member of the community.”

The other finalist for the top job also was from Delaware, Katie McDonough of Rehoboth Beach, a professional development coordinator at the Delaware Division of Libraries in Dover with library director experience in New England.

A reception to welcome the new director will be scheduled in December.