CUMMING —Forsyth County’s library system is a step closer to having its new — and second ever — director.

The Forsyth County Public Library Board of Trustees announced Wednesday it has selected Anna Lyle as the sole final candidate for the soon-to-be-vacant position of library director.

If the library board votes to confirm her selection Sept. 21, Lyle would be promoted from assistant director for support services for the system, a role she has held for 11 years.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Anna Lyle’s professional experience and integrity as our new director,” said Mary Helen McGruder, who chairs the library board.

“We are looking forward to continuing the success we have enjoyed for the last 20 years under the direction of Jon McDaniel, while also moving into the future with new ideas and innovations.”

Lyle would assume the top seat in December as McDaniel retires after holding the position since the library system was established in July 1996.

Over the past 19 years, the system has grown from its singular Cumming branch to four locations with a robust eLibrary collection. Two of the four branches have opened since 2010, with the library collection now totaling nearly 400,000 items.

More than 69,000 Forsyth County residents are library cardholders, creating some of the highest circulations in Georgia.

The process to find McDaniel’s successor began in May, with preliminary telephone interviews conducted in July. This led to Lyle emerging as the lone candidate selected for an in-person interview in August.

Under Georgia law, the library board must publicly announce up to three finalists at least 14 days before voting on a final decision.

Lyle’s current duties for the library system include budget management, financial operations and a human resource function.

With 22 years of public library experience, she served as the system’s human resources manager from 1999 until her promotion to assistant director in 2004.

She was previously employed at Gwinnett County Public Library as a staff services manager and an information specialist.

She holds a master’s in library and information science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a master of arts degree in art history from Emory University and a bachelor of arts degree in art history from Furman University.

She also holds a certification as a senior professional in human resources by the HR Certification Institute, as well as a current license from the Georgia State Board for the Certification of Librarians.