Thomas Lloyd Moore

after a brief illness. He leaves behind Ann, his loving wife of 50 years, his sons Sean and Marty,

his daughter Kathleen, 6 young grandchildren, and a large community of close friends.

Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Tom had a lifelong passion for reading and libraries. He

started working as a library page in high school which began a 50 year long career in public

service. During his career, he served as an assistant branch manager, branch manager, and

library director for three public libraries in Illinois. In 1981 he became the Director of the Wake

County Public Library system where he spent the next 27 years of his career.

Under his dynamic leadership he realized his vision of a decentralized library system that

provided services to all residents. He believed libraries served as critical community centers

where children could be introduced to reading and residents would be encouraged to read for

pleasure, pursue knowledge, and to gain access to the tools and technology needed to enhance

their skills. He worked to realize his vision by overseeing the construction or remodelling of 26

library branches and helping drive a dramatic increase in the library’s collection & circulation

from 1 million items per year to 10 million.

Tom was a passionate educator and loved developing leaders. Later in his career he spent

more and more time as a formal instructor. He facilitated leadership courses, taught at NCCU,

and contributed to various written works on leadership. Tom made a lasting impression that

lives on today - his leadership has influenced generations of librarians and county residents.

Tom was a loving, funny soul who was beloved by everyone who knew him. His personality was

reflected in his bold ties, rainbow suspenders, and ever-present grin. He loved music and would

break into song at the drop of a hat. He was an avid theater goer. He loved to fish and visited

the Carolina beaches with dear friends every summer. Tom loved a good pun, telling dozens of

groan-worthy dad jokes every day. His bright life left a lasting mark on all who knew him. He will

be missed tremendously.

A celebration of Tom’s life is being planned for the Spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider

donating to www.wakeupandread.org a nonprofit effort to increase childhood literacy in Wake

County.