Houston Public Library appoints first diplomat in residence

Context: Untermeyer's public service career spans more than five decades, including serving as the U.S. ambassador to Qatar and assistant secretary of the Navy.

How it works: Sawicki says they're working on programming, but library leaders envision partnerships that could bring international authors, filmmakers, scholars and other global voices to library programming.

Between the lines: The appointment was inspired by diplomat in residence programs commonly found at colleges and universities, Sawicki says.

• The position is voluntary, unpaid and is currently a two-year term.

What they're saying: "There's a lot of opportunity there for us to connect Houstonians with the rest of the world's writers and thinkers and thought leaders. And Ambassador Untermeyer is the perfect man to bridge that relationship," Sawicki says.

What's next: Untermeyer will formally assume the role during a ceremony and reception at 6pm on Thursday at the Julia Ideson Building downtown.