The Library Board of Directors met last week to approve bringing retired Churchill County Librarian back to the position and assist the county hire staff and rebuild services after former Librarian C.L. Quillen was terminated from the position last month.
Quillen was hired in April 2023 to replace Lloyd when she retired but came under fire after five of six and a half library staff resigned or quit over a four-month period. Because of staffing issues, Quillen was unable to keep the library open for regular hours, affecting local library patrons’ access to library services.
Chris Spross, the county human resources director presented a report at the meeting, explaining that county leadership had reached out to Lloyd to see if she may consider coming back to fill the position and assist with restoring programs, hiring staff, and working to fill the Library Director position.
“Carol did submit a letter in writing confirming her interest and willingness to assist so you know it’s just not Chris saying this,” said Spross.
The County Commission took action during their last meeting to declare the library director position a “critical need” position, which allows hiring a retired public employee into the position without affecting their retirement benefits. The approval is at the same Step 13 and was approved for two years, however, Spross said in discussions with Lloyd the thinking is to shoot for six months to “right the ship.”
He also explained that interviews for one of the positions to replace retired adult services librarian are set for June 21, and Museum Director and current Acting Library Director Mel Glover will sit with Lloyd and county staff on that interview panel. In addition, there have been 61 applications for the Library Assistant position and interviews will be scheduled soon.
Glover spoke during public comment, reporting that when the Library reopened June 4 after being closed the previous week, “there was a line outside the door. There is a rising tide of people coming in cheerful and happy, and I can report the library staff is excited and morale is high.”
So far there have been 275 sign ups for the Summer Reading Program and already 60 patrons have returned their first reading logs. Additionally, Nevada Division of Wildlife brought a barn owl to exhibit last week, and did not expect the 121 people who attended.
“Patrons are relieved we are open again and I can report great support for the Library,” said Glover.
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