Library Board Appoints Interim Director

A former educator was chosen to serve as the Interim Library Director while the search for a permanent director continues. The Library Board of Trustees chose Patsy Esposito, a former teacher at Pyramid Lake High School, to step into the role to keep library operations running smoothly.

Three individuals expressed interest in filling the interim director position. Kendra Flower, a special education teacher, and Thomas Patterson, the current digital information services librarian at the library, also applied for the position. Before board members voted, they discussed qualities they wished to see in the interim director. Trustee Sue Segura said she had known Esposito for 25 years and worked with her previously. No discussion was held on the qualifications of the other candidates.

Segura made the motion to hire Esposito, and the board voted unanimously in favor.

Human Resources Director Kim Brontsema told the board the job listing for Library Director was posted on various recruiting platforms and will close on August 4. Trustees asked her to pre-screen candidates and to assemble a review panel.

Prior to discussion about the interim director, Churchill County Museum Director Mel Glover spoke during the public comment period and expressed frustration with the recent departure of librarian Cathy Thorsen after only eight months. He acknowledged the current members of the library board didn’t comprise the board that terminated former library director C.L. Quillen in May 2024 but beseeched them to remedy the chaos that has plagued the library the past couple years.

“The buck stops with you guys,” he said.

The resignation of Thorsen, who started as library director Oct. 14, 2024, was a complete surprise said Board Chairwoman Jessica Rowe.

“On June 19, Ms. Thorsen emailed Ms. Brontsema and me to inform us of her immediate resignation, citing personal reasons. This was unexpected, as we shared a collaborative and communicative working relationship. At this time, she has not shared further details, and we respect her privacy,” Rowe said.

“I can only speak from the perspective of a single board member, but my personal experience with the strategic planning process, board meetings, and interactions with Ms. Thorsen, staff, and patrons has been open, productive, and positive. While this resignation presents us with a challenge, our response reflects the stability that we've built: communication has been swift and effective, staff collaborated quickly to ensure uninterrupted service, and the board and county worked together to develop a solid interim plan.”

The Library Board will meet next on July 24 at 3 p.m. in County Commission chambers.