Library Director Position Offered to Top Candidate, John Hong

The Library Board of Trustees selected a candidate for the library director position after a day of interviews with two applicants. Interviews were held Aug. 28, when candidates were given a tour of the library and an opportunity to talk with the library staff.

Human Resources Manager Kim Brontsema provided the board with the final scoring of the candidates, and John Hong emerged as the top contender. He currently works at Dallas Baptist University’s Vance Memorial Library as its assistant professor of library science. He has also worked at three community libraries in Texas as a librarian or branch manager. Hong earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the State University of New York, and a master’s degree in library science from Queens College of the City University of New York. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in leadership studies from Dallas Baptist University.

During his interview, Hong said he sees the Churchill County Library as a focal point in the community and sees numerous opportunities to create partnerships to enhance the library. Hong also spoke about how he would develop a teamwork atmosphere at the library, and asked about the board’s plan to expand the library.

The board unanimously voted to offer the library director position to Hong and instructed the human resources department to begin drafting an employment offer for him. They will hold a special meeting on Sept. 10 at noon to formally offer employment.

The search for a new library director began when former director Cathy Thorsen unexpectedly resigned June 18 after only eight months of employment. Prior to Thorsen, C. L. Quillen held the library director position for about 13 months. In July, the board appointed Penny Esposito, a former educator, as the interim director until a new director is in place.