By Staff
BUCHANAN – Buchanan District Library is a bright, bustling building full of books, computers and other media. Its former librarian, Judy Smith, who kept the library a friendly and efficient location for readers and information seekers, passed away on Aug. 19.
To continue the same level of service on a continuous basis, the library board appointed patron and systems administrator Pamela Salo to serve as interim director until a new professional director can be appointed.
Salo is a key administrator who has worked for the library for the past five years. Citing Smith's legacy of excellence, Salo comments, "We are blessed with a wonderful library staff that wants to serve patrons to the best of our ability while continuing to make this library a glittering jewel in Buchanan."
The library serves the same demographics as the Buchanan School District, an area with a population of 9,800. With an annual circulation of over 64,000, the library sees almost everyone in town – over 5,000 patrons use the library each month. According to board president, Becky Kaltenbach, the board is especially interested in finding a director with a library background who can enhance services and accommodate the diverse needs of the community.
The board has distributed job descriptions for the past month, with the first round of applications due today, though applications will be accepted until the position is filled. A job description and application package is available at the library, by calling 695-3681, or online at www.buchananlibrary.org.
Minimum requirements include a Bachelor's Degree but a Master of Library Science or Information Science from an American Library Association accredited program is preferred. The best applicant will have professional certification by the State of Michigan, but equally important is proven leadership, strong communications skills, and a proven history of developing strong positive community relationships.