A Note from the Jesup's Director Ruth Eveland

What is best for the Jesup? This has been my mantra since December of 2009 when I started as the Library Director. Some decisions have been obvious and easy to make, others were more obscure or complicated and much more difficult to identify the best choice. Here is the current problem in front of us: who is the best person to lead the work of the library into its next phase?

After a great deal of consideration and thoughtful conversations with the members of the Board of Directors we have decided that this is the optimal time for the Jesup to find a new leader. I will switch to an interim role, as Capital Campaign Liaison, to help complete the capital campaign, and the Jesup Board will find someone who wants to take our beloved library into its next and even greater phase of community service.

It would be irresponsible (and really impossible) for me to walk away from this intense development work, particularly when it gets into the community phase. However, it is increasingly difficult to dedicate the appropriate time to both the work of the library and the work of the campaign, and the campaign is where I can provide unique service. The library deserves someone who is able to focus on and fully support the staff and services. There are wheels set in motion for our future, but there are also wonderful opportunities for a fresh look at what we do and how we do it. A new director will bring energy and additional perspective to the work of the library within our community.

My role during this period, approaching retirement, will be to work with the campaign leadership and consultants on the fundraising, particularly later this year when we expect to be in the community phase; to serve as a liaison with the architects during the final design phase (actual decisions would be made by library staff and board;) and to organize some programming that will support the campaign.

A public library is an organism, and must continue to take on new ideas and spirit to grow. I have enjoyed beyond belief guiding us through our last decade, but the next decade should have its own leader. This switch will take place when the board has found the right person, in late spring to early summer.