Directors depart, libraries carry on
Clinton Public Library services will continue even as its director, Miria Webb, prepares to leave the post.
Webb announced on Facebook that she has accepted a library job in a community college out of state.
Her last day at Clinton Public Library will be Friday, Nov. 20.
She said she has already delega trative duties and take over the Read to a Dog program. Eli Byrd will take over the adult book club.
Webb said the only program to end after her departure will be an outreach program serving residents of Charles Sievers Towers.
“I’m going to miss the amazing people I’ve gotten to know and love here for the last 13 years,” she told The Courier News.
“It was a hard decision, but ultimately the right one I think,” she said.
“I have faith that my terrific staff will keep things going despite the situation with the board as best they can.”
Appointing new library directors is the responsibility of the Anderson County Library Board, which currently lacks a quorum.
Webb’s departure comes four days after the Anderson County Commission is scheduled to vote on appointing new Library Board members at its Nov. 16 meeting.
The Library Board’s next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 23.
Rocky Top
The Anderson County Library Board also appoints the Rocky Top Public Library’s director, and that library is similarly without a permanent director.
Kelly Harris has left as director of the Rocky Top library, with a retirement party held Aug. 31.
Gina Long took over as interim director, but submitted her resignation effective Oct. 27, leaving the library with two staff vacancies and no director.
“I resigned for several reasons, but the most pressing are moral disagreements on censorship between myself and the library board majority, and specifically Shain Vowell,” Long told The Courier News.
Vowell is an Anderson County commissioner who also serves on the Library Board.
“Patrons could be looking at reduced hours, canceled programs, or reduced services, depending on staff capacity,” Long said.
She did not provide specifics about which services or programs could be affected.
Library board Applications
Filling vacancies: Anderson County Commission seeks six residents to serve on the Anderson County Library Board.
Deadline: Applications are due by noon Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the County Commission Office, Room 118.
HOw to apply: Forms are available at the County Commission Office, 100 N. Main St., Clinton, or online at andersoncountytn.gov. For information, call Amy Emert at 865-463-6866.