Politics & Government
Gwinnett County Library Director Fired
Nancy Stanbery-Kellam has served as executive director for Gwinnett County Public Library since 2006.
In a special called meeting June 12, the board of directors for Gwinnett County Public Library fired its executive director -- and without cause, according to the Gwinnett Daily Post.
Nancy Stanbery-Kellam, who served as director since 2006, left the meeting without speaking, the Post reported.
Her termination follows years of money frustrations and unpopular decisions:
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- In 2009, the Gwinnett County library thought about closing the Dacula library in favor of the new Hamilton Mill location. That didn't go over well with patrons.Β
- Then the library's leadership decided it would be a good idea to shift from full-service libraries to computer centers in some locations. That, too, wasn't popular.
- Hours and days of operation were cut at one point, as well.Β
- Last year, leaders were set on using advertisements on bookmarks, and then they decided against that.
- This year, Gwinnett County commissioners slashed $1 million from the library's materials budget.
These types of decisions, however, are not solely the responsibility of the executive director. But, vision, that's something that the executive director does need.
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And, the board of directors decided it was time for change -- a new vision, a new leader.
"Most organizations thrive under new leadership," said Board Chairman Dick Goodman, as reported by the Gwinnett Daily Post. "There are many things that will need a new look."
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