Elburn library makes offer to new director

ELBURN – The Town and Country Public Library Board of Trustees is in the final stages of selecting a new library director to replace Glenn Kahmann, who resigned at the end of December 2017.

Library Board President Dave Burroughs said that Kahmann made a number of contributions in his nearly two years with the library, including the addition of more activities for teens such as video game nights, the expansion of home delivery of books and other materials for housebound patrons, as well as the addition of more craft-related activities for children and youth.

Nineteen applicants applied for the job, and four candidates underwent two rounds of interviews before the board made its final decision. Two of the candidates were from the local area, with the other two from out of state, one from New Mexico and the other from Michigan.

In preparation for the new director, Burroughs said board members reviewed the position description and revised policies to strengthen the board’s oversight role for the position. Burroughs explained that the library director prior to Kahmann, Lynn Alms, had been in the position for so long, she knew more than the board did.

He said board members realized they couldn’t expect that breadth and depth of knowledge for a person new to the position, so they took the opportunity during this search to clarify responsibilities for both the new director and the board.

“We need to make sure that things are in place for the next director to be successful,” Burroughs said.

In the meantime, the library’s former youth services director, Dwayne Nelson, has been filling in as an interim director until the new person is on board. Nelson, who retired from his 12-year position with the library two years ago, has been working part-time in the interim position since the beginning of January.

He said his previous experience with the library and his knowledge of the employees and the patrons have allowed him to ensure a smooth transition while making sure that everything is in good shape for the new director.

Amy Vidlak-Girmscheid, who served as the library’s adult services manager and history and genealogy collection coordinator, also recently resigned to take a position as the library director at the Sandwich Public Library.

“Life goes on,” Burroughs said. “It is a good opportunity for her.”

Amber Urich took the role of interim adult services manager until a replacement for Girmscheid is chosen.

The board also created a new position, business manager, which will be in charge of paying the bills, invoicing and payroll. Suzann Gemini, who was already performing some of these duties, was chosen for that job.

According to Burroughs, this position will ensure better monitoring of library expenses, with the majority of purchases paid for through invoices and less use of charge cards.

The board, at a special meeting on April 30, decided on a candidate. Burroughs extended an offer to the chosen person on Tuesday, May 1. The final steps will be to conduct a drug test and a background check. Burroughs said he hopes to have the new person in place the first week of June.