Board holds off final decision on library director

The Havre-Hill County Library Board decided Thursday to hold off making a decision on how to fill its director position, following a suggestion from a long-time holder of that position.

Former Director Bonnie Williamson, who retired last year, suggested the board leave Interim Director Rachel Rawn in the position for a few months, then make a decision.

Williamson said giving Rawn a few months, perhaps till August, would let her find out whether she likes the job and let the board see how she does on the job.

"It would let Rachel get her feet wet," Williamson said, adding later, "you need an opportunity to prove yourself.

The board last summer hired Betty Thompson to take the place of Williamson and did not discuss during the open portion of its meeting why Thompson left the position.

The board went into executive session at the end of its meeting, citing the need to discuss personnel issues.

During the discussion of filling the position during the open portion of the meeting, board member Dr. Frank Miller said the board members need to ask a key question: What does Rawn want?

"We have to hear from you, what you think," Miller said.

Rawn, who has been attending meetings as the acting library director, said she is not yet sure.

"I'd really like to see how it goes," she said.

Williamson said she doesn't believe there is any limit as to how long Rawn could serve as interim director — she was acting library director when she oversaw the merging of the city and county libraries in 1986. She was the director of both libraries, in separate positions, before they merged.

She said she was listed as acting director for three years.

"I finally asked the board if they could take 'acting' off the title," Williamson said.