Awaiting the Decision on the Library Director

Tonight the Jones Library Trustees will announce their choice for new Director. The period for public comment was extended from July 29 to August 3. One might have supposed either that this resulted from too tight a turnaround time, or that it reflected some internal dissension or indecision, but I am told that it was really a matter of having to obey Open Meeting Law deadlines.

For what it is worth, virtually all the public comment I have heard has favored Sharon Sharry of the Greenfield Library over Christopher Lindquist of the Westfield Athenaeum, so if I were a betting man, my money would be on her. Still, it would be rash to make predictions, as Lindquist apparently enjoys some strong support on the board.

The bottom line, of course, is that both candidates have strong credentials and come well recommended by their colleagues in the field.

As the Amherst Bulletin put it at the end of last week:

It appears the Jones board has two top-notch finalists to succeed Bonnie Isman, who stepped down last year after 30 years. . . .

We liked the way both candidates spoke of a library's mission in their public interviews late last month. . . . .

The Jones has a strong staff. After a short break in leadership, we're glad to see that it will soon get a new director, because the work it does for all in our community must be unrivaled.

Can't argue with that.