New library director quits

Library Board President Susan Robertson said in a statement released late this afternoon, she accepted the decision with regret. She said Frank had told the board from the beginning that — while he hoped to conclude his career in Grand Haven — he did not rule out the possibility that if a more desirable opportunity was presented, he would take it.

“We understood that he had taken a substantial reduction in salary compared to his previous post,” Robertson said, “but we were willing to take the chance of having someone of his caliber available in our community. We wish him well.”

Frank had previously worked as senior director of library services for the Knox County Public Library System in Knoxville, Tenn. The Loutit board hired him in February and he started work at the Grand Haven library on April 11.

Robertson said the board has scheduled a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, at the library to review and approve the job description, duties and authority of the library's director, and discuss how to proceed with selection of a new director. 

“We interviewed several excellent candidates and we will review our options,” Robertson said.

The Tribune will have more on this story on Tuesday.