Adams Names Interim Library Director to Permanent Post
ADAMS, Mass. — Holli Jayko has been named as the new library director for the Adams Free Library.
Jayko, who has been the children's librarian for a number of years, has been filling in as interim director since the beginning of November, when Deborah Bruneau retired after more than 23 years of service.
Library Trustee James Loughman said at last week's trustees meeting that the library director committee had made the decision after a series of interviews.
Jayko's appointment, however, was not announced last week but on Monday night by Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco. Loughman said last week that Mazzucco would release the name.
Jayko, still operating as interim director last Thursday, showed the trustees the proposed fiscal 2017 budget that is 16.4 percent lower than this year's budget.
Some $50,195 has been knocked out of the library budget, bringing down to $254,805 from this year's $305,000.
The operating budget is down 10 percent, but the biggest cuts will come from the personnel budget, which may be lowered by 19 percent.
This was done by eliminating one full-time position and from the early retirement of the previous director.
Loughman suggested expressing some concern at the upcoming town budget meeting and ask that when the town is in a better financial position that the position be restored.
He added with lower staffing, the library may have to close a day and suggested a part-time employee to maintain staffing.
Trustee David Strzepek said the trustees should demand the position.
"I think rather than cut the head off and look for an arm next year we should just go for an arm," he said. "I think we should put our foot down ... enough is enough already."
Loughman told his fellow trustees to advocate however they want, but said he will only give "muted opposition."
"I don’t expect to do a rallying cry and telling people to die in the ditches because it is not going to work," he said. "In my opinion, it will only tick them off."
The Selectmen and the Finance Committee will see the proposed library budget on Thursday, March 24, at 6 at the Visitors Center. The administration will be reviewing sections of the town budget each evening this week except Friday.
Tags: adams library, appointments, fiscal 2017,