BRATTLEBORO-After less than a month on the job, Brooks Memorial Library Director Julie Perrin has resigned.
"It is clear to me that Brooks is not a good match for me," Perrin wrote in her May 28 resignation letter to Town Manager John Potter.
She did not offer any other details about her decision, but did write that she had already worked the required hours that week and submitted her timesheet.
She said that her resignation was immediate.
"Considering the brevity of my tenure, I do not feel that notice is required under the circumstances," Perrin wrote.
She went on to thank Potter "for the opportunity, " closing her letter by saying, "I very much appreciate the kindness of the other town departments and hope that you will convey that to them. Best of luck."
The library was closed May 29 while folks regrouped.
Details are in short supply from library folks regarding Perrin's resignation, although it would appear other departments were welcoming to the new director, who took the role when longtime Director Starr LaTronica retired.
"Julie Perrin has decided to move on from her role with the town," said the town's human resources/finance director, Sally Cruz Nix. "We wish her well and are actively focusing on supporting our staff and finding a new library director to lead our team."
"The town will be heading in a different direction, and we intend to resume our efforts immediately," wrote Potter in a statement. "We're committed to identifying a strong candidate and grateful for the dedication of library staff and the community's patience during this transition in leadership."
Cruz Nix described Perrin as "an experienced professional, and we are grateful she accepted the role. Ultimately, she made a decision for her career. Julie was a pleasure to work with."
"I have no comment at this time," said Brooks Board of Trustees President Margaret Atkinson.
The 2020 New Hampshire Library Director of the Year, Perrin came to Brooks after nine years leading the Jaffrey Public Library. She was lauded here as bringing extensive experience in library program development, grant writing, and operations management.
At the time, Cruz Nix said of the 22 applicants in the competitive hiring process, all stakeholders felt Perrin was the leader who most aligned with the values and culture of the community here.
Jennifer Rose, Brooks Memorial Library Board of Trustees treasurer and a member of the hiring team, said then that Perrin stood out not only for her enthusiasm for Brattleboro, but also due to her diverse skill set.
"Julie has a background in developing imaginative, compelling activities and offerings at the library, and has experience in reaching out to the community and collaborating with different entities in town," said Rose.
This News item by Virginia Ray was written for The Commons.