Gwinnett County Library Director Fired

In a special called meeting June 12, the board of directors for Gwinnett County Public Library fired its executive director -- and without cause, according to the Gwinnett Daily Post.

Nancy Stanbery-Kellam, who served as director since 2006, left the meeting without speaking, the Post reported.

Her termination follows years of money frustrations and unpopular decisions:

• In 2009, the Gwinnett County library thought about closing the Dacula library in favor of the new Hamilton Mill location. That didn't go over well with patrons. 

• Then the library's leadership decided it would be a good idea to shift from full-service libraries to computer centers in some locations. That, too, wasn't popular.

• Hours and days of operation were cut at one point, as well. 

• Last year, leaders were set on using advertisements on bookmarks, and then they decided against that.

• This year, Gwinnett County commissioners slashed $1 million from the library's materials budget.

These types of decisions, however, are not solely the responsibility of the executive director. But, vision, that's something that the executive director does need.

-- Do you think the director's termination was just? Let us know in the comment section. --

And, the board of directors decided it was time for change -- a new vision, a new leader.

"Most organizations thrive under new leadership," said Board Chairman Dick Goodman, as reported by the Gwinnett Daily Post. "There are many things that will need a new look."