Gwinnett County Library Director Ousted

In a special called meeting Wednesday (June 12), the board of directors of the  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.

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."