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The Essex County Library board is moving to a new chapter as it seeks a replacement for its chief librarian, according to board chairman Nelson Santos.
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Santos, who is also mayor of Kingsville and the county’s deputy warden, confirmed Tuesday that former chief executive/chief librarian Robin Greenall is no longer employed by the county.
“It was just felt the board was looking for some new direction for the system as a whole and in the interim we’re looking to bring on Kristie Cronin who will serve as the interim chief librarian,” Santos said.
“In terms of going forward, we’re looking forward to really turning the next pages on the library system.”
Santos wouldn’t comment on why Greenall is no longer employed by the county. He said Cronin brings human resources experience to her temporary position from her.
The library’s board of directors meets Wednesday in closed session to deal with the personnel matter and to prepare the request for proposals for the permanent full-time position.
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As for previous allegations by some staff members of a toxic workplace, Santos said the board has a policy in place to deal with any concerns.
“There’s the opportunity and open door for any staff to present complaints and issues and those will be investigated as part of the process,” he said. “We’ll continue to do that as necessary or needed for any health and safety requirements for the library and all of its branches.”
Santos said work is ongoing and “obviously there’s going to be a pause now with a little change in leadership” but he said the intent is to provide opportunities for additional training, especially around how to file complaints or concerns regarding the policy.
“But also additional opportunities where we can work on team building and exercises that strengthen all of our employees,” he said.
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“It’s unique for the Essex County Library system because we don’t just have one workplace. We’ve got 14 branches that are offering service.”
The Essex County Library system, which is funded by the Essex County council, is made up of 14 branches across the county, with administration offices based at the civic center in Essex. Its annual budget is approximately $5.8 million.
The library board is comprised of four county council members, the library’s chief librarian and three members of the public.
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Suanne Hawkins, national representative for Local 2318 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents the library workers, said a third party investigator completed an investigation of the previous harassment allegations but the union has not yet been provided with a copy of the report.
“The union has not seen the report or been privy to any part of the end results of that investigation,” Hawkins said.
“It was the library board’s decision that Robin Greenall no longer be employed by the County of Essex.
“The union hasn’t been advised of anything else to date.”