Interim Director Sought for Kinnelon Library

The Kinnelon Public Library Board of Trustees will be looking for a new director for the library now that Barbara Owens has retired.

Owens, who served in the role for many years, retired last month and, according to the board's Communication Subcommittee Chairwoman Aileen Florio, will be missed.

"We are so grateful to Barbara. She's put in eight years of outstanding service and there are really big shoes to fill," she said.

As the search for a new director begins, Kinnelon Mayor Bob Collins also expressed his gratitude for Owens' dedication and work at the library. 

"She had really changed the culture of the library and made it so warm and welcoming," he said. "That’s something that’s going to be part of her legacy."

Florio said the board has decided to hire an interim director for now.

"The Personnel Subcommittee of the board is looking to hire a temporary director which will give us time to really search for the candidate who is going to fill the role permanently," she said.

While the subcommittee reviews resumes and gathers information, two current library employees will work together jointly to fill the role. In addition to the subcommittee, other board trustees, including Kinnelon Public Schools Superintendent Diane DiGiuseppe, will assist in selecting the new director.

To aid in the search, Florio said the committee will be reaching out to job search agencies for help with a description of the position. Whoever does fill the role, Florio said that Owens has "steered the ship" for her successor.