I have been extremely disappointed in the way the Bradford Library Board of Trustees has handled personnel management over the past year, culminating in the sudden termination of youth services librarian Debbie Deane, in order to restructure the position and find someone with a master’s in library science. 

Debbie’s vast library experience and dedication to youth programming made her a valuable asset to the library. As the former executive director of the library who had the pleasure of hiring Debbie, I struggle to understand the logic behind terminating her weeks before the start of summer reading.

In Debbie’s first year as youth services librarian, she increased children’s program attendance by a full 35%. That same year, the Bradford Library saw more than 10,000 people attend children’s programs for the first time. 

Debbie and I worked together to bring in tens of thousands of dollars in grant funding for youth and teen programming. Her work ethic, rapport with families and passion for her job was evident in every program she offered. 

The Bradford community deserves, at minimum, the excellent level of service that Debbie provided to our teens, families and youngest readers over the last three years.

I encourage the community to hold the board accountable for their decisions. If the direction the board is steering the library is not up to the high standards the community deserves, make your voice heard. Board meetings are the third Monday of the month at 5 p.m. and they are open to the public.  

Lacey Love, former executive director

Bradford Area Public Library