Nov 15, 2016 3 min read

A consulting firm hired to formulate a plan for Citizens Library found the primary problem lies with the board of directors, a verdict that didn’t surprise at least one member.

“We don’t need (a consultant) to tell us how dysfunctional we are. We know it,” said board member Joan Bruno during a meeting Tuesday.

In response to financial concerns and a failed attempt to formulate a long-term strategy, members of the community gathered to question the future of the library.

As of Oct. 31, the board is working with an $82,000 deficit. Several supporting municipalities, which nominate library board members as representatives, continue to cut contributions.

The library, which serves as the headquarters for Washington County Library System and as district center for Washington, Greene and Fayette counties, receives about 15 percent of funding from municipal bodies.

About 40 members of the community were invited to an Oct. 30 workshop session with hired consultants Library Strategies of St. Paul, Minn., to work on a strategic plan update. It was canceled the night before when Library Strategies withdrew.

Board President Susan Martinelli said several board members refused to sign an agreement with the consultant Oct. 29, pledging to work in good faith and move forward as a unit.

“We couldn’t agree on signing the form. That pretty much sums up the way we’ve been operating,” Martinelli said.

Several board members criticized Library Strategies for canceling the meeting at the last minute, but Martinelli said they felt they couldn’t move forward with the divided board.

According to regional library consultant Melinda Tanner, the firm found the community is highly satisfied with staff and services provided by the library, but the board’s actions negatively affect funding.

“This organization has done nothing but backpedal. It’s time to move this library forward,” Tanner said. “You can’t get along. You can’t agree. You’re a disgrace.”

A clash of personalities and misunderstanding of member duties lead to delays in the decision-making process, said Martinelli. She said some board members “nitpick” the bylaws and believe the board should be run like a business or school even though it is a nonprofit organization.

She credited staff with keeping the library going.

“This is the leanest staff. They are so energetic and excited,” she said. “They do so much that is not in their job description.”

Rebecca Smiley, children’s services manager of Citizens, said she pleaded with the board two years ago to work together and curtail the negativity.

“It’s gotten worse since then,” she said.

Clay Kilgore, a South Franklin Township resident, said he represented several community members who wanted answers.

“(Library Strategies) can’t be wrong about everything,” Kilgore said. “It’s your job to take that responsibility and address the issue. What can you do to address it and fix it? Not get offended by what they told you.”

Board members said they felt a strategic plan was necessary but didn’t take action to move forward.

“Every member has the desire to make this board a functional board,” Bruno told attendees. “I’m promising you, you come back in a year and you’re going to see a different board (that) will not give up.”

The board will meet at 6 p.m. Nov. 30.