The Massena Public Library is being temporarily closed starting Monday as part of a planned reorganization.
 
The closure is the latest development in a controversy that began over the hiring process for a new director that led to mass resignations of all but one member of the library board.

Town board members met in closed session Friday morning to discuss reorganizing the library's administrative structure and search for replacements for three library trustees.

Former library director Lynn Fountain stepped down last week, followed by a stream of accusations and resignations of library trustees, including the president and vice president.

Town Supervisor Joe Gray told 7 News "all options are open right now."

The town board plans to meet again on Wednesday to revisit the situation and begin filling vacancies.

The following is a news release from Gray:

At a special meeting this morning, The Massena Town Council decided the Massena Public Library will be temporarily closed effective Monday, June 11.

The closure is necessary due to the lack of a functioning Library Board of Directors and the absence of any management personnel to oversee the library staff and the library's day-to-day operation, the Town Council decided.

It will also give the Town Council time to reorganize the library's administrative structure, fill the vacancies on the library board and make arrangements for an interim library director. Outreach is underway to identify and put an interim director in place as soon as possible.

"The Town Council was reluctant to take such a dramatic step but we felt it necessary to ensure the Town's resources are protected and well managed. We have what we feel is the finest library in the North Country and we don't want anything to jeopardize it," Town Supervisor Joseph D. Gray said.

"We expect the closure to be brief. We are planning to have another special meeting of the Town Council next Wednesday, June 13, to re-assess the situation and hopefully begin filling vacancies on the Library's Board of Trustees. We appreciate the community's patience and support while we work through this unprecedented circumstance," he added.

Once the library board is in place and has received direction from the Town Council, it will assume control of the library as it has in the past

In the meantime, the Town Council welcomes individuals interested in serving on the library board to contact the Town Supervisor's Office via telephone at 315-769-3588 or e-mail at supervisor@town.massena.ny.us.