By Sue Tokar
The last few months have brought significant changes to the Tahquamenon Area School Public Library. Old carpeting has been replaced, walls are freshly painted, air conditioning and lighting are being installed, and the entrance will have a new location. Construction is still taking place.
Another change is the resignation of Director Brian Freitag, effective today, August 14. Brian began his tenure working with the staff to provide uninterrupted library services despite the restrictions of COVID. Coming out of COVID, existing clubs and community groups started back up, new ones were created, technology was kept current, community involvement rose, the collection grew, and the used book backlog was resolved. His Newberry News column encouraged the love of reading. Brian focused his energy on positive progress in the library.
Bond construction brought the added responsibility and stress of coordinating packing up the entire contents of the library and having everything moved to storage; then, two months later, everything was moved back in. Throughout the ongoing closure, Brian and the staff have been providing uninterrupted holds-only service for patrons. This service will continue until the reopening.
The Library Advisory Board (LAB) has appointed Circulation Manager Ross Wine to the position of interim director while the search for a new director begins. During this time, we will depend on the skills and experience of the staff to keep the library running smoothly. The LAB is committed to reopening the library as soon and as smoothly as possible. Brian focused his energy on positive progress in the library. We thank him for his work and dedication. He will be missed both professionally and personally.
