NORWICH – After five months with no official director, the Guernsey Memorial Library has filled the position vacated by the resignation of former director Melanie Battoe. On March 30, new director Sarah Wiggins took over the vacant seat.
Wiggins, who currently lives in north-east Pennsylvania and commutes two and a half hours to work every day, has been involved in library work since she was in high school. A licensed librarian since 1992, Wiggins had previous experience as a library director and was looking for another director position when she came across the opening at Guernsey and decided to apply for the position. “I was looking for another library director’s position, and this was closer to home compared to the job I did have,” Wiggins said, explaining she had been making a four hour commute to her previous job.
The Guernsey Library is neither the largest or the smallest Wiggins has worked in. She explained she has experience with both small departmental libraries with few volumes and libraries as large as the George Washington University Medical Library.
While she is currently traveling back and forth from Pennsylvania to Norwich, Wiggins said a move to the area is part of her plan for the near future. “Living within the county was actually a requirement for the position,” Wiggins said, explaining that she has begun her search for a residence in the area.
While she is still evaluating what is being done at the library, Wiggins said there are some areas for improvement. “One thing is the library’s use of technology,” Wiggins said. “There are still a lot of things being done on paper that could be done faster and better if done in a computerized fashion.” Different software and applications for computerizing those things are being examined.
In terms of programming, Wiggins said she believes the library is doing a good job. “We’re looking at ideas now, but the number of programs and the types, especially for the children, are good and helpful to the community.” While some changes may be made in the future, Wiggins explained at this point, it is too early to tell. “It’s going to take a little longer before I can pull together an entire program,” she said.
While the experience at Guernsey is still new, Wiggins said the community and staff have all been friendly and welcoming so far. “Everyone seems eager to make changes and get things done,” she said.
The Guernsey Library Board appointed Wiggins after the former director resigned amid allegations of questionable spending and improper practices. An audit performed by State Comptroller Thomas DiNappoli found $15,000 in questionable purchases over a two year period. Since the audit was released, the board has taken steps to enforce stricter policies and ensure more oversight.
“We are pleased to have a new director, and we look forward to having a long-term successful director on staff,” Library Board Vice President Kathy Darrah said at the time Wiggins was appointed.