Cooley to stay with library until successor found

Media release: Sara Hightower Regional Library Director Susan Cooley has agreed to a request from the Library Board of Trustees to continue in her role as director while the search for her successor is extended.  Board Chair Margaret Davis, who also chairs the search committee, says "We are committed to identifying the ideal candidate to lead our library system, and are willing to take whatever time is necessary to do so.  We greatly appreciate Susan's willingness to return after a leave of absence early in 2012, until we can complete our search."

Davis and the search committee received a small number of applications for what is considered to be one of the top library positions in Georgia.  Board members speculate that the economic difficulties in selling real estate and relocation may have contributed to the lack of applications.  Several other large public library systems throughout Georgia are also currently seeking directors at this time, notes Deputy State Librarian Julie Walker, who is assisting with the search.  "The Georgia Public Library Service stands prepared to assist Sara Hightower in any way as they continue their search," says Walker.  "We are confident that the Board will complete a successful recruitment effort and hire an excellent leader to continue the outstanding work that makes Sara Hightower a model library system."