RIVERSIDE REGIONAL LIBRARY RESUMES SEARCH FOR DIRECTOR

JACKSON, Mo. -- Wanted: Library director for the counties of Cape Girardeau, Scott and Perry, able to oversee a staff of 16 full-time workers, experience with budgeting, grant writing, staff organization and knowledge of information technology, dynamic interpersonal skills and ability to motivate staff. Advanced degree in library science preferred but not essential.

The job, serving as director of the Riverside Regional Library, has been open since September, when then-director Geoffrey Roth resigned suddenly. Roth had been director of the library for five years.

Paula Gresham-Bequette, who was Roth's assistant director, has served as the interim director of the library since Roth left.

The library did not rush to find a replacement. "We were in good shape with Paula Gresham-Bequette," said Charles Engelhart, president of the library's Board of Trustees.

Three candidates were interviewed. The board was especially excited about Vandella Brown, then the director of the library in East St. Louis, Ill. The library received a verbal commitment from Brown back in April, but she was not free to leave her job immediately.

Just as she was preparing to come to Southeast Missouri to begin looking for an apartment, the Illinois State Library Association offered Brown a prestigious job.

At Thursday's meeting of the library Board of Trustees, Engelhart gave the board the bad news that Brown has decided not to take the Riverside Regional job.

"We were holding out. Now we're in a pickle," said Kathy Carron, a board member from Perryville.

Echoing that Gresham-Bequette has done a wonderful job, Carron said, "Our top priority is to get a new director."

Engelhart said the search will resume in earnest in July when three new members join the 15-member board. The board is appointed by the Cape Girardeau County Commission.

Ads for the job will begin running immediately in local and St. Louis newspapers, Engelhart said.