JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Mayor Sandra Crabtree of Whitwell’s City Board has announced her retirement as Executive Director of the Marion County Library Board.
Crabtree made the announcement during this month’s community meeting in Whitwell, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the city and county through her role on the Library Board. She also invited Emily Molsey of Whitwell to step forward and introduce herself as the Board’s new leader following Crabtree’s departure. Molsey’s hiring was approved during a public meeting at Orena Humphrey Public Library on April 10. The position had been open since March.
“I just want to say that I enjoyed that job. We had a lot of good things going on,” said Crabtree.
Attendees of the meeting warmly welcomed Molsey into her new role. However, recent controversies surrounding the County Library Board have sparked ongoing debate. Christine Van Hamersveld of Marion County voiced her concerns at the County Commission’s previous meeting, criticizing the lack of public advertisement for the open position and questioning Molsey’s qualifications. Commissioner Ruric Brandt went so far as to propose dismantling the Marion County Library Board altogether during last month’s county meeting.
Despite the criticism, Molsey is focused on the future and eager to lead the Library Board forward in service to the people of Marion County.
