BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

MASSENA — The Massena Public Library is not only searching for a new director but also a new assistant director.

Town officials announced during the board’s March 18 meeting that Assistant Director Deborah Fuehring has officially announced her retirement, effective May 31.

Fuehring’s announcement comes weeks after Director Elaine Dunne announced her own retirement, effective June 30.

“I have truly enjoyed my 23 years at Massena Public Library and plan to continue being an active library patron and a member of the Friends of the Library,” Dunne wrote in her retirement letter.

In her letter, Dunne said she looked forward to spending more time with family, traveling and volunteering but would do her best “to ensure a smooth transition to a new library director.”

Much like Dunne, Fuehring said she looked forward to spending time with family and traveling with her husband after she retires.

It is certainly not an easy decision, but I will be staying involved with the Friends of the Library and helping plan events in the future. I have loved every minute of working at the library, but it’s time for some new faces and new ideas,” Fuehring wrote in her retirement letter.

Town Supervisor Sue Bellor was complimentary of both Dunne and Fuehring, citing their dedication and hard work to the Massena Public Library.

“I think we can all say that we will miss her. She has been the most proactive library director I’ve ever seen here in Massena. She’ll be missed by patrons, friends and trustees of course,” Bellor said of Dunne.

In announcing Fuehring’s retirement, Bellor said, “We really do want to thank Debbie. I know Debbie. She’s a hard worker and we appreciate her strong work ethic. She will be missed. But again, she will continue with the Friends of the Library. I think that will be a benefit to the library as well.”

Dunne has served in the director role for over 20 years, while Fuehring has devoted 28 years to the library, 21 as an assistant director.

The search is currently underway for “a dynamic, creative and community focused individual,” to fill the role of director, town officials say.

Duties include the creation of short and long-term goals, strategic planning, handling meetings and educational programs, promotion of professional development and growth of library staff, developing annual budget proposals for board approval, overseeing expenditures, collection of revenues, identifying and pursuing grant opportunities, among other duties.

Education requirements include a master’s degree in librarianship accredited by the American Library Association, or recognized by the state Education Department, along with three years of professional library experience.

Salary ranges from $62,000 to $70,000 based on experience and qualifications, officials say.

The position is a provisional civil service appointment. The chosen candidate must score among the top three on the civil service exam.