Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Five new computers were recently set up in the Wakefield Public Library. The library board has hired two part time librarians and hopes to re-open the facility soon.
By CHARITY SMITH
Wakefield - After nearly two months without a library director, the Wakefield Library has hired two part-time librarians.
Carly Rusch, of Ironwood, will be the new part-time library director. The board approved her hire during its monthly meeting on Tuesday night, for 20 hours a week at $18.50 per hour.
"She came across as amazing," said library board president Loraine Mussatti.
Barb Suomi, a library volunteer, said Rusch had a great awareness and that Roush noted the new library computers right away, along with many other things in the library.
"You could see her interest," said Suomi. "I felt she was so inspiring. She was inspiring to talk to. She is so intelligent and she really radiated possibilities in how she could help the library. Very classy - classy fun."
Lakin Ozzello, of Wakefield, will be the part-time assistant library director. The board approved her hire at $16 per hour for 16 hours a week. Suomi described Ozzello as a solid-thinking kind of person, adding she seemed like a real team player and is very willing to learn.
"I believe she is a good fit with Carly, because Carly has a lot of experience," said Suomi.
Mussatti said that Ozzello spoke of the value of the library and said she had great memories of coming to the library with her grandma. She wants this library open for our kids, said Mussatti.
"That really touched us because we're looking for somebody with a connection. So, we thought the two of them together could be a really great team," said Mussatti.
According to Mussatti, Dillon Geshel, of the Superiorland Library Cooperative, said it is impressive that the library was able to find so many strong candidates. She said he told her that many libraries are struggling to find such candidates and the Wakefield library had three, with a fourth applicant whose application was received after the deadline.
The board discussed bringing Rusch in for training as early as today and getting the new hires certified as librarians within a year.
The board also discussed possible hours of operation for the library. The board said that Saturdays are a must and both of the new hires have agreed to work Saturdays. No hours were determined.
The board discussed internet use limitations for the five new computers, which were set up last week. They decided to wait and see how popular the computer stations are before putting a time limit on the use of the computers.
