By Miles Layton

EDENTON — The Pettigrew Regional Library System Board of Trustees voted 5-2 Wednesday to accept the resignation of Regional Librarian Anna Kallas, then appointed Michelle Lawrence, Perquimans County librarian, as interim regional librarian for 30 days.

The vote came during a meeting at Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library, where, according to research, the Trustees had two options to consider – accept Kallas’ resignation or allow her to be reinstated. 

“We accept Miss Kallas’ immediate resignation and wish her well in the future,” said Trustees’ chairwoman Jenny Wells.

Wednesday afternoon, Wells said Lawrence accepted the interim job. 

Flashback — Kallas had been named Nate King’s successor after King announced his resignation in May at a Regional Library Board of Directors meeting in Edenton; his final day was July 31. Kallas resigned as Chowan County librarian effective July 6, worked her last day in that role July 31, and stepped into the regional director job the following Monday with no break between positions.

Just days into the new role, Kallas resigned Thursday morning, effective immediately, August 6, in what she later described as an impulsive letter. 

Friday, Kallas said she had spoken with Wells and Marie Perry, vice chairwoman of the Trustees, so she reversed her decision. 

Though Wells and Perry were supportive of Kallas, they did not speak for the full board, which was scheduled to meet Wednesday to decide the matter – only the full board could decide her fate.  

Wells would not comment further on the turn of events.  

Kallas was present for the Trustees’ meeting briefly, then left before the meeting began. Kallas is a good person and a talented librarian, so the Albermarle Observer wishes her the best. You’re in our prayers.

Meanwhile, the search begins again for a new Regional Librarian. 

“The regional board and libraries are moving forward with great expectations for the bright future,” Wells said. “We are moving ahead with an Interim Director and a search for a new head librarian at Shepard-Pruden.”  

Larry Ekberg, president of the Friends of Shepherd-Pruden Memorial Library, told the board his main concern was staffing the local library. 

“My focus and my group were anxious to have a new librarian here,” he said, adding that employees “need a leader.” 

Ekberg also raised concerns about a pending state aid grant application affecting all four libraries in the system.

Board members said that paperwork was largely complete. 

“It’s state aid — it’s what keeps all the libraries” funded, one member said, noting the application was essentially finished aside from one outstanding document. 

Wells said Linda Reynolds, a Public Library Management Consultant of the Library of North Carolina, will help finalize the submission before a Sept. 15 deadline.

In other business, the board also discussed forming a hiring committee for the Shepard Pruden library position, with plans to interview two previously lined-up candidates as soon as next week.

And the search begins for a new regional librarian.

Trustees’ next regular meeting was moved from Sept. 8 to Sept. 28 at 11 a.m. in Plymouth.