By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
After more than two decades at the helm of the East Troy Lions Public Library, Director Jackie Gotz is retiring. Her successor is expected to be named in the coming weeks, officials say.
Ann Zess, president of the Library Board, said she and the other six members will be interviewing candidates in the coming weeks with the goal of having Gotz’s successor named in the near future.
“Our last interview will be taking place Jan. 15, and we would like to have someone in the position by the end of the month,” said Zess, who also serves on the Village Board.
Broadly speaking, Zess said she and other Library Board members will be seeking out a director who has a good handle on technology and its role within modern public library functions.
“It would be great to have someone who can see into the future and have an idea of the importance of bringing the library into the electronic age,” Zess said. “That technology aspect is very important.”
Gotz indicated in October she would be retiring, and the Library Board posted the position in late November.
East Troy, obviously, has not been in the position of seeking out a library director for a long period of time. For this reason, Zess said she and other Library Board members have been seeking out the expertise of the Lakeshores Library System, of which East Troy Lions Public Library is a member.
“We’ve been looking to them as a resource, and they’ve been very helpful as we move forward,” Zess said.
Zess said she and other board members are grateful to Gotz for her years of service to the community.
“I think Jackie is going to be greatly missed by a lot of people,” Zess said. “She’s done a great job of managing the library through changing times.”
Gotz’s last official day with the East Troy Lions Public Library was Saturday. But Zess said she will continue to have a role as the transition takes form this month, including input in the candidate interview process.
An open house-style farewell party in Gotz’s honor is scheduled to take place Thursday, Jan. 17, at Ivan’s Backstage. Refreshments will be served at the event.
If you go …
WHAT: Open house-style farewell party for retiring East Troy Lions Public Library Director Jackie Gotz
WHEN: 3:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17
WHERE: Ivan’s Backstage, 2093 Division St.
