After nine contentious months without a librarian, the Library Board has voted to sign a contract hiring Christine Edwins as the new Pawlet Library Director. The vote was divided 3 to 2 with the two newest board members, Lauren Herbert and Cori Rail, dissenting.

Edwins was in attendance at the meeting and introduced herself to the standing-room-only crowd after the vote. According to board chair Harley Cudney, Edwins’ first day of work for the library will be tomorrow, August 14.

Both Herbert and Rail indicated that they were in favor of the applicant, but objected that the contract that was being offered had not been officially reviewed by an attorney. Employment attorney Sue Edwards reviewed the contract in an unofficial, pro-bono capacity, according to board member Joni Lee.

Resident Rhonda Schlangen agreed with this concern.

“I would think that the board would want due diligence,” Schlangen said. “Given the debacle that you’re enmeshed in… I’m disturbed that (obtaining official advice from an expert) is not a no brainer for the Library Board.”

Another factor that appeared to arouse concern is that Edwins will at first work 10-14 hours per week, as opposed to the normal 25 hours per week. Cudney explained that Edwins is still under contract for the next year as library media specialist for the Currier Memorial School in Danby.

“If necessary (she will) hire another staff member,” Cudney said.

When assessing all the applicants, the Library Board requested the input of two community members: Joanne VanMeter and Martha Schoenemann. VanMeter spoke during public comment in support of the decision to hire Edwins, and encouraged community support.

“The new librarian is starting tomorrow and I strongly feel that we are a welcoming community. We want her to succeed,” Van Meter said. “I know there’s been controversy, but I feel we need to give this woman a chance.”

Resident Sue LaPorte, who has been a vocal opponent of the decision to fire previous library director Lyndsi Barnes, called for Harley Cudney’s resignation earlier in the meeting.

“I love this library, but I gotta tell you: ever since (the dismissal) everything has become disgusting and embarrassing.” LaPorte said. “I think that Harley needs to resign… We need to get Lyndsi back her job.”

Following the vote LaPorte asked,” Is the new director aware that there is the potential of a lawsuit?”

The board chair said that Edwins had been apprised of the situation during the interview process.