Hartford Public Library Director Blalock To Retire
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 9/5/2008
- Was LJ’s 2001 Librarian of the Year
- Presided over revamped main library
- Had a “tumultuous” recent run
After enduring criticism of the Hartford Public Library’s (CT) security practices and a flap about two branch closures, chief librarian Louise Blalock, who won the 2001 Librarian of the Year award from LJ and presided over a renovated main library, on Thursday unexpectedly announced her retirement. "It's been a great run," Blalock said at a library board meeting, according to the Hartford Courant. "The last bit of it was a bit tumultuous."
Blalock said her decision was not related to the Courant’s critical reporting in May but rather that it was time to retire; she is 74. As noted in LJ, the newspaper charged that the library, lacking a policy on handling behavior problems, was lax in responding to concerns about patron drinking and sexual activity, that staffers felt unsafe, and that the absence of a security system enables theft of materials. The library board, in response, agreed to convene a task force to examine and address issues of safety, security, and Internet content at the library.
After Blalock's announcement, comments on the Courant’s web site (here and here) included significant praise for Blalock’s leadership as well as biting criticism. The library won a 2002 National Award for Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Board President Geraldine Sullivan saluted Blalock, according to the newspaper: "Your vision has taken this library into the 21st century."
Meanwhile, the library board, residents, and the city council/mayor have been jousting about reopening two branches that were closed in July. Mayor Eddie A. Perez, a critic of the library, has not been willing to provide the $200,000 needed, but rather, according to the Courant, offered $50,000 plus an agreement to audit the library's budget to find $150,000 in savings. The city has an $8 million deficit.
