Library candidate drops out in Saugus

SAUGUS – One of the three top candidates for permanent Saugus Pubic Library director has withdrawn his application.According to Linda Cappabianco, librarian for young adults, candidate Thomas Simiele, current director of the Indian Trails Public Library District in Wheeling, Ill. notified the board of his intention to withdraw.Simiele was scheduled for a face-to-face interview with the trustees Monday, followed by an informal public meeting where light refreshments were planned. As a result of his withdrawal, the field of finalist candidates has been whittled to Diane Wallace, current director of the Bacon Free Library in Natick, and Ewa Jankowska, the present interim director of the Saugus Public Library, who has filled the post since the departure of the last director over three years ago.Trustees met in executive session Monday to determine the next steps in the process. Pamela Gill, chairman of the trustees, said the candidate search was never officially closed.”On advice from other libraries, we kept it open,” she said. “That way, you don’t have to re-post the job. As of right now, we’re still getting applications.”The trustees originally received 11 applications for the job, some from as far away as Florida.Wallace is still scheduled to meet the trustees for an interview on March 21, and Jankowska on March 28, both sessions followed by opportunities to meeting the public.