Cornwall library makes shifts to bring back fired librarian

CORNWALL — After more than a month — and quite a bit of public outcry — Amelia “Amy” de Neergaard has been reinstated to the Cornwall Library staff.

She had worked there for 14 years, mainly as children’s librarian, until she was fired without warning June 20 by Library Director Amy Cady. The dismissal — and the manner in which she was told to quickly clear out —sparked a petition and letters from the numerous community members who patronize, volunteer and financially support the library.

They demanded an explanation from the Board of Directors, and at least an apology for de Neergaard, who was torn between wanting her job back and wondering how she could ever work there again.

A statement issued July 26 by the board read, “The Cornwall Library Board and Library Director announce that Amelia de Neergaard will rejoin the library staff as children’s program and art coordinator effective immediately.

“This agreement was reached following a review by the library’s Personnel Committee of the facts and discussions with all concerned. The parties acknowledge that the termination was the result of misunderstandings and missed opportunities for constructive communication. None of the actions taken by the parties were intended to impugn anyone’s good faith or integrity.

“The board chair and the library director have apologized to Ms. de Neergaard. The board, the library director and Ms. De Neergaard have agreed to work together collaboratively to ensure that the library continues to serve the needs of the Cornwall community.”

The statement went on to note the library was founded in 1869 as an association, and remains a nonprofit funded through donations, grants and tax dollars.

De Neergaard will return, in the revamped position, on Sept. 4.

In a written explanation given to de Neergaard on June 20, Cady noted time management issues as the reason for the firing. But de Neergaard said the only issues she was aware of was being a few minutes late on several occasions. She said she never missed a deadline. Her last performance review, five years ago,  only included time management as an area to improve.

In summarizing what transpired in the last month, de Neergaard told The Lakeville Journal that it became a chance to review policy, and open up better lines of communication. The latter showed that things were not running optimally, as the board had believed.

She said the board worked to craft a job to best utilize her expertise, and that she will work on projects, more as a contractor, and continue to organize and run children’s programs. Her desk will be moved to the children’s room.
“I won’t be working the front desk, which I will miss. I like interacting with the public,” she said.

She will work part-time through December, when she takes over as art curator from Ellen Moon. According to de Neergaard, a consultant will be hired to review staffing and operations.

De Neergaard consulted with her attorney from the beginning, but met twice with the board, library staff and the personnel committee on her own. Once they started talking, they made progress very quickly.

“It was unfortunate. If we had just all communicated better, if I had been able to meet with the personnel committee per board policy, it may not have come to this. I am not disparaging anyone. I do think everyone has learned a lesson and I commend board President Barton Jones for his leadership in all this.”

In an email de Neergaard immediately sent out to friends, she wrote, “I believe we have reached a positive solution for all concerned, and my fervent wish is that our library will continue to be a welcoming center in our small town for learning, culture, entertainment and community discourse. I look forward to having a new role in its mission.”