Library director announces resignation; trustees plan interim coverage and recruitment

Ashley, the Carmel Public Library's library and community activities director, announced to the Board of Trustees that she has resigned and that the August meeting would be her last.

"I want to announce that I have resigned from my position as library and community activities director and that this will be my last library board meeting," Ashley told trustees. She said she is working with the city administrator to find an interim solution until the city begins recruitment for a permanent replacement.

Trustees responded with thanks and appreciation for Ashley's years of service. Mary Jo Williams said the loss is "very bittersweet," and board members said they were grateful for her leadership through pandemic-era operations and for the staff continuity she helped maintain.

Board members said the city administrator and library leadership will coordinate interim staffing and that more details about the interim plan and recruitment timeline will be provided at a future meeting. The board discussed continuing routine operations and financial reporting while a temporary director is in place.

No formal personnel action (for example, hiring or appointment) was taken at the meeting; trustees said they expect to discuss interim arrangements and next steps at upcoming meetings.