Morrisville council declines to force posting for head librarian as manager seeks study

Council considered a motion to post and advertise a part‑time head librarian position for the Morrisville Free Library on Jan. 20, but the motion failed after roll call.

A council member initiated the motion noting the library has been without a head librarian for about a year and a half and that part‑time staff are “not trained or paid to do the job” of a head librarian. The solicitor advised the council that, under borough code, hiring authority for administrative employees resides with the borough manager (except for civil‑service positions such as police). The borough manager asked for three months to pursue a county‑recommended study to assess library needs and recommend appropriate staffing.

Several residents and library board members urged immediate hiring or at least open advertising to collect candidates; one long‑time librarian and former board member told council she had 35 years’ experience and urged expedited action. Supporters of the manager’s approach said a study would provide a data‑driven recommendation about whether the borough should maintain a part‑time or full‑time librarian and how to structure services.

Outcome: The motion to post and advertise the part‑time head librarian did not pass. Council discussed alternative steps, including temporarily collecting resumes and forming a study to define the role; the manager said he is working with county resources to produce recommendations within the requested timeframe.

What’s next: Manager will pursue the county study and report back; council members urged the manager to consider interim steps such as accepting applications for later consideration and to coordinate with the library board on an expedited timeline.