By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Chilton County Library Board will be calling in a state library consultant to help with finding a new director.

Former director Savannah Kitchens left her position on March 28 to take a position in Montevallo. Before leaving, Kitchens told the library board about free consulting services through the Alabama Public Library Service.

“Savannah, our previous director, was just wonderful in making us aware of this resource,” Board chair Jane Mason said.

Mason said the consultant would help the board develop a job description to use in its search as well as get the word out about the position through his connections. The consultant would be paid by the state.

Right now, the board is in the very beginning stages and are starting “to formulate our goals and objectives” for the position.

“We will be building on the successes that we have had in the past two years and also looking at current needs,” Mason said.

Some of these successes include record circulation (materials checked out of the library), receiving a Bronze Level Standard Award, updating the books available at the library through grants and adding a number of programs for children, teens and adults.

Mason said the library board is also looking to the future and the people that recent industrial announcements will bring to the county.

Story times, clubs and activities at the county’s libraries will continue in the interim.

Some things that will be a focus when looking at candidates, according to Mason, will be a master’s degree in library science, enthusiasm for the position, being able to write grants, plan outreach in the community and desire to attend professional development.

Mason said she was so impressed with how staff welcome the community to the library.