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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Chilton County Library Board has unanimously selected Bernadette Roche as the new library director for the system.

The director serves the Clanton, Jemison and Maplesville libraries.

“She is currently a library director in the state of Tennessee, and she has many, many years of experience,” board chair Jane Mason said.

Roche’s first day on the job will be Sept. 3. However, she will attend a meeting with the library board on Aug. 27.

Mason said Roche holds a Master of Library Science and is “proficient in grant writing” — two components the board was really looking for.

“We are really thrilled with her,” Mason said. “The interview went really well.”

Roche is preparing to move to Clanton.

“She wants to be a part of this community,” Mason said.

Although currently working in Tennessee, Roche is an Alabama native with family in Tuscaloosa, according to Mason.

Mason said the board is eager for the community to meet Roche.

The five members of the Chilton County Library Board began their director search with the help of state library consultant Jim Smith. Mason described Smith as “invaluable to us.” The consultant was paid for by the state.

The board interviewed five candidates before making a decision.