CLN: Children’s department was dismantled

The Hayden Library was my happy place. The Children’s Department was well-organized, with well run programs designed to serve the needs of our community. Last month the Children’s Department was dismantled and renamed. Titles were changed. Many quit. All libraries within the CLN will be closed Sunday. Five out of 7 libraries will also be closed Monday, as well as being closed at 3 p.m. before kids get out of school. Hayden Library will be closed an hour earlier. Last week 7 out of 19 staff were “let go.” I was one of them. My heart broke, before I found out I wasn’t the only one. I have been there for a year and a half. I was told I was being let go because of budget reasons, because I work 20 hours or less, and my lack of longevity. One employee has worked there for 30+ years, one for 10, one for 5; they were let go without offering them a position in another library. What made me angry was getting an email about two in-house job openings at two other libraries in the CLN. The positions were not offered to the employee with 30-plus years? The one with 10 years? Five years? No. They will have to reapply! This is despicable.

GERI HAGLER

Coeur d’Alene