HAVERHILL - Library trustees have decided to reopen the city's historical collection of books, photographs and artifacts using a temporary worker with archival management experience to oversee the room.
The special collection, which is kept in a room on the library's third floor, has been off-limits to the public since September because longtime curator Greg Laing is away from work due to a medical problem.
The trustees expect to reopen the collection within a few weeks, but an exact date has not been set, said Andrew Herlihy, the mayor's chief of staff.
"Their plan is to open the collection for 15 to 20 hours per week using a worker from a temporary agency that specializes in providing library science services," Herlihy said. "They welcome the use of volunteers, but they are still insisting on having a professional in charge, which is fine with us because we don't have to pay a temp benefits.
"We just want the room open as soon as possible," Herlihy said.
Interim Library Director Mary Johnson-Lally did not return phone calls for this story.
The mayor considers the special collection to be an important city tourist attraction, Herlihy said.
"People from all over the country come to Haverhill to use the special collection to research their family history," Herlihy said, adding that the library's temporary plan includes also finding a way to open the collection for a few hours each week in the evening and on weekends.
The special collection includes historical books and paintings, old city documents, century-old photographs, maps and artifacts. It is perhaps most popular among people tracing their roots in the area or researching old buildings and properties. The library is at 99 Main St., across from City Hall.
Mayor James Fiorentini and the trustees have been at odds over whether to open the room using volunteers. The mayor wants the library to accept the free help offered by several residents, including David Swartz, a local history buff and former city councilor.
Johnson-Lally and the trustees board have been adamant that they won't OK the use of volunteers without a staff person or library services professional to oversee the special collection.
At their meeting yesterday morning, Herlihy said, the trustees decided to hire a temporary worker from an agency that specializes in providing library science services. The trustees will use the same agency that recommended Johnson-Lally to the trustees about a year ago, called BiblioTemps, Herlihy said.
Swartz, who attended yesterday's library trustees meeting, is expected to help out in the room until a permanent solution is found, Herlihy said.
Fiorentini, who has been in Washington, D.C., for the last several days, did not attend the trustees meeting. The mayor, who is also chairman of the library trustees, could not be reached for comment after the meeting.
Laing's right leg was amputated in March because of a medical problem. The trustees expect to know by the end of the fiscal year in July whether Laing will try to return to the job he has held for the past 30 years, Herlihy said.
"They don't want to make a permanent decision affecting (the special collection) until they hear from (Laing)," Herlihy said.
BOX
Haverhill Public Library's special collection
Rare artwork, genealogy, books, maps and photographs
Gale Art Collection, consisting of 6,500 volumes on art, architecture and rare 19th-century works
Haverhill History Collection, including more than 1,700 photographs and works of art
Special displays on famous residents, such as poet John Greenleaf Whittier
200 volumes of old newspaper clippings, city directories and records
Information on local authors, businesses, houses, monuments, neighborhoods, railroads, schools, clubs and societies
Microfilm and microfiche readers and printers
