ERVING — The town is seeking a new Erving Public Library director in the wake of current Director Natane Halasz’s decision to leave, effective Nov. 10.
Halasz became library director in July 2020. Her departure, she said, is the result of a “bittersweet” decision to take on a position as a research and instruction librarian at Hampshire College, where she had worked previously.
Halasz said it has been “such a joy” to work for the Erving Public Library. Her decision to leave, she said, is merely a matter of going back to a place where she’d grown comfortable.
“I’m just going in a different direction for my career,” she said. “It just signals a return to something that’s very familiar to me.”
Halasz worked as a college administrator for six years, and finished her master’s degree in library and information sciences while working at Hampshire College. Before coming to the Erving Public Library, she was director of the Leverett Library for two years.
Halasz emphasized her appreciation to the town when reflecting on her tenure as library director.
“I love working in Erving,” she said, noting she’s met many wonderful community members.
Halasz replaced Barbara Friedman, who retired after 11½ years in the role and after seeing the library through the design and construction of its new building on Care Drive. The new facility opened in March 2020 — then closed 10 days later due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
During the facility’s official open house in September 2021, a long-awaited celebration delayed by the pandemic, Halasz expressed feelings of optimism in the future of the Erving Public Library.
“I feel like we’ve accomplished a lot in a short amount of time here, particularly given the circumstances I arrived in,” she said.
Halasz said she will have “minimal involvement” in the hiring process of her successor. She noted she hopes the person hired by the town’s library trustees makes an effort to recognize what the library is capable of.
“I think the person who comes in needs to quickly familiarize themselves with the space,” Halasz said. “I’m sure anybody would be excited to get into this space and think about what’s possible here.”
Halasz said the library trustees will evaluate job applications for about two weeks, having closed the application period on Oct. 28. The interview process will commence soon after.
As of now, there is no target date for choosing a new director. First Library Assistant Jean Daley will serve as interim director until Halasz’s successor is chosen.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.