Search for new library director narrowed to two

And then there were two.
The Oxford Public Library Board of Trustees will interview two finalists for the director position Wednesday, April 18 at the library.
Bryan Jay Cloutier, director of the Ruth Hughes Memorial Library in Imlay City since April 2003, will be interviewed at 5 p.m.
Jacalynn Harvey, assistant director of the Roseville Public Library since 2002 and a substitute librarian for the Clinton-Macomb Public Library since 2005, will be interviewed at 7 p.m.
‘I don’t know either one of them personally, but I’m really impressed with their background in technology and their background in finance and budgeting,? said Oxford Library Director Judy Doublestein. ‘Those are things we were looking for ? people who are strong in those areas.?
Doublestein, who’s been director since 1984, is planning to retire May 31.
Prior to Imlay City, Cloutier worked as the internet services coordinator for the Lapeer District Library from August 1994 until August 2003. He resides in Lapeer.
Harvey, of Rochester Hills, supervised the Washington Township branch of the Romeo District Library from 1991-2002 before landing in Roseville.
She also worked as a substitute librarian for the Rochester Hills Public Library from 1997-2002 and as the youth services librarian for the Oak Park Public Library from 1989-1991.
‘They both have great experience working with the community,? Doublestein said. ‘That’s a real important role ? representing the library in the community.?
Doublestein noted that Oakland County Commissioner Brad Jacobsen (R-Oxford) has ‘graciously volunteered? to give both candidates a tour of the community and offer them ‘some background on where they might be working.?
A total of 16 candidates applied for the Oxford directorship.
Doublestein noted the private firm hired by the library board to assist with the director search, the East Lansing-based Hartzell-Mika Consulting, was conducting searches for Brighton, Miland and Novi at the same time as Oxford’s.
‘This was the hot spot,? she said. ‘There were more applications for the Oxford job than all the other three combined.?
‘I think, as a community, we can be really proud that Oxford is well known and an up and coming place where people want to be,? Doublestein noted.