Fairfield library closes a second time for training

The Fairfield Public Library closed its doors on Wednesday to train five new staff members in the wake of as many abrupt departures in recent months.

Youth Services Librarian Alecs Mickunas said outgoing staff had left for a variety of personal reasons, including retirement and strain from the pandemic.

“A lot of people resigned and retired, it just happened that a lot of them left at the same time,” he said. “The mask requirement at the public library, it remained in effect until March 15, and unfortunately there were some community members that were unkind and unreasonable with regards to the mask requirement. There was actually some verbal abuse of staff members at the library, there was one that left as a result of that.”

Wednesday was the second to see the library closed as it trains its new front desk staff. Mickunas said they were learning fast.

“We’re getting everybody trained up,” he said. “It’s very encouraging because I think the new staff are going to contribute a lot and they’re learning everything … very quickly and they’re really looking forward to serving our community, especially as we approach summer.”

Given the current job market, Mickunas said the group was lucky to find replacements so fast.

“I think it’s pretty amazing that we were able to fill these vacancies really quickly,” he said. “We hired three staff in under a month, and didn’t have trouble finding capable applicants.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com