Wilson declined to discuss specific concerns, saying that employees are trying to take the “high road’’ and not engage in a public back and forth.
“You don’t want information getting out there that takes on a life of its own,’’ she said. “You want to give the process a chance to work.’’
Concord Town Manager Chris Whelan said the town places a high value on the library employees. He disputed comments that they are treated with too little respect.
“I don’t agree that the town manager or library director has shown any disrespect for staff,’’ Whelan said. “They are highly valued. They are helpful to patrons who consistently rank them among the highest of town services.’’
Library director Kerry Cronin, who joined the staff in 2009, said she values the employees at the library and looks forward to working with them on the many improvements they have planned, including the increased use of technology and expanded programmingfor all ages.
“I have the highest respect for the knowledge and skills of our staff,’’ she said.
Cronin said the library has introduced some procedural changes that are needed to ensure proper management. For example, she said,they are tightening financial management practices related to the collection of cash for fines.
“I understand change can be difficult for some but we are all working toward the same goal of providing the people of Concord with a first-class modern library that continues to satisfy the needs of our patrons,’’ Cronin said.
The employees approached Council 93 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees late last year about joining the union. The Concord library has two branches and strong support in town, with nearly 92 percent of residents holding library cards. The library recently completed a $3.5 million renovation of its Fowler branch in West Concord, with most of the money donated by residents. In Concord, the town pays for the staff, while the nonprofit Concord Free Public Library Corporation owns the buildings and grounds.
