Samuels Public Library Names Eileen Grady Interim Director: Board Launches National Search for New Executive Director

The Samuels Public Library Board of Trustees has accepted the resignation of Library Director Michelle Ross and has named Eileen Grady as Interim Director, a role she has previously held. After serving as Samuels Library Director for three years, Ms. Ross is exploring career opportunities at larger libraries. Ms. Grady possesses extensive institutional knowledge at the library, spending the past 21 years at Samuels and most recently serving as Director of Operations. She was instrumental in moving the library to its current location in 2009 and has participated in all aspects of library services.

Library Director Michelle Ross joined Samuels Public Library on July 1st, 2020.

“Michelle has played an integral role in expanding and improving the library’s programs during her tenure in Front Royal. While we are disappointed that she is leaving our community, we respect her decision to pursue her larger career goals,” said Board of Trustees President Melody Hotek. “Fortunately, we have an experienced, talented, and dedicated library professional in Eileen Grady to immediately take the reins and keep the library moving forward in positive ways. The board is grateful to Eileen for once again stepping up to the plate.”

The Samuels Public Library recently implemented new parental controls and continues to work with the Warren County Board of Supervisors on policy and funding directives for the remainder of the 2023/2024 fiscal year and beyond. Ms. Grady has been an active participant in these discussions and is fully prepared, along with board direction and support, to lead the organization in this effort. The library board will immediately initiate a national search to identify a permanent library director. The board hopes to accomplish this goal in the next six months.

(About Samuels Library: Originally founded in 1799 and renamed Samuels Public Library in 1952, it became the second library in the state to receive a charter and has served the citizens of Front Royal and Warren County for more than two centuries. In the past fiscal year, the library has added 2,035 new cardholders and held 650 in-person and virtual programs, hosting 19,843 attendees. Attracting more than 125,000 visitors annually, the library logged 391,919 total checkouts last year. For more information on Samuels Public Library, go to: www.samuelslibrary.net)