Legislators Urge Reinstatement of Castleton Librarian

Rensselaer County Legislators Alex Shannon and Martin Reid are joining members of the Castleton community in calling for the reinstatement of Castleton Public Library Director Darlene Miller.

Miller was removed earlier this month by the library Board of Directors, prompting an outcry from village residents and patrons of the library. Shannon attended a meeting last night where several dozen residents and patrons voiced support for Miller.

The meeting Monday followed a meeting earlier this month where 150 residents and library patrons spoke out in favor of Miller.

Many residents and patrons voiced confusion about the reasons for Miller’s sudden dismissal. The reason for the dismissal has not been made public. Adding to confusion regarding the dismissal is the fact that the library was named first runner-up for the 2008 “Best Small Library in America” by the Library Journal and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Shannon and Reid have joined to sponsor a resolution calling for reinstatement of Miller. The resolution will be considered at the October 13 legislative meeting.

“Village residents and library patrons are enthusiastic in their support for Darlene Miller. We have had good interaction with Darlene over the years and have been impressed by the library overall,” said Shannon.

The library recently celebrated the 100^th anniversary of its founding. The small library is located on Main Street in the Village Hall and has been a popular part of the community for generations. Miller has been part of the library for 30 years.

“Darlene Miller has been a big part of the library for years and her dismissal, without explanation, has hurt supporters of the library. Based on what has been given to the public, we believe she should be reinstated,” added Reid.