Cook Memorial library director moves up retirement

A health scare has prompted Cook Memorial Public Library District Director Dan Armstrong to dramatically move up his retirement, which was planned for December.

Although he'll officially be out of the post at the end of February, Armstrong told the Daily Herald his last day at the office actually was Monday.

Armstrong's departure comes as crews are building a new library in Vernon Hills and expanding the existing library in Libertyville.

The 59-year-old Armstrong's workload and his daily commute from his Elmhurst home had been wearing him down, he said.

"I really wanted to finish out the year, but I really felt I couldn't keep that up," he said.

Armstrong declined to elaborate about the health issue that led to the decision.

Library board President Bonnie Quirke said she knows Armstrong's decision to retire early was difficult.

"I think he was really, really looking forward to opening the libraries," she said.

The library board must search for a replacement director. It likely will appoint Associate Director Mary Ellen Stembal as interim director, Quirke said.

Stembal was the interim director before Armstrong was hired in 2007.

First it must formally approve Armstrong's resignation. That will happen later this month.

Armstrong expressed confidence in the ability of Stembal and administrators to proceed with the $14 million building projects.

Armstrong, who came to Cook Memorial from the Palatine Public Library District, announced his original retirement plans in December. The library board decided last month to hire a search firm to locate a successor.

That process must speed up now, Quirke said.