Roselle library leader says goodbye

Time to read in peace. In addition to travel, that's probably what Ken Gross craves right now.

After more than three decades of working around books and helping people find the perfect one, Roselle's library director is ready to exhale. Sometimes, the daily duties of running a library don't allow him much time for leisurely reading. But Gross, who has been Roselle's library director for six years now, will soon have his chance. Though he loves his job, he looks forward to retirement. He will leave his post in December.

"He did a fine job," Roselle Library Board President Sharon Hitzemann said. "He was very good with reaching out to the community and making it aware of the library."

Gross came to Roselle in 2001, when he replaced Dianne Lueder. He has worked for 27 years in libraries across the Chicago area, serving as head of reference, overseer of government documents and head of adult services. Prior to coming to Roselle, he was the assistant director at Rolling Meadows Library for about 10 years.

"I will miss working with the public," Gross said.

The library board is currently accepting applications to fill the position. Gross' successor will be expected to operate on an annual budget around $1.4 million and be ready to handle the library's growing pains. Presently, the library board is looking at ideas for expansion and renovation.

"We need someone who knows financing," Hitzemann said.

The board will consider applicants from all over the country but would prefer someone more local, she said.

The library serves roughly 25,000 residents and contains a collection of roughly 101,000 volumes. The salary for the position will be between $70,000 to $75,000 but is negotiable based on experience.

Applicants should submit resumes or make inquiries to John Keister & Associates at (847) 955-0540.