Head librarian leaves Arlington Hts. library

After leading one of the state's largest libraries for three years, Lynn Stainbrook resigned from her position with the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, effective immediately.

Jan Tucker, vice president of the library's board of trustees, said Stainbrook did not tell the board why she resigned or if she had another job lined up.

"We didn't ask her," said Tucker, who has been on the board for 32 years. Stainbrook "did give the board sufficient notice. All she said was 'I look forward to a new opportunity.'"

Stainbrook's annual salary was $129,000.

After accepting Stainbrook's resignation, the board named Paula Moore -- currently the library's public services coordinator -- the acting executive librarian.

Tucker could not say if Moore would eventually be named the permanent executive librarian.

"We have not addressed that question and at this point have not decided our next step," she said.

Moore started working for the Arlington Heights library in 1991, when she was named manager of youth services. In 2004, Moore served as the library's acting executive librarian for six months in 2004 right before Stainbrook was hired. She lives in Downers Grove.

Moore wouldn't say if she was interested in becoming the permanent executive librarian.

"Right now, we're in a transition period," Moore said. "It's an honor to work here. It's one of the best libraries in the state."

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library is one of the top five circulating libraries in the state. More than 2 million items were checked out last year, and about 70 percent of Arlington Heights residents use their library card.