Cook Library board will hire firm to help director search

The Cook Memorial Public Library District board likely will rely on an executive search firm to help find a replacement for Director Dan Armstrong, who's set to retire at the end of the year.

The board on Tuesday night unanimously agreed to solicit proposals from firms for the assignment. It's the second time in less than four years the board has needed to find a new director.

Armstrong announced late last month that he plans to retire effective Dec. 31, 2010. He has been with the Libertyville-based district for less than three years.

The board used a search firm in 2006 to find Armstrong, who came to Cook Memorial from the Palatine Public Library District. He replaced Director Fred Byergo, who had been at Cook Memorial for nearly 40 years.

Cook Memorial board member Karen Broms recommended the panel again use a professional search company and said several are interested in representing the district, which serves parts of Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Indian Creek, Green Oaks and Mundelein.

A firm would place want ads, screen candidates, assist with interviews and perform other tasks, Broms said.

"It was very helpful to have (a firm) assist us in the search," Broms said of the 2006 effort. "I think it's wise for us to consider all of our options."

Although Armstrong only recently announced his plans to step down, Broms said officials "have known for some time" that he would be leaving.

Also Tuesday, the board went into a closed-door discussion to talk about how to replace former Trustee Chris Dalton, who quit after less than three years in mid-December. His resignation was only made public this week.

Dalton's eventual replacement will serve out the rest of his term, which expires in spring 2011.