Naperville library finalizing plans for director search

The search for a new executive director for Naperville’s three public libraries will become, well, a little more public later this month.

Library board members met in closed session Wednesday to discuss their search to replace John Spears, who stepped down July 5 after less than two years at the helm to become executive director of the Salt Lake City Public Library. Julie Rothenfluh, the library’s deputy director, has been serving as its interim leader.

Library board President Sandy Benson said Thursday officials will publicly unveil their search plans when the board meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 21 at the downtown Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.

She would not reveal details of what the board talked about Wednesday except to say members “discussed the next steps for choosing a director.” She said officials want to “do their due diligence” after conducting a similar search just two years ago.

Earlier this summer board member Jeff Davis indicated the board was likely to conduct another national search.