Montgomery County Library Director Rhea Young was abruptly fired last week, a move she calls politically motivated. Young, who had received full commissioner support months ago, says she was blindsided as County Judge Mark Keough took over library oversight.
Last Monday, Rhea Young, the director of Montgomery County Library, was abruptly let go. Given current discussions on library book availability, she believes this action was politically driven.
At their January 28 meeting, the county commissioners had named Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough to supervise the library system. Keough kicked Young that same day—without saying anything.
Young claimed, "No reason was stated." Young said, "As far as I know, I was doing a good job."
Rising 56-year-old Young replaced Jerlynn Williams, who resigned after 25 years, as director in September 2022. She expressed disbelief at her dismissal, pointing out that commissioners had voted her confidence just seven months before.
Her dismissal comes after intense arguments about which books the county's library system should have on hand. Young, a former librarian for Splendora ISD, stressed that her method gave balanced collections that benefit every member of the community priority.
"Libraries are supposed to be open arms for all, not just a certain group of people," she remarked.
Keough said he intended a national search for a new director who "shares the values of the community" and follows Commissioner guidance while declining to comment on Young's firing.
An anonymous letter acquired through an open records request claimed issues with Young's leadership, including material selection, employment policies, and a dearth of branch location visits.
Despite these assertions, Young has gotten excellent community support, as many have objected to her dismissal.
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