Gough’s resignation spurs speculation

Maggie Gough, who served as director of the Elmont Memorial Library since May of 2009, submitted a letter on Aug. 15 announcing her decision to resign. Gough’s resignation was effective on Sept. 2.

Gough was responsible for bringing the exhibit, “Pride and Passion: The African American Baseball Experience,” to the library, as well as several free events, including “Jackie Robinson: My Story,” “The Story of Woodstock: Back to the Garden” and “Elmont’s Health Checks.” She also spearheaded the doubling of seating in the Young Adult section, and the building of a “Patron Assistance” desk across from the circulation desk, to make it easier for patrons to search for books and other media.

The library’s Board of Trustees voted on Aug. 25 to appoint librarian Carolee Ciulla as Elmont’s librarian-in-charge until a new director is hired. Ciulla will be receiving a $20,000 salary increase to fill the position. The board also appointed a new attorney, Thomas M. Volz, to take to place of Robert O’Brien, who recently retired.

Since Gough — the library’s fifth director in the past six years — announced her resignation, speculation has surfaced regarding her reason for departure, which hones in on what some have called a rocky relationship with the library board. Gough declined to comment about the impetus for her resignation, but said she gained invaluable experience at Elmont, for which she is grateful.

“My experiences at the Elmont Memorial Library have been invaluable in the trajectory of my career, for which I am deeply appreciative,” Gough said. “The communities served by the Elmont Memorial Library are fortunate to have such a wonderful facility in which to be engaged, informed and entertained. I have had the pleasure of interacting with hundreds of community members which has given me tremendous personal and professional satisfaction.”

Gough, whose annual salary at Elmont was $95,000, said that she has accepted an offer to serve as the director of another suburban library, but declined to say where. Past directors and board members of the library, however, haven’t been as quiet.