Library Director Out

The tale of Library Director Ann Wirtanen is coming to an end, with Wirtanen heading to the Winchester Public Library, the Fitchburg Pride has learned. She leaves the Fitchburg Public Library Jan. 15.

It's been a tough one for Wirtanen over the last year. She was none-too-pleased by the cuts in library funding and the attendant state decertification. It only got worse when many people noted her lack of response to improve its situation itself, instead doing little more than complaining about the situation. Things got even worse in the aftermath of the ice storm. It's no secret she was displeased over the library being used as an animal shelter. It's also not much of a secret that she expressed her displeasure rather loudly.

Without a doubt, Wirtanen was defending her department, and at the end of the day her responsibility and focus is the library. But the way she went about things didn't do herself or the library any favors, and after the shelter fiasco, there was some talk her days could be numbered.

Whatever the case, she's heading out. Consider this nugget as she makes for the door:

“The Winchester Public Library is well supported by the town. They value the library and it shows,” said Wirtanen.