Port Jervis Free Library Elects to Keep Current Director

Also Elizabeth Miller was elected to another term on the board.

By David Ofshinsky

In a reversal from its position in May, the Port Jervis Library Board of Trustees is no longer looking to replace Library Director Curran Kohler.

According to Kohler, his understanding is that the search for a new Director was called off due to the public’s input on the issue. Beyond that, he doesn’t have any other insights into the decision.

People packed both the Board Meeting on May 20 and the annual Budget Hearing on May 22 to speak out against the plan to terminate Koehler. They said they are pleased with his work, as he has brought about some beneficial changes to the library’s operations. They also expressed concern that Koehler, who has only been in the position since last September, would be the third Director to leave the position in a span of about 3 years.

The results of the June 5 election determined that the proposed budget passed, and Eizabeth Miller was elected to a five-year term on the Library Board of Trustees, defeating challenger Sean Donnelly.

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