Good news for bookworms and library patrons – the Appomattox County Library is getting a staffing boost, thanks to a nod from the Board of Supervisors Monday night. The Supervisors formally approved adding $29,238 to the upcoming FY2026 library budget, paving the way for two key personnel changes.

This wasn’t entirely new news; the request was left hanging after the Board finalized the budget for advertisement back on March 25th. But Monday night, it got the official stamp. The funds will allow the library to promote its current Public Services Specialist to a newly created Assistant Library Director position. Additionally, a part-time Library Assistant role will be reclassified and upgraded to a full-time Youth Services Specialist.

Supervisor Reverend Jones made the motion to approve the funding, with Supervisor Carter providing the second. County Administrator Susan Adams clarified the financial housekeeping involved. Apparently, the initial difference discussed at the March work session was over $42,000. However, the Librarian had requested that about $14,000 from her part-time salary budget be repurposed, bringing the new money needed down to the $29,238 figure approved Monday. “So if you make a motion [on the next item], then we’ll need new funds,” Adams noted, indicating this library adjustment kept things balanced for now.

The vote was unanimous. While it might seem like inside baseball, these changes signal an investment in library leadership and dedicated services for young people. An Assistant Director can take on more administrative and strategic planning duties, freeing up the Librarian, while a full-time Youth Services Specialist underscores the library’s commitment to our youngest readers and learners. In a tight budget year, it’s a notable shuffle on the County’s staffing shelf.