COURTLAND

Jenny Bakos, director of the Blackwater Regional Library System for the past five years, is leaving for a new job. She will become the executive director of the Washington County Free Library System, which is based in Hagerstown, Maryland. Her resignation goes into effect on Saturday, Nov. 30. This comes from a statement issued late Friday morning by June Flemming, chairwoman of the Blackwater Regional Library Board of Trustees.

Flemming stated, “The Board accepted the resignation with regret and acknowledged the accomplishments and progress the system has made under her leadership.”

Bakos, who has been with the Blackwater system for eight years, “acknowledges that she will take to her new position the many rewarding and progressive experiences she has developed as she led Blackwater and worked with its citizens.” She also stated that she “… leaves Blackwater with deep appreciation for the wonderful staff and communities which value quality library services.”

The trustees have named Bonnie Lauver, the current assistant director, as interim director effective Dec. 1. A search committee has been formed and will be chaired by trustee Pam Vaughn of Isle of Wight County; each locality the library serves will be represented on the committee.