Firing Of Beloved Lemont Librarian Angers Residents

LEMONT, IL — Dozens of residents turned out at the Lemont Public Library board meeting on Aug. 14 to protest the firing of Children's Services Manager Mary Inman. Inman, more commonly known as "Miss Mary," was recently terminated by the library after 31 years.

According to the annual salary report posted on the Lemont Library website, Inman was hired in 1987 and was the longest serving employee at the library.

More than 40 residents, carrying signs saying "We Love Miss Mary" and "Justice For Ms. Mary," protested her firing on Tuesday night and called for Inman to be reinstated. Before the public comment period began, board president Vytenis Kirvelaitis told attendees that the library would not discuss personnel matters in an open meeting.

Several residents shared their stories of growing up attending storytimes and events at the library with Inman, or taking their children or grandchildren to such events. Many residents also said they were heartbroken that they weren't given the chance to celebrate Inman's service and to tell her thank you.

"The flippant disregard of a 30-year employee who is beloved by the community is incomprehensible," Michelle Bernard said. "She should have been celebrated by the children and the families who loved her, not removed without concern for her well-being or future.

"You robbed us and our children of the opportunity to celebrate her," she added.

Resident Michael Dunkin spoke to the board about hostile working conditions he said Inman faced.

"I am convinced that you could not have possibly have agreed to dismiss Miss Inman, if you had been made aware that the request to dismiss her came only after a year of unsuccessful tactics to force her to resign," Dunkin said. "Tactics that led to unsafe working conditions, disability discrimination and a hostile work environment."

Dunkin then mentioned what his family had seen in person at the library. He said that two weeks ago, he witnessed Library Director Sandra Pointon publicly denigrate Inman to another employee.

"The director [also] publicly humiliated Miss Inman by sending an email to the entire library staff, forbidding them from assisting Miss Inman from walking safely to her car during snow storms, even though she had severe knee pain that required surgery," Dunkin said.

Residents also cited reasons why Inman was a great librarian, saying "Miss Mary is Lemont Library."

"She definitely cares," resident Meredith Galos said. "Mary has an amazing talent and gift to make other people feel welcome, cared about, and passes her knowledge onto others."

After the public comment portion of the meeting, Kirvelaitis said the board would be addressing the issue in committee meetings and at the next board meeting in September.

According to the Reaching Across Illinois Library System jobs site, the position of Children's Services Manager at Lemont Public Library was posted on Aug. 8. The deadline is listed as until filled and the salary is $2,000 biweekly or higher depending on qualifications.

Photo by Andrea Earnest, For Patch.