Newbury Library Board Rejects Sole Director Applicant, Widens Search Through State Agency

NEWBURY -- May 13, 2026, Newbury's Library Board restarted its director search after its only applicant lacked required librarian certification. The three-member board, trustees Terry Livers, Alexander Burke, and Richard Vasari, met in special session May 13 and agreed to decline the sole response to the town's initial job posting, with Vasari noting the applicant, described as currently employed at the Broad Institute in Cambridge, had indicated only a "willingness to seek" certification rather than already holding it. Burke was delegated to send a polite declination letter. The board confirmed the vacancy will be posted with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners once a five-day local notice requirement expires, and set an informal target of filling the role by August 2026. A full board reorganization, the chair and secretary seats were vacant following May 12 town elections, and formal search committee formation are planned for the May 20 regular meeting.