Nov 14, 2013 By Terry Kish 2 min read

Scott Township Public Library is searching for a new director as current director Janet Forton and her husband will soon be moving to Ohio.

Director of Scott’s Library since October 2005, Forton has seen the library’s collection grow from approximately 26,000 to more than 30,000 books. She said the Hindi movie collection and Indian book section has expanded, as has the number of programs offered by the library.

“We are always tweaking things to give community residents what they want.”

Forton said that she’s very proud of how the usage of the library has increased over the years and the increase in the awareness that there is a library in Scott.

“We’re like the ‘Cheers’ of libraries,” said Forton. “We’re small, so we try to make sure everyone feels welcome here. We also try to have what they’re looking for, or if we don’t have it, find it for them.”

Forton said that she always tried to make it a point to know the library patrons, which was sometimes a challenge because she was often busy in her office. She said the credit for the atmosphere and efficiency of the library goes to her staff.

“I’ve been able to assemble a really good staff, and they’re the ones that do the job.”

Forton said that when she went to school for library science, she thought she would pursue a job in a business library. “But I found I really like being in a public library. You never know what the next patron will need.”

Forton said she is hoping to work for a company in Ohio that deals with the system side of libraries, since it would allow her to combine her knowledge of quality, library science and data systems.

Commissioner Bill Wells told his fellow commissioners of Forton’s impending departure at the board’s Nov. 12 agenda meeting, adding that Forton had been a great asset to the community.

The public is invited to a reception from 1-6 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Scott Township Municipal Building to celebrate Forton’s leadership of the Scott Township Public Library.