El Paso Public Library Director Mary Kaye Donahue-Hooker has been selected to head the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, effective in August. The troubled Atlanta library has been without a permanent director since Julie Hunter resigned in May 1998, citing the library board’s micromanagement.
According to the July 21 Atlanta Constitution, Donahue-Hooker’s five-year tenure at El Paso has also been marked with controversy. The highest-ranking Hispanic woman in EPPL has filed two complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging that Hooker discriminated against her because of her ethnicity.
Joan Garner, a member of the search committee, told reporters that Donahue-Hooker “was the best candidate for the job. She brings the qualities we were looking for.” Pam Caird, president of the Friends of the Alpharetta branch library, said: “I’m extremely pleased the board has hired someone, but I’m concerned about what role she will play and whether the board will give her enough freedom.”
Posted July 26, 1999.