The board reprimanded Van Drie in March for charging more than $1,000 in personal expenses on a business credit card. Although trustees determined her intent had not been malicious because she promptly reimbursed the charges, they rescinded her credit-card privileges for six months. Then, in an unrelated matter, the board suspended Van Drie for one week in April for reportedly failing to meet management goals.
Citing strategic differences with the board in terms of governance, facilities, and projects as the reason behind her resignation, Van Drie told American Libraries she had been so eager to become a library director that she accepted the position in 2002 “even though I was offered the job on a 5–4 vote. I also should have paid more attention to the fact that my predecessor [Philip Cherry III], who also wanted to move the library to national prominence, chose to resign his position. I should have known better.” She pointed out that under her direction, the library experienced 33% annual growth with 12% fewer employees, avoided deficits projected by previous administrations, and broke revenue and usage records.
Board President John Brien praised Van Drie for increasing circulation “while bringing the library under budget during challenging economic times,” but told the Register Star that her resignation was necessary “for the library to go forward and achieve its goals.” He also said that, in light of the controversy, a planned tax referendum next year to renovate and build library facilities would likely be dropped.
Jennifer Giltrop, associate director of public services, was appointed acting library director until a permanent replacement is hired.
Posted May 6, 2005.