Hillsborough Resident Appointed Butler Public Library Director

Hillsborough resident Rochelle Levin will officially begin her role as  Monday, marking the conclusion of a year-long search for a person to fill the position in that town.

Levin comes to Butler with a master's degree in library science from Simmons College, in Boston, and 20 years experience in the management of corporate information. Most recently, she served as the administrator of the Internal Technical Documents Collection division of Integrated Information Solutions at .

According to Butler Public Library Board of Trustees President , “Levin is well qualified for the position.”

The Butler Library has been without a director since last September. In the interim, long-time library employee  has fulfilled her duties as technology specialist while also serving as acting director. 

Butler library personnel are typically part-time employees. They work 25 hours each week and do not receive benefits. Levin’s exact hours have not yet been determined. All that is certain in the immediate future is that Levin, a Hillsborough resident, will spend 25 hours a week, over at least four days each week, at the facility. Her schedule will include at least one Saturday each month and the first Thursday of each month for the trustees’ meeting.

Levin will make $23 per hour as director.

“Until recently, librarians were pulling in $40 to $45 per hour,” said Brandau. “We just can’t do that at this time.”

Brandau explained that the trustees are very sensitive to the value of tax dollars. In particular, they are concerned about Butler citizens on fixed incomes who cannot afford the increased taxes that could result from increased salaries at the library.  

“It is our policy to hire all new staff on a three-month probationary period. That’s just our policy,” Brandau said. “For the first time, the board has agreed to review salary with her [Levin] at three months. We usually don’t give raises until after a year. But we recognize that she is driving a long distance.”

Brandau noted that the board wants to get to know Levin and make certain that both the trustees and Levin are comfortable with the fit, and fully committed, before discussing an increased wage.

“I wanted to get back into the public library arena,” said Levin. “So when the Butler library opportunity presented itself, I jumped on it.”

Levin is very excited about her position as library director. For her first week, the new director indicated she will be in the library on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in order to acquaint herself with the staff and facility.

Levin’s top priority is to continue to build the library’s strength and vitality in the Butler community.