A Message to Our Community

Recent news coverage included a report of a crass and inappropriate comment made in connection with an internal personnel matter. I recognize that this has caused concern and affected staff members in different ways. I especially want to acknowledge the impact on our Youth Department colleagues.

Let me be clear: the reported comment does not reflect FPL’s values or my regard for these colleagues. Their work is central to our mission and our commitment to children, families, and the community. Every day, they create programs, provide resources, support young people and families, and help make the library a welcoming place for the next generation. Their professionalism, creativity, and dedication deserve our appreciation and respect.

As executive director, I am responsible for the culture of this library. That includes listening to our employees, taking their concerns seriously, and addressing areas where we need to do better.

The coverage also included allegations and descriptions of personnel matters. Respecting employee privacy limits what I can share publicly, but it does not lessen my responsibility to respond to concerns. When concerns are brought to our attention, we review them through our established processes and take appropriate action when warranted.

I am committed to providing a professional, respectful, and inclusive workplace for every member of our staff. That commitment requires ongoing attention to how we hire, support, train, and supervise employees, as well as how we listen and respond to their concerns.

Fayetteville Public Library has more than 100 employees whose work makes our service to the community possible. I am grateful for their dedication and professionalism. My responsibility is to support them with the same care and respect they bring to serving our patrons. That responsibility remains central to my work and to the library our community expects and deserves.

David Johnson
Executive Director
djohnson@faylib.org

 

 

Dear FPL Team,

Alongside David’s message, I want to speak directly to you about the Board’s role and my responsibility as its president. The concerns raised about the library’s workplace deserve our attention. You deserve a workplace where you are respected, supported, and heard.

To our Youth Department colleagues: I recognize that the reported inappropriate comment was hurtful and demeaning. You deserve better. Your service to children and families is essential to this library, and that comment does not reflect the respect I have for you and your work.

The Board’s responsibility is to provide oversight, establish clear expectations for leadership, and hold the executive director accountable for meeting them. While David manages daily operations and personnel matters, the Board must remain attentive to the health of the organization. That includes asking questions about workplace concerns, how they are addressed, and whether employees have meaningful opportunities to be heard.

Respecting employee privacy requires care in discussing individual matters. It does not lessen our responsibility to take concerns seriously or to uphold expectations for a professional, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

I appreciate the care and professionalism you bring to FPL, especially during a difficult time. As Board president, I am committed to thoughtful oversight that keeps your well-being and the library’s service to our community central to our work.

Thank you for everything you contribute to this library.

Stan Rodgers
President, Board of Trustees
thestanrodgers@gmail.com