Local News | Lake Bluff library director leaving for position in another North Shore community

The Lake Bluff Library is now looking for a new director as Renee Grassi has submitted her resignation as she is moving to another North Shore community.

Grassi, who was hired in January 2023, has been named the Assistant Director at the Wilmette Public Library, according to a statement. Her last day in Lake Bluff will be September 20.

During her run in Lake Bluff, Grassi has overseen the development of a new strategic facilities plan, an evaluation of the 50-year-old library building, and the addition of new furnishings and equipment, per the statement.

On the economic side, Grassi and the library board secured nearly $85,000 in previously unallocated personal property replacement tax funds from the Village and a $45,000 grant from the Illinois State Library.

However, due to low attendance and financial issues, the library has introduced a pilot program reducing hours of operation, including closing the Scranton Avenue building on Sundays.

"Lake Bluff Public Library has a long celebrated history in this town, and I am deeply honored to have been a part of it," Grassi added in the statement. "While there are challenges ahead for the organization, I have every confidence in the staff, the Library Board, the Friends of the Lake Bluff Library, the Lake Bluff Public Library Foundation, and the residents of Lake Bluff. My sincere wish and hope is that the community can work together to ensure that Lake Bluff Public Library has a strong and permanent place in the future of this community."

Library Board President Bonnie Shaul praised Grassi's efforts in an e-mail.

"Renee has been a steadfast advocate for improving the financial position of the Library and for community inclusion and staff development," Shaul wrote. "She has made several improvements to enhance the public and staff experience at our cherished library, the local agency with the highest esteem rating."

Shaul said in an interview that at a September 5 special meeting, the Board approved hiring an interim director with that search to be done internally. She said it was possible, but not probable, that a current staff member would be selected to lead the library on an interim basis

Shual said in a separate action the board approved retaining an executive search firm to assist with the hiring of a permanent replacement for Grassi. She expected that process to take four to six months.

Grassi had an annual salary of $112,000 and oversaw 23 employees.