Anne Haywood, who directed Bruton Memorial Library for 23 years and led numerous technological advancements during that time, retired Aug. 22, after an investigation into her history of professional behavior. It was found that she had broken numerous policies in the city’s employee handbook.
“It’s been a bad year,” Haywood said. “I had a lot of professional stress, putting together a lot of plans that you’re going to see the fruition of soon.”
These plans include improving the speed and connection of wireless Internet, purchasing new computers and installing a self-checkout system.
“I had a lot of personal tragedy this year, too,” she said. “It seemed like for the city’s purposes and for my purposes, it was better for me to go.”
Interim City Manager Dave Sollenberger received an anonymous letter earlier this summer that suggested that Haywood had been mistreating and abusing library staff members. Barry Maurer, an SCU detective for the police department, began an investigation Aug. 4, regarding Haywood’s potential violations of policies in the City of Plant City Employee Handbook.
Through an extensive, two-week series of interviews and written communication with current library employees, former library employees and Haywood herself, Maurer determined Haywood had violated handbook policies through behavior such as: employee abuse, disability discrimination, non-compensated labor, forced resignation and inappropriate tirades.
Maurer’s 16-page report of the investigation lists dozens of instances that were found to hold credibility. Of the employees Maurer interviewed, 88% expressed concern for the ways Haywood treated her staff.
Looking back on Haywood’s 23 years as library director, some city leaders have pointed out her accomplishments.
Mike Karr, assistant to the city manager, described the library’s 2007 “makeover,” for which Haywood found funding from various sources and grants. Through that project, the service and information desks were reorganized, a “teen space” was provided for young patrons and new bookshelves were installed. Haywood also enhanced the library’s technological appeal by focusing on the importance of computer and Internet access.
Haywood said Bruton’s attendance during her time as director had increased to gratifying levels. She attributed this to the availability of computers and Bruton’s hours. Bruton has more open hours per week than other branches in Hillsborough County. Haywood recalled one quarterly report that showed more people logging into the computers at Bruton than any other Hillsborough branch.
“I hope that the hundreds, if not thousands, of patrons that I have enjoyed helping through the years will remember me for the positive and helpful service that my staff and I provided,” Haywood said. “I wish the city all the best as they complete the exciting projects that we had underway when I left.”
Sollenberger said he was “blown away” by the library’s attendance when he first stepped in during his first stint as city manager.
“It’s an incredible institution the city has,” Sollenberger said. “The library is a true gem for Plant City. A lot of that is due to Anne.”
In her retirement, Haywood plans to remain active in the community.
“I’ve been collecting antiques and folk art for 25 or 30 years,” she said. “I’m hoping to get into that marketplace and find other ways to express myself creatively. I’m excited about it.”
For now, two experienced library professionals are keeping operations running smoothly. Felix Haynes, part owner of the Plant City Times & Observer, has served as the president of three colleges in his lifetime, including Hillsborough Community College. He has been instated as the special assistant to the city manager for library operations. Susan Miles, who holds a master’s degree in library science and has been an employee at Bruton Memorial for 35 years, is the interim manager of library operations.
“Between us, we’ve got the technical aspects covered,” Haynes said. “Our goal is to maintain Bruton Memorial Library as the gem of eastern Hillsborough County that it is. It’s a wonderful library.”
Haynes and Miles began their temporary positions within days of Haywood’s retirement.
When new City Manager Mike Herr begins his term in late September, one of his first responsibilities will be to find a new library director. Library staff are in the process of giving Sollenberger suggestions of qualities they think the new director should have.
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.
