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ALBANY, GA -- The search is on for a new library director in Dougherty County.

Current director Teresa Cole will be leaving at the end of next week. She'll be taking a library director job at East Central Regional Library in Augusta GA.

“We’re very excited for her, but also sorry to see her go,” said Guy Craft, the Chairman of the library’s board of trustees.  During her time in Albany the library has undergone a number of positive changes, Craft said.  Updated technology such as wireless computer capability to allow patrons to bring their own computers into the library and access its computer network, automatic sign in for computer use and self-checkout were added to the library during her tenure.  The library has also added a number of downloadable books and computer databases to its website, as well as popular programs such as the Mango Languages program and the Live Homework Help site for students.   The old Northwest Library was replaced with a new branch in a prime location on Dawson Road and funding was secured for a major renovation to the Central Library downtown, he said. 

Cole has been Dougherty County’s top librarian for five and a half years.

“I have never worked or have not yet had the pleasure of working in a community that supports its libraries the way that Albany does,” said Cole. “It was one of the top libraries in the state in terms of the amount of materials and money it provides. The county has supported us very, very well.”

Craft said that Assistant Director Ashley Moore will take over as Interim Director while the search is underway.