Library director fired in Gibson County after months of controversy

TRENTON, Tenn. — Lindsey Gilles, the former library director in Gibson County, was let go from her job after more than eight years and says she is looking for an honest explanation.

“There was a letter that had been drafted by the foundation chairman that stated I was unwilling to help the library. Because of my inability to do the things they asked of me it really put a strain on them, and they couldn’t raise funds for the library because of my decision not to help,” said Lindsey Gilles, former director for Gibson County Memorial Library.

This refers to an annual library fundraiser that for the first time in 5 years Gilles says she wasn’t able contribute to due to health complications.
After a September board meeting which was called to address the concerns of the Gibson County Memorial Library Foundation board, Gilles had this to say.

“I had recently been told that the doctor had found a lump in my breast. I had 2 biopsies done the day before the foundation meeting, and I was awaiting those results; so I had spent a month terrified that I was going to die. I needed to focus on myself and I have three children and that’s where I wanted my focus to be,” said Lindsey Gilles, former director for Gibson County Memorial Library.

Former assistant director Stacey Lancaster, and youth services librarian Hannah Britt resigned immediately after Gilles’ termination. Lancaster tells us she believes the decision was politically motivated.

“I think the people that are involved in it are with the commission..the mayor.. a husband in former politics and I don’t feel like it was fair. We don’t even have a full board,” said Stacey Lancaster, former assistant director for Gibson County Memorial Library.

Trenton Mayor, Tony Buriss declined to comment on the matter. Adding that Gilles was a phenomenal librarian throughout her tenure, but says he is not directly involved in the decisions the library board makes and agreed with the board’s decision to terminate Gilles.

“I don’t think they were prepared for two more staff members to walk out, and that’s how ridiculous the whole thing is. I’m not going to stay and work somewhere where people are treated that way,” said Stacey Lancaster, former assistant director for Gibson County Memorial Library.

According to Gilles, the board’s only explanation was her behavior during September meeting…calling it unprofessional. In that meeting, which gillies recorded, she says she asked them to view the recording to observe her actions. When asked what behaviors they were referring to she claims they had no answer.

According to Gilles, Gibson Memorial Foundation members Charlotte Halford, Larry Kimery, and Shaula Alexander voted to terminate her.

Gilles’ claim is that under state law whenever you’re hiring and firing employees you have to have the majority of the board members present, of which she says…there were only three. Adding it would take 4 votes to terminate her. She tells us she’s looking into legal action.

We reached out to members of the Gibson County Memorial Library Foundation Board for comment. We have yet to receive a call back.