Gibson County library director fired after months of controversy

TRENTON, Tenn. – Lindsey Gilles, the former director of the Gibson County Library, was fired from her job after more than eight years, and she says she’s looking for an honest explanation.

“There was a letter that had been written by the president of the foundation saying that he was not willing to help the library. Because of my inability to do the things that were asked of me, it put them in great danger and they were unable to raise funds for the library because I decided not to help,” said Lindsey Gilles, former director of the Gibson County Memorial Library. .

It refers to an annual library fundraiser that, for the first time in 5 years, Gilles says he was unable to contribute to due to health complications.
After a September board meeting that was called to address the concerns of the Gibson County Memorial Library Foundation board, Gilles had this to say.

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

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

“I think the people involved are on the commission … the mayor … a husband in an old policy and I don’t think it was fair. We don’t even have full board,” said Stacey Lancaster, former assistant director of the Gibson County Memorial Library.

Trenton Mayor Tony Buriss declined to comment on the matter. He adds that Gilles was a phenomenal librarian throughout his 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 ready for two more staff members to leave, and that’s how ridiculous it all is. I’m not going to stay and work in a place where people are treated like this,” said Stacey Lancaster, former assistant director of the Library Gibson County Memorial.

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

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

Gilles’ contention is that under state law, whenever you hire and fire employees you must have a majority of the board members present, of which he says … there were only three. Adding it would require 4 votes to finish it. He tells us he’s looking into legal action.

We reached out to Gibson County Memorial Library Foundation Board members for comment. We haven’t received a call yet.