Todd Duncan, the South Charleston Public Library's interim director, was introduced to City Council Thursday evening.
Duncan was introduced by Ward 7 Councilman Jamie Sibold, who sits on the Library Committee.
Duncan joined the library staff last year as youth services librarian. He became interim director on March 1 following the departure of Patricia Brown, who had served as director since early 2013.
A native of Proctorville, Ohio, Duncan now lives in Scottown, Ohio, which is north of Huntington.
In an interview prior to the meeting, Duncan said he has lived in Columbus and Zanesville, Ohio. He earned a graduate degree in library science from Kent State University. Duncan, 34, said he moved back to the region because his family is here.
Duncan told council he is getting his feet wet and the library staff is gearing up for summer reading. He said about 300 people visit the library daily. Various groups also meet there and the library provides a safe place for students after school, he said.
"We have a great library," Mayor Frank Mullens said. "I support you all 100 percent. I would like to sit down and share our visions for the future. I've heard nothing but good things and wish you nothing but good luck."
Sibold agreed to set up a meeting soon.
South Charleston's library, located at 312 Fourth Ave., is independent and non-profit. It has 13 employees and a total annual budget of about $700,000. The city provides $462,000; a levy and state grants provide the other funds. In addition to traditional services, the library provides passport and notary services.
Also at Thursday's meeting, police Chief Brad Rinehart said the recent retirement of a lieutenant in the department provided an opportunity to promote three officers.
Family members and police officers looked on as Rinehart and Mullens congratulated Pat Rader, who was promoted to lieutenant; Joey Amburgey, who was promoted to sergeant; and Aharon Davis, who was promoted to corporal.
In other action, council agreed to donate a trash truck and a dump truck to Marmet, which asked for the vehicles.
During a Finance Committee meeting prior to the council meeting, Public Works Director Gerald Burgy said neither truck is in working order. He said the trash truck has a frame broken in two places and the dump truck has a bad motor.
Mullens, who recommended the donation, said Marmet would like to try to repair and use them. The donation passed by unanimous voice vote.
Mullens said he and Burgy are evaluating the city's playgrounds. He asked the Recreation Committee to set up a meeting to discuss the evaluation.
"We've done a lot of work but we have more to do," he said.
Also at the meeting, council gave final approval to an ordinance correcting an error in one of the business and occupation tax rates for utilities that was enacted in 2005. Mullens described it as a housekeeping measure.
Dave Tucker, who is running for sheriff, introduced himself and asked for votes in the May 10 primary election.
Burgy reminded everyone that spring cleanup will be April 30 from Jefferson Road west (the Spring Hill area) and May 7 from Jefferson Road east (the South Charleston area).
All members of council attended Thursday's meeting.
Council's next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. May 5 on the second floor of City Hall on D Street.