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The effort came in the form of a Change.org petition started on Sunday, Aug. 11 following the 30-day suspension of Mamaroneck Public Library Executive Director Jennifer O'Neill.
According to the petition, O'Neill will soon be given a hearing to determine her future employment, despite her record with the library being "impeccable." The reason for the suspension has not been revealed by the library.
"Jennifer has served the community tirelessly," the petition's organizers wrote, adding, "Jennifer has never had any disciplinary action against her."
The suspension is not the only recent controversy to involve the library, as its former business manager, 62-year-old Mary Soto, was sentenced to three years of probation in late July for stealing $43,940 from the institution over several years.
According to the petition's organizers, O'Neill played a major role in discovering Soto's actions, which went on for years even before her hiring. She also helped secure a loan from the Village of Mamaroneck that kept the library open despite the shortfall caused by Soto's theft.
Additionally, organizers said O'Neill was instrumental in keeping the library open through the pandemic.
"Please help us right the injustice of the library board. These actions set a terrible example to the community and reflect poorly on us all," the organizers wrote on the petition.
As of Wednesday, Aug. 14, the petition had garnered 260 signatures. Those interested in signing it can do so by clicking here.
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