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The City of Boulder today announced that it will extend the search for the Boulder Public Library director.

“The field had been narrowed to four candidates, two of whom the city was interested in potentially making an offer,” said city spokesman Patrick von Keyserling. “Unfortunately, family reasons prevented one candidate from relocating, and the second candidate was not willing to accept the director position within the range offered.”

Von Keyserling said the city will work with the recruitment firm Peckham and McKinney to extend the nationwide search for the Boulder Public Library director. Until the position is filled, acting library director Jennifer Miles will continue in the position.

The city did not state when it anticipates the next round of interviews for finalists, and said that Boulder will follow a similar process before making an offer to any candidate. The field will be narrowed to top finalists who will be required to make public presentations and attend a public candidate reception.

“Our vision for the Boulder Public Library remains the same,” said City Manager Jane Brautigam. “The city is searching for the most qualified director who can lead a complex organization like our library system and its performing arts center. This is an important position that deserves the best candidate within Boulder’s salary range. While it is certainly disheartening that neither of our top two candidates is able to join the library, we will continue the selection process until we find the right candidate for Boulder.”

The Public Library Director position has been advertised since November 2010. The recruitment firm Peckham and McKinney is conducting the search process and will continue its work under the original contract of $10,500 without additional compensation.