The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON—The Columbia County Rural Library District board has announced the resignation of Library Director Dusty Waltner, who has accepted another job, effective July 31.

Board Chair Karin Spann said because of uncertainties concerning COVID-19, and possible budget shortfalls, the decision has been made to appoint Kristie Korslund as Interim Director, for six months. As an employee at the library, Korslund has been involved in the library’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This will get us through budgeting at year-end when we hopefully have a better idea of future service needs,” Spann said.

Dusty Waltner began her employment at the Dayton Memorial Library in March 2015.

Waltner said she has grown, both personally and professionally, during her time here.

“I experienced many of my firsts here in Dayton, including; riding a combine, participating in a county fair, and learning to can my own vegetables. “It will definitely be bittersweet to leave,” she said. “I will truly miss this community, and the wonderful people that made going to work every day feel more like old friends catching up over coffee.”

Waltner said creating the Youth Library downstairs from the Main Library is one of her best accomplishments.

“The smiles and laughter of the kids and their families when they walk down the stairs to their own dedicated library will forever mean the world to me,” she said.

She is also proud of the robust collaborative relationship established with the Dayton School District.

“We were able to work with teachers to ensure we have resources to enhance lesson plans and assignments, provide regular field trips for various classes, throughout the year, and collaborate on programs, to improve literacy and technology skills, throughout our community,” she said.

Waltner said she is thrilled to have had the opportunity to help build positive experiences for families that had never used the Library before.

“I am proud of the work we were able to accomplish during my tenure, and know I am leaving the library well-positioned for years to come,” Waltner said.