The Austin Public Library board voted to appoint Gayle Heimer as the library's interim director at Monday's board meeting.

Heimer, the technology service librarian, will fill the position until Dec. 30. The current director, Chris McArdle Rojo, will be leaving to pursue a job opportunity in Wisconsin.

The board hopes to have a permanent candidate by February. The board put together a profile for director candidates. Even though the salary for the position is little lower than in other cities, the position does not defer much in comparison from to other cities similar to Austin, McArdle Rojo said.

Austin's library is "top notch," she added.

Deadline for the director applications is Monday. Once the resumes are reviewed, three or four candidates will be chosen for interviews Jan. 8-9, with a board meeting on the evening of the Jan. 9 for discussion and to proceed in making an offer.

A recommendation to place temporary staff member April Grabau in one of the support representative vacant positions was also approved. The library will make an official announcement for the vacant 30-hour position with three-quarter benefits early next week.

"Nine packets for the position are all ready out. People do really enjoy our library," McArdle Rojo said.

The board discussed the 2003 county library budget. The library account has been frozen to an amount of $165,343.00 for 2003 budget until the parties find a settlement on the bookmobile money. The library had requested a 3 percent increase.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com