During its Feb. 21 meeting, the Russellville City Council appointed library board recommendation Perla Martinez as interim director of the Russellville Public Library.

The appointment comes following director Ashley Cummins’ resignation. Cummins has accepted a new library director role in Montana.

Russellville Mayor David Grissom thanked Cummins for her years of service. “Thank you for all of the hard work you’ve put in and the dedication you’ve shown for the library and the city. I wish you the best.”

The sentiment was echoed by Councilman Jamie Harris. “We appreciate your service for the years you’ve been with our library, and we welcome Perla onboard. I’m sure there are great things to come.”

Martinez said she is grateful for the opportunity to serve. “Ashely has been a great boss and a wonderful friend. She’s made the library a wonderful place to work, and she will be truly missed,” said Martinez. “I wish her the best in her new adventures, and I look forward to continuing to work to help move the library forward.”

“We’re glad to have her,” said library board president Lela Ray. “Perla has the heart for the job ahead, and she’s been Ashley’s right hand for years.”

Councilman David Palmer said the council is “always happy to get high quality people to help us move the city (forward).”

Cummins commended the decision. “Perla has been an absolutely amazing asset to the library, and she puts her heart into every project,” Cummins said. “She really goes above and beyond to serve every patron that comes in the door of the library. I know the library will thrive under her leadership, and I am so happy the board and the city decided to give her this opportunity to shine by appointing her as interim director.

“I have no worries leaving the library in her capable hands.”

President of the Russellville Friends of the Library Anna Carol Porter agreed, saying Martinez will be “an incredible interim director. She is very competent with the library’s business and needs, and she has a great sense of humor. She’s excellent with children, and she will serve the library well.”