New at library Tammy Walz and Angie Johnson looked over a computer screen at the Staples Public Library. Walz assumed the local branch manager duties this past week. The Staples Public Library is in a transition stage, with the resignation/ retirement of the longtime branch manager and appointment of a new temporary replacement.

Viretta Neidhardt, who has been the head librarian for many years at the city library and more recently the Great River Regional Library's Staples branch, stepped down as of July 1 from her role.

Viretta plans to continue a few hours each week at the librarian's desk, but she has decided to let go of her management role. Replacing Viretta is her long time assistant, Tammy Walz.

The change of personnel here also comes during an apparent transition at the overall GRRL library system, which involves 32 separate libraries in numerous counties around St.Cloud. That overall restructuring is essentially unrelated to the changes at the Staples branch.

However, the restructuring will no doubt result in future changes at the Staples library.

For now, however, there will be no change in services offered at the Staples branch, Walz stated. In contrast to the news story about potential cuts inhours, she said, "We have not been told anything about a reduction in hours" at the Staples library.

Until they hear differently, Tammy said. "We will just continue doing what we always do," meaning offering the same great services they have been for months and years in the lower level of the Staples Government Center.

In addition to checking out books and magazines, patrons of the GRRL branch can check out movies and also books on tape. Patrons can access the public computers at the library or they can check out the children's book corner, where books can be read or checked out. Many other services are also offered, including special summer long programs for children and adult all year long.