SANDPOINT — Vanessa Velez is no longer the interim East Bonner County Library director.

After a lengthy, nationwide search for a new director after Viktor Sjoberg stepped down earlier this year, Velez was tabbed as the new director after a multi-month process during which six highly qualified candidates were interviewed for the post.

"After advertising nationally, the board interviewed six highly qualified candidates, and Ms. Velez stood out as being the best fit for East Bonner County Library District," Amy Flint said for the EBCL board of directors.

"The board is very excited that she accepted our offer, and confident that she will continue to do an excellent job of managing the East Bonner County Library."

Flint said the board appreciated patrons' patience as the board worked their way toward finding the best possible candidate to lead the Sandpoint-based library district. During the process, the board was committed to finding and choosing the right person, which took more time than originally anticipated.

"Rest assured that East Bonner County Library will continue to provide excellent services and resources to the citizens of East Bonner County," Flint said. "We feel very fortunate to have both an amazing facility and a highly qualified new director in our rural area."

Velez has served as interim director twice, fulfilling the director role and maintaining the library’s high standards for over a year in total.

Velez has worked at the EBCLD since October 2006, working as both a library technician and library specialist. She served on the library district's technology committee and is serving on its long-range goals committee.