The Community Library District’s demoted former library director is now out of a job.

Mary Ellen Close, who was demoted by the library board during a contentious meeting in September, was dismissed effective immediately on Jan. 20. The board did not vote on the dismissal, but was aware it would occur.

“Her services were no longer needed,” said Marlene Goodson, president of the library board.

Goodson, who in September voted against the demotion of Close, said she could not comment on the reason for the dismissal.

Close was library director since the district’s formation 26 years ago until her demotion in September. She had been the target of complaints by leaders of Twin Lakes and Randall, and the library board voted 6-2 in favor of her demotion. Two board members who supported Close resigned prior to the vote.

Since the demotion, she had been working as a clerk, but retained the salary she earned as library director. Since then, the district has been managed by an interim director while the board conducts a search for a permanent replacement.

After the demotion, an attorney representing Close put the board on notice that she was considering legal action against the board for her demotion.

In late December, after an investigation by the district’s insurance carrier, the board voted unanimously to offer Close a legal settlement.

Library Attorney Michael Kelly said Friday he could not comment on Close’s dismissal. “I know that they (the board) were in the position to do that,” he said, but he was not aware the dismissal had taken place.

Kelly said he did make the settlement offer shortly after the board vote. “That offer was made but it was never responded to,” he said.

Nicholas Infusino, Close’s attorney, could not be reached for comment.