The DeLand Regional Library, 130 E. Howry, DeLand, will be closed Sunday, Nov. 21 and Monday, Nov. 22, 2021.
The Pierson Public Library, 115 N. Volusia Ave., Pierson, will be closed Monday, Nov. 22 through Wednesday, Nov. 24.
All Volusia County Libraries will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 25 – 26, in observance of the Thanksgiving weekend.
The temporary closures are necessary to provide library staff time to cope with the stages of grief having lost one of their caring library assistants, Sara Morales, who died tragically Nov. 21. Volusia County Library staff are a close family, whose close and compassionate relationships are deeply affected by Sara’s death.
Library staff from the DeLand Regional Library also help staff the Pierson Public Library, which is why the Pierson Library necessitates the temporary closure along with the DeLand Library.
The County’s focus right now is with our employees and all those who’ve been impacted by Sara’s death. The County’s critical incident stress management team (CISM) as well as grief counselors are being made available to provide emotional support to our employees. We are unable to comment on the details of the incident, as they are the subject of a law enforcement investigation. The Orange City Police Department is in charge of the investigation and all questions regarding the incident should be directed to OCPD.
“Our immediate concern is for the welfare of Sara’s family, her library colleagues, and all of our County employees,” said Volusia County Deputy Manager Suzanne Konchan. “We are all shaken up by the incident. As we grieve the loss of one of our own, we stand together in wholeheartedly supporting one another during this difficult time.”
Sarah was 35 years old and has been a County employee since January 2019. “Sara was well liked by patrons and staff for her upbeat personality,” said Regional Librarian Ann Collins. “She was kind, hardworking, a team player and always ready to help.”
The County appreciates the public’s patience and understanding during the temporary library closures.
— Kevin Captain, Volusia County Community Information Director
