After 20 years with the Coplay Public Library, Maryrose Farquhar is out of a job.

The Coplay Public Library Board held an executive session at the June 12 meeting, then reconvened and unanimously voted to terminate her employment.

According to board President Janet Eisenhauer, who spoke to The Press Saturday, the director's position had been open since Jan. 13.

Eisenhauer said Farquhar had been on medical leave since January.

"We are at the point where we need another body in the library," Eisenhauer said.

Eisenhauer said pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the library was legally required to keep the position open for 90 days. Eisenhauer also said the library board provided Farquhar with a copy of the Fair Labor Standards Act highlighting medical leave.

"We were well past the 90 days," she said.

Eisenhauer added the board had to act as Farquhar had not been working since January.

"She's been an employee all this time, but had not been in since Jan. 13," Eisenhauer said.

In a telephone interview with The Press Monday, Farquhar said she had requested time off work in January due to health problems.

She said she provided the library and library board with the necessary doctor's excuses throughout her medical leave.

"I just figured as long as I fulfilled my end of the bargain, that was sufficient," she said. "I was disappointed."

She said she had not taken a sick day during the 20 years prior to her medical leave.

According to Farquhar, she was not aware of the termination until Saturday, when she received a certified letter in the mail informing her of the library board's decision.

Eisenhauer said Farquhar was aware of the needs of the library and the employment situation the library board was in.

"I know they had to fill the position but [I am disappointed] to not be so much as asked," Farquhar said.

The Press contacted library board member Charlie Sodl by telephone Monday, but he refused to answer any questions regarding the termination of Farquhar.

"That's a personnel matter and any questions, we would have to direct them to Attorney [Jack] Stover," he said.

Farquhar said she is not certain what the future holds for her. She said she will continue to concentrate her time and efforts on her health and the health of her father.