Waltham Library director says family time is overdue

Tom Jewell, the director of the Waltham Public Library for the past 32 years, said recently that he is retiring in July to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

In a letter sent to members of the library's e-mail listserve, Jewell gave special thanks to the Friends of the Library for raising funds for improvements that the library wouldn't have been able to afford through its city budget alone.

"To have had the privilege of presiding over the revitalization and expansion of this wonderful institution has been deeply satisfying," he wrote.

Jewell said that the search is already underway for his replacement. Assistant Director Kate Tranquada was encouraged to apply for the post, the letter said, but she decided to remain in her current job.

The Library Trustees have set October as their target date for naming a new director.

-- Stephanie V. Siek