Who knew a public library could be rife with political intrigue?

The director of the Lincoln Library – Springfield’s city-run public library – has been fired, as has an underling who used city resources to organize a campaign on her behalf.

The State Journal-Register reports Summer Beck-Griffith (pictured) has been let go, along with Hilary Rains, the library’s community engagement manager. Rains authored a letter, signed by more than thirty employees, supporting Beck-Griffith.

Mayor Misty Buscher said last week Beck-Griffith does not have a library sciences degree and thus may hamper the library’s ability to attract grant money. Rains’ letter said that was untrue.

Former mayor Jim Langfelder appointed Beck-Griffith after firing the previous director, Rochelle Hartman. whom he had hired. Hartman has stayed in the Springfield area was involved in Buscher’s campaign for mayor.