Stafford Board Names Janet Brown to Library Post, Apologizes to Former Member

Janet Brown was appointed Stafford County’s citizen representative to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors during their January 21, 2025, meeting. Brown’s appointment comes as the county looks to strengthen ties with the regional library system and improve its collaborative efforts to enhance library services.

Brown, a longtime Stafford resident and active community member, brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement and public service. “I am honored to represent Stafford County and look forward to working with the library board to ensure our community has access to the best resources and services,” Brown stated following her appointment. Her term will begin immediately.

The appointment follows a challenging period for the county’s relationship with the library board. During the same meeting, Chairman Deuntay Diggs issued a public apology to former library board member Mary Becelia, who was removed from her position under allegations of misconduct.

“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I extend my deepest apologies to Ms. Becelia for the hardship and embarrassment she has endured,” said Diggs. “We acknowledge the impact this has had on her personal life and family and are committed to fostering a better environment of trust and collaboration moving forward.”

Diggs further emphasized the board’s intention to address procedural shortcomings to prevent similar situations. The matter will be reviewed during a January 28 work session.

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library serves Stafford County and surrounding areas, providing the community with critical educational and cultural resources. With Brown’s appointment, the county aims to turn the page on recent controversies and reaffirm its commitment to the library system’s mission.

This development follows the December 17, 2024, formal censure of Stafford County Supervisor Monica Gary, who represents the Aquia District, for removing Mary Becelia from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees. The board accused Gary of providing misleading information that led to the unjust ousting of Becelia and violating the board’s Code of Performance. As part of her punishment, Gary was removed from all board assignments and committee appointments.

The censure resolution, passed by a 5-0 vote with one abstention, stated that Gary’s actions were “political in nature” and aimed at securing support from the Stafford Democratic Committee for her 2025 re-election bid. Gary, a one-term supervisor who ran without political affiliation, has announced her intention to seek another term representing the Aquia District.

Gary has announced she will not seek re-election after her term ends on December 31, 2025.

During the meeting, Gary defended herself, accusing her colleagues of retaliation and alleging violations of federal and state laws. “This is retaliation, it is illegal under federal law as it was when I was removed from the library board for making my colleagues look bad,” Gary said. “This is an abuse of power, and if I have to be the only person to stand up here and deal with it, I’m happy to do that.”

Gary further accused the board of damaging public trust. “The public doesn’t trust because this board is not trustworthy and has shown themselves not to be so. What we’re witnessing right now is an abuse of power,” she stated.

Garrisonville District Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yeung, who abstained from the censure vote, expressed regret over the situation. “Two wrongs don’t make one right,” Yeung said. “I regret that this mistake happened, but I’m not voting to remove Supervisor Gary because I believe that was a necessary decision to remove her from the library board itself.”