Benton Harbor Library Director Resigns

Reynaldo Frias-Santana, a Capuchin monk, will return to his religious community in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:35am

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The director of the Benton Harbor Public Library, Reynaldo Frias-Santana, has resigned from his position. Frias-Santana, who is a Capuchin monk, turned in his resignation on February 18 and will be returning to his religious community in Ohio and Pennsylvania within the next week.

Why it matters

The resignation of the library director comes as a surprise, as Frias-Santana was brought in just last year from Philadelphia to lead the Benton Harbor Public Library. The library board will now need to begin the search for a new director to oversee the library's operations and services.

The details

Frias-Santana, who is originally from Puerto Rico, addressed the Benton Harbor Downtown Development Authority on his last day to thank the community for allowing him to serve as the library director. He stated that he has been in conversation with his religious superior and has been requested to return to his community, which is focused on prayer and a life of penance.

  • Frias-Santana turned in his resignation on February 18, 2026.
  • Frias-Santana's last day as library director was February 18, 2026.
  • The Benton Harbor Public Library board will meet on March 17, 2026 to potentially discuss the search for a new director.

The players

Reynaldo Frias-Santana

The former director of the Benton Harbor Public Library, who is a Capuchin monk and will be returning to his religious community in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Benton Harbor Public Library

The public library in Benton Harbor, Michigan that is now searching for a new director after Frias-Santana's resignation.

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What they’re saying

“I am a monk living outside of my religious community, which is established in Ohio and Pennsylvania. I have been in conversation with my superior and I want to say thank you for allowing me to be here. But I have been requested to return to my community. So sadly, I will be sometime within the next week returning back to my religious life, which is prayer and life of penance.”

— Reynaldo Frias-Santana, Former Library Director (moodyonthemarket.com)

What’s next

The Benton Harbor Public Library board will meet on March 17, 2026 to potentially discuss the process for finding a new director to replace Reynaldo Frias-Santana.

The takeaway

The resignation of the Benton Harbor Public Library director highlights the challenges libraries can face with leadership transitions, and the need for a smooth and thoughtful process to find a replacement who can continue serving the community's needs.