The Patten Free Library's Board of Corporators ratified an agreement Tuesday night that ends Nyree Thomas' 22-year career at the Bath-based institution.

More than 100 people attended Tuesday's meeting. The final vote was 49-21 to accept the agreement.

Thomas, who was fired last September by director Anne Phillips, supported the agreement. It was drafted by members of an impartial mediation committee.

Thomas will receive a public apology for how her job was terminated. The apology, in the form of a letter to the editor, will note that her firing was not based on improper conduct or unethical behavior. She also will receive six months of pay and 18 months of health insurance. Phillips will have to undergo advanced personnel management training.

David Miller, vice chairman of the library's Board of Trustees, said the library will immediately begin searching for a new children's librarian.