ST. JOHNSBURY — Vermont’s St. Johnsbury Athenaeum has hired a new curator of collections.

The athenaeum announced Wednesday the appointment of Robert Joly to the post.

Last month, the athenaeum laid off some staff members and restructured full- and part-time positions.

Earlier this month, about 200 people protested the move and called on the library’s trustees to rethink their decision to reduce the staff.

The Athenaeum is a private, not-for-profit public library and art gallery.

Joly joined the athenaeum in 2004 working primarily in library services while expanding his experience in the presentation and preservation of the athenaeum’s collection.