Boston Public Library President Resigns Amid Missing Art Investigation

BOSTON (CBS) - Boston Public Library President Amy Ryan is resigning amid investigations into missing artwork.

Ryan announced Wednesday that her resignation will be effective July 3.

In a statement, Ryan said "I am choosing to step aside at this time to allow the work of the Boston Public Library to continue without distraction."

Police and the FBI are investigating the disappearance of two pieces of artwork worth more than half a million dollars combined and a top employee has been placed on leave.

The missing pieces are a 1504 Durer "Adam and Eve" engraving worth about $600,000, and a 1634 Rembrandt self-portrait valued between $20,000 and $30,000.

Also, a retired employee who now volunteers says gold coins originally placed in the cornerstone of the main building have been missing for decades.

The library has begun an inventory of all its artwork and trustees were briefed on new security measures designed to prevent a similar incident.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh says he respect's Ryan's decision to resign and looks forward to working with the library to ensure a smooth transition.