I am sure many of you are curious about who the new library director is. Since this is my first column for the Observer, it feels like the ideal time to introduce myself.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science, and I am currently finishing up my Master’s degree in Library and Information Science. I have been working in public libraries in the state of Massachusetts for almost 20 years, and I was the Director of a rural public library before starting here at the Kent Memorial Library.
People often ask me if I always wanted to be a librarian or how I decided that this was the career path that I should take. Quite honestly, if someone told me when I was young that I would spend two decades working in libraries, I would not have believed them! Despite having a lifelong love of libraries and reading, I fell into the profession accidentally.
After high school my path led me towards marriage and raising a family, rather than going to college. Since I was a stay-at-home parent and a library lover, it is probably unsurprising to learn that I spent a lot of time at the public library with my child. One day the library staff mentioned that a page position was opening up, and they encouraged me to apply. It was only a handful of hours each week, but it worked for my family’s schedule, so I applied…and that is where it all began.
The path from working as a library page to becoming a library director has been rewarding on a personal and professional level, and I am grateful I have had the opportunity to work in several different library roles over the years. Even though I did not have my degree for most of those years, I still considered myself a librarian at heart. The problem is that while being a librarian at heart is wonderful, you need the MLIS degree to be a professional librarian. Thus, I decided to finally fulfill a lifelong dream of going to college.
Graduating from college was one of the most rewarding moments of my life. It is not easy to return to school after more than 30 years away from being a student. I am not sure I could have done it without the support of my family to get me through the times when I wanted to throw my hands up and quit. I can’t wait to walk across that stage once again when I complete my Master’s degree!
Now, the next chapter of my professional life finds me here in Suffield. Although I have only been here a short time, I feel like I have found the puzzle that my piece belongs to. The library staff, town administration, library commission, department heads and community members have been welcoming, helpful and supportive of me as I settle into this role and community. I am grateful to be here and to serve the town of Suffield for what I expect to be many years to come.
Finally, I sincerely wish you a joyous holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year. If you visit the library, please don’t hesitate to introduce yourself. I would love to meet you!