The Suffield Observer (https://thesuffieldobserver.com/category/library/page/18/)
Since we closed our physical building in response to COVID-19, staff at the Kent Memorial Library has grappled with working remotely from home, attending webinars and Zoom meetings, expanding networks and becoming part of a broader conversation of what libraries can do during a global pandemic.
Looking for an ebook? Trying to figure out which lawn mower to buy? Been wanting to get your hands on your 4x great grandfather’s Civil War pension file?
What an incredible time to step into the role as Library Director! As we are all hunkered down in our homes, I can’t help but reflect on what this last month has been like for the entire staff at the Kent Memorial Library, and what it means for our community.
The month of May is one of my favorite times of year as a librarian. The new Nutmeg books are released!
Kent Memorial Library is now offering e-cards! If you don’t have a library card, you can sign up for an e-card.
When I tell people that I grew up in the Bahamas, I’m often asked “What are you doing up here?” Naturally, this conjures images of sunny beaches and blue waters.
Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, The Kent Memorial Library will be closed to the public until further notice. Given developments over the weekend, and recommendations from the CDC and North Central District Health Department, we will not be providing our Express Pick Up service at this time.
It is no surprise to anyone in Suffield to read that our library has suffered extraordinary tumult in the last few years, with much repair work and many code requirements needing to be met and less than stellar temporary accommodations during the interim. We all rejoiced when it reopened last summer, its beautiful new Mary Anne Zak entrance offering much-needed handicapped access. The original building, with the addition, has provided if not exactly a new life–since many of its original challenges still exist–but certainly a renewed energy. Into this milieu has stepped even more energy, this time in the person of Garrett Pinder, our newly appointed Head Librarian. Garrett grew up in the Bahamas; he is a transplanted New Englander, though he attended both secondary school and college in Virginia.
Just a few months ago I was writing to introduce myself as the Interim Library Director for the Kent Memorial Library. And now that a new director has been hired, I am saying goodbye to the library and Suffield once again. I have enjoyed my time here, and am grateful for having had the opportunity to work with the town administration, the Library Commission, and most importantly, the dedicated library staff to ensure that the Kent Memorial Library continued to operate effectively during this latest transition. The support, cooperation, and encouragement I received was always very much appreciated. As I return to retirement with a newfound appreciation for a slower pace of life, I wish you all the best for the library’s future success!
The Friends of KML book collection, normally held the first Saturday of each month, will be put on hold until the library is open. Save your books. Hopefully we’ll be back collecting soon.