With just one month under my belt as Library Executive Director, I am sincerely humbled and excited to have joined the Library team at Manitowoc Public Library. It is clear in my first weeks here that Manitowoc Public Library already has a dedicated employee foundation—welcoming me into my role, the library space, and the community.
Libraries have always been part of my life. Visiting our local library and attending story time was a regular practice for my family; as I grew up and began reading on my own, I have vivid memories of sitting quietly in the library stacks, reading and being surrounded by the books and characters that I loved.
My first part-time job was as a Page at Frank L. Weyenberg Public Library in Mequon, WI. I worked there all through high school, so it only made sense to then work in the St. Norbert College Library when I was a student there while earning my undergrad degree in Business Administration and Communications.
After a few years in the business world, I made the decision to return to school to earn my Masters of Library Science and my career as a Librarian began. Over the next ten years, I worked in a variety of roles at Racine Public Library and Brown County Library, both offering me extensive experience in all aspects of library operations and services, outreach and programming, and supporting diverse communities.
My most recent position prior to MPL was as the Library Director for the Marinette County Consolidated Public Library System, comprised of seven libraries in Marinette County. I truly enjoyed my time in Marinette, serving the people in “up north Wisconsin,” while learning and growing in the Directorship role. I appreciated the unique opportunities the different branches offered their community members across the county and I gained even more valuable insight into library services while working with the excellent staff and public.
It’s true that I have had a great love for libraries my whole life, and I am thankful to show and share that love in my professional endeavors. I see Manitowoc Public Library as a vital and positive community hub in this historic and thriving city on the lakefront and I am thrilled to be part of the Library family going forward!
Libraries all over the country connect people with information, entertainment, digital resources and with each other. Whether you are looking for your next favorite book, access to the internet to apply for jobs, a family-friendly program to take your children to and meet other caregivers, or a quiet place to study for your upcoming exams, Manitowoc Public Library has something for everyone, from the very young to the young at heart.
As Executive Director, I look forward to working with the wonderful staff here to further the mission of the Library—meeting the educational, recreational and cultural needs of the community. Stop in, say hello and find out all that Manitowoc Public Library has to offer!