Hello from Bloomfield Public Library (BPL)! My name is Elizabeth Lane and I am pleased to serve as the Town of Bloomfield’s new library director. We have a great library, and I look forward to working with our talented staff, the Library Board of Trustees, the Friends of the Library, and our community to get a library card in the hand of each and every Bloomfield resident. BPL is a welcoming, helpful and vital place for all.
First, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I have worked in libraries since 2006, when I started as a page in my local library in Ventnor, NJ, before heading off to graduate school at the University of Michigan. From there, I accepted my first professional position at the Frick Art Reference Library, one of the leading institutions for research in the fields of art history and collecting, during which time I worked with researchers from around the world. My passion for working with the public and communities led me to a career in public libraries, starting as the manager of the Albany Branch of Hartford Public Library. I played a role in the opening of YOUmedia Albany, a next-generation digital learning and creative space, and updated the collections, which led to a huge increase in library usage. Most recently, I served as the library director at Willimantic Public Library in Windham, CT, during which time I worked successfully towards increasing library usage and expanding community partnerships. One such partnership was between WPL and Willibrew, a local brewpub. At Willibrew, I led a monthly book discussion titled Books & Brews. It was a hit with all ages (over 21 of course) and had people all over town talking about the library and books.
I started as the Bloomfield Public Library director this past September. After an initial survey of our current library system, I have been working to create a plan for the next year and a vision for the future. Simply put, BPL will be working to identify and address what we are referring to as Barriers to Access. Who is not using the library and why? Are we making all members of our community feel welcome? Are our collections up-to-date, and do we have what the community wants or needs?
One major barrier to access is not having a library card. Bloomfield Public Library will focus on getting a library card into the hand of every Bloomfield resident! If you do not have a library card, please know that is free and easy to get one. Just come in with ID and proof of Bloomfield residency (a piece of official mail works) and we will get you your FREE library card. With this one card, you can borrow books, DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks from BPL, or from ANY public library in Connecticut. You will also have access to our e-book collection and other online resources, as well as our museum passes.
Did you know the Bloomfield Public Library has 3 locations? In addition to our traditional library buildings at Prosser Library and McMahon Wintonbury Library, we also maintain a digital library, which provides access to your online library account, the library catalog, program calendar, digital downloads (ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and more!), and a wide variety of online resources for your information and entertainment needs.
The library is responsive to the needs of the community it serves. It is my wish that BPL is everything and more than what you thought a library could be. Please support that goal by having an active library card and by letting us know how to best serve you. Keep borrowing, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @bplct, attend a program, expand your mind, and so much more – our library is here to serve you!
P.S. KEEP READING AND READ TO YOUR KIDS EACH DAY!
December 2019