The Norman Williams Public Library recently hired a new director, Jennifer Belton, who is focused on bringing more new media to the library.
Belton moved to Woodstock from Washington, D.C. just last year after retiring from 20 years work as a historical news archivist for The Washington Post newspaper.
After a career that began with her receiving a Masters in Library and Information Science degree from Catholic University she went on to help set up libraries within the Executive Branch and the Office of Management and Budget. She then moved on to The Washington Post, helping expand and modernize their research libraries and digital systems, eventually overseeing a staff of more than 35 people.
Woodstock’s Norman Williams Library Board members indicate an enormous amount of interest in the open Director job — some 40 to 50 people sending in applications with an eventual six people being called in for interviews. “I’m thrilled and delighted to be here,” said Belton, who started the job on Jan. 2. She says of the library, “It’s a noble institution with an incredibly dedicated staff.”
Belton says she wants to strike “a balance between the traditional roles of the library and emerging technology.” This includes using e-books and starting new programs that can provide information on subjects like self-publishing, digital archiving and new media.
Belton will be on the scene for her first Woodstock Annual Town Meeting on March 3rd. She hopes people will vote in support of the library. On the Town Meeting Warning, the Norman Williams Public Library is asking for $10,000 to support its ongoing operations. (The request on the Warning last year was for $20,000, which voters approved.)
Belton hopes to use new funds to upgrade the library’s computers and add new ones to meet the high demand by residents and visitors for computer use.
The D.C.-Vermont transplant replaces interim Director Deb Spackman.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 