The library is proud to announce its new director is Lesley Kimball, formerly assistant director of outreach services who joined the staff in July of 2022. She was the unanimous choice of the search committee. She was previously the Library Director in Stratham, New Hampshire for the past 23 years and before that was a children’s librarian, a teen services librarian, and a reference librarian. She brings experience with budgeting, grant writing, civic engagement, reader’s advisory, strategic planning, and outreach services. Lesley and her former library have been voted New Hampshire Library and New Hampshire Librarian of the year, and that library was one of 14 library finalists across the country that were recognized by the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the National Medal. She loves trying new (spicy!) recipes, is an avid reader, and a published poet.

Lesley had known former library director, the late Becky Herrmann, personally and professionally for over 30 years. The two had started out as librarians in neighboring towns in New Hampshire and always hoped that they’d be able to work together. When Lesley interviewed for the assistant director position last year, Becky and the administrative team knew she was the right choice. The Library Board of Trustees is also confident that she will be a passionate leader and able successor as Director. The entire library is continuing to work hard through this transition to bring our community the services and resources that they love.

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Becky Herrmann, Chelmsford Public Library Director since 2001. Becky was a bright light from the moment she arrived at our Library. She cared deeply about the community and wanted the Chelmsford Public Library to offer exemplary service to all who needed it. During her time here, she oversaw the building of new study rooms in the Main Library, the renovation of the MacKay Branch Library, the creation of the Marjorie Scoboria Greenway and building of the Carriage House, and spearheaded the project that brought us the Pop-Up Library. She was always looking forward to what we could do next for our users, and encouraged staff to dream big and create wonderful new programs and events. Among her favorites were the Winterfest events: turning the building into a venue for a jazz band dance, food and wine tasting, escape rooms and even a Murder Mystery. Becky was a leader beyond the Library as well, earning the respect of her colleagues and serving as mentor to many young and not-so-young librarians. We will greatly miss her warmth, wit, and intelligence, her passion for her work, and her leadership. Her impact on Chelmsford Public Library and the community will be long remembered.

The Library will be closed on Saturday, January 7 so that staff may attend her services.

The official obituary announcement can now be found at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/concord-nh/elizabeth-herrmann-11080165

The Chelmsford Public Library is excited to announce that we are one of 260 grantees chosen for a 2022 AARP Community Challenge Grant! As part of an education and awareness campaign for the recently approved Land Acknowledgement for the town of Chelmsford, the Chelmsford Library and the town’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee are partnering to foster education about the town’s history of both its land and its people. The greater Chelmsford area comprises, in part, the homelands of the Pawtucket-Pennacook–Abenaki, and their close neighbors the Massachusett and Nipmuc peoples. With the help of an intergenerational team of volunteers, we will establish informational kiosks and freestanding mini libraries throughout town — near historical markers, in public parks, and at trailheads – that will increase community awareness of Chelmsford history and help make connections between the present and the past.

The outdoor mini libraries will house assorted books written by Indigenous authors as well as books about local Indigenous nations and their history, present, and future. This project will empower Indigenous peoples within our community and beyond, and will direct residents and visitors alike to resources regarding Chelmsford history, local Indigenous nations, and the shared land on which we all work, learn, and play.

The combination of these informational kiosks and mini libraries will be promoted as a Trails and Tales adventure that will encourage community members to get outdoors, commune with nature, and visit all the locations. Community members will be able to hike the trails and bring home some informative materials from each trek. This component will particularly appeal to people 50-plus and their families as a health and wellness activity that promotes intergenerational learning and wellness.

This fall the library will also offer a connected series of programs led by and focused on Indigenous peoples as well as the significance of land acknowledgements and Indigenous-led land conservation efforts throughout the state. The program series will include author talks, creative workshops, interactive art and music events, and historical lectures by Indigenous presenters.