What is the best way to get to know a librarian?  By getting them to dish about books, of course!  Each month, we will introduce you to one of the librarians of Chelmsford Public Library.  This month, we talked to Sean Smith, our new Head of Borrower Services.

Sean was born and raised in Boston, and now lives in the area with his wife, two cats, and dog. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Boston University with summa cum laude honors in 2013, and received his MLIS from Simmons University in 2018. Sean is passionate about Boston sports teams, hiking and camping, and of course reading!.

We asked Sean:

What was your first library?

My mom has worked at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square for over 40 years! When I was young and she could not find a babysitter, I would come into work with her on the T. Those are some of my best childhood memories!

What is on your nightstand right now?

Star Wars The High Republic: Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule

What book do you love to suggest to patrons? 

Blankets by Craig Thompson

What is your favorite line from a book?

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” –Henry David Thoreau in Walden

Where is your favorite place to read?

In Maine, laying down in my pop-up camper on a rainy day, with my wife and dogs.

Who is your favorite character from a book? 

Mr. Bennet from Pride & Prejudice

Last book that made you laugh or cry (or both!)?

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. Gets me every single time!

Why do you love being a librarian?

A library is, and has to be, more than just a dusty old place where books live. I always roll my eyes when I see stereotypical librarian tropes on TV. Libraries are vibrant, ever evolving, always adapting, and go beyond just their four walls. Libraries are so vital to the community, and are home to so much. We help connect citizens with needed resources, in almost every way imaginable. For example: helping library users access the internet; highlighting information on food security programs; unbelievable programming; our Library of Things; books (of course!) and more. I love this job because no day is the same. I never know what to expect each day, but I know it involves helping people find things they need, and I love it!