Howlett takes on lead role at Springfield Town Library

Nearly two weeks into the job, Amy Howlett finds her role as the librarian at the Springfield Town Library “pretty exciting.” Howlett replaces Russell Moore, who recently retired after 30 years at the helm.

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2016-04-15 / Front Page Howlett takes on lead role at Springfield Town Library By Nancy A. Cavanaugh ncavanaugh@eagletimes.com Amy Howlett, the new librarian at the Springfield Town Library, stands by the iconic stained glass door located in the Flynn Room. — NANCY CAVANAUGH Amy Howlett, the new librarian at the Springfield Town Library, stands by the iconic stained glass door located in the Flynn Room. — NANCY CAVANAUGH SPRINGFIELD — Nearly two weeks into the job, Amy Howlett finds her role as the librarian at the Springfield Town Library “pretty exciting.” Howlett replaces Russell Moore, who recently retired after 30 years at the helm. She lives in Saxtons River with her beagle Damon, named for former Boston Red Sox player Johnny Damon, and was a library development consultant for the Vermont State Library before coming to Springfield. “I have spent a lot of time listening to the staff and learning how to operate the desk,” Howlett said. “I think it is important to meet people so I’ve scheduled myself to have some desk time every day. There are lots of things that are unique. “I’ve been thinking about what I want to do, but won’t likely do much for the first six months,” she continued. “I’m beginning to get a sense of Springfield, getting to know it in another way and working with town hall.” Howlett received her bachelor’s degree in medieval history from Middlebury College before attending the University of California at Berkeley to get her Masters of Library Science degree. “I was in desperate straits after I graduated from college. I asked myself what I was interested in and the answer was books and people,” said Howlett. “My mother was a librarian so I already knew the trappings of the job.” Her mother has since passed away, but Howlett had “fun working together” with her as librarian professionals. They reviewed books together on WCAX on “Across the Fence” and rapid reviews, 90 second reviews of books at an annual library conference. While at the Vermont State Library, Howlett was a consultant for 50 public libraries in Windham, Windsor and Bennington counties. Her focus was on board development, collection development, strategic planning and adult programming. “I drove a lot and talked a lot,” she said. “My perspective on libraries is the small library. And, I missed working with the public. Collection development is one area from her previous position that she plans on focusing her attention. “It is nice to have a staff excited about collection development,” she said. “Russ was in charge of the adult non-fiction and I’ll be doing that as well.” In addition to learning the ropes, this summer she is going to be looking at hiring a children’s librarian to replace Cheryl Sox, who retired last year. “The summer reading program is so important for helping to prevent the summer slide,” Howlett said. “The schools have to teach reading, we have the fun side. Kids can come in here and read their interest.” One challenge she and the library faces is working with those that fall into the digital divide. “People still identify the library strongly with books. [The library] has taken on an attack on the digital divide,” Howlett said. “Public libraries are still talking about what is a 21st century library with the increasing need for digital literacy. “A lot of government services are becoming electronic,” she continued. “There are some people who are not comfortable with computers. I feel for the people who are getting started. They need someone who can be there to tell them how to create an email account, fill out a job application, file their taxes.” This week is National Library Week, and Howlett invites the public to stop by and enjoy all that the library has to offer.