By Kim Siebert MacPhail
After twelve years as Bedford’s Assistant Library Director, Vanessa Abraham feels prepared for her next step: the directorship of Groton’s Public Library.
“When I first came to Bedford in 2000, I had a huge learning curve after working only 5 ½ years in Reference in South Windsor, Connecticut,” Abraham said.
At the time of her arrival, Bedford’s library renovation had just been completed and the building, collection, staff, and programming were all undergoing their own growth trajectory, right along with the new assistant director. Today, twelve years later,the Bedford Library boasts the highest circulation, state-wide, for a medium-sized town.
Abraham had the distinct advantage of being hired and mentored in her early years here by former library director Meredith McCulloch. Much of the work at the library—then as now— was done collaboratively.
“With the exception of scheduling, I work collaboratively on everything,” Abraham said. “My job is [primarily] behind the scenes to make the Library run smoothly on a day-to-day basis. I make sure we have enough staff, that staff have the tools and training they need, solve problems, fill in where needed, catch things that might otherwise fall through the cracks, as well as doing all I can to improve the Library. I respond to what is needed most.”
Abraham added, “We have a terrific staff and I feel fortunate to have been part of every three-person hiring team for the last twelve years. My philosophy is ‘hire for attitude and train for skill.’ Customer service is very important.”
On that subject, current Library Director Richard Callaghan praised Abraham’s dedication to delivering the best service for all the residents of Bedford. “Customer service is a priority in Bedford and Vanessa has always kept that at the forefront of her mind. She strives to make the library a better place to work and visit, for both staff and patrons.”
Colleague Jennifer Dalrymple—who together with Lisa Baylis heads the Circulation Desk—agrees. “Vanessa set the tone for the circulation department with her priority of customer service first and foremost. She supported the circulation staff, policies and scheduling so that the employees were happy and motivated. She helped provide an enjoyable workplace which is indicated by the low turnover of the staff.”
The Bedford Library is not only known for staff friendliness and its willingness to help patrons find whatever they need; it is also known as a comfortable, user-friendly space. Both types of warmth have become hallmarks of the Bedford Library and residents often call it “the heart of the town”. Abraham has been instrumental in recent space repurposing initiatives that have enhanced the welcoming nature of the library— the revamped reference and teen spaces are two examples. She will soon help Groton with similar projects. Abraham has also brought a passion for marketing to Bedford, using unconventional displays and other visual aids to highlight materials that help patrons select reading choices.
Several programs have become Bedford tradition during Abraham’s tenure.Former Friends of the Library president Kaye Spofford points to the monthly “Reader’s Corner”, where patrons share their recommendations on Friday mornings in the New Book section. Spofford also credits Abraham with developing the popular Summer Reading Ice Cream Social event as well and helping to build the One Book One Bedford program—now in its tenth year
Ginni Spencer, a discussion facilitator for One Book One Bedford, says that Abraham “understands the importance of the library to community life and provides the leadership and enthusiasm that make One Book One Bedford an annual event that many people in town look forward to. She always looks for ways to keep the program fresh and interesting and I appreciate her openness to new ideas.”
Speaking about openness and working with the community, Abraham said, “We try to say ‘yes!’ to as many things as we can. That what keeps the library a vibrant place and everyone engaged.”
Finding creative ways to increase library hours without increasing staff time is also a talent that Abraham has provided. Bedford, thanks to Abraham, has been able to stretch Friday hours until 6PM and remain open on Sundays when other libraries have had to trim their hours of operation. This has made Bedford a rare standout in recent budget-crunch years.
Library Trustee Rachel Field commended Abraham. “In her quiet but steadfast and thorough way, Vanessa has played an important and indelible role in making the Bedford Free Public Library what it is today: helping to provide a smooth transition when we brought in a new Director, working to foster a spirit of collegiality among staff, and always keeping her keen eye on how to improve the Library’s offerings of both services and resources to our community.”
Former director McCulloch adds, “Vanessa has made a great contribution to the Bedford Library. It is bittersweet to see her go, but someone of her quality needs to move on and spread her wings. Her love of the library and her commitment to the public is apparent in all she has done. I’ll miss seeing her there, as I am sure many of our patrons will.”
Abraham says she, too, will miss Bedford. Indeed, much of the reason why she decided to take the job in Groton is because it feels a lot like Bedford. “I love this library and I love this town,” she said of Bedford. “The people are wonderful.”
Due to trustee and budget meetings in Groton, Abraham is leaving very soon. Her last day at the Bedford Free Public Library is Monday, November 19.
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