Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth has announced that Devon Andrews was selected as the next Director of the Mansfield Public Library. Devon starts in the position on November 13, 2023 and will be introduced to the Town Council at its meeting that evening.
Ms. Andrews’ has had an expansive breadth and depth of experiences in library services in South Carolina. She held a number of positions with the Charleston (South Carolina) County Public Library including Children’s Services Manager, Regional Branch Manager, and Associate Director of Community Engagement. Most recently, Ms. Andrews has served as the Director of Partnerships and Engagement for the Charleston Parks Conservancy. She emphasizes collaboration and partnerships as a way to expand the benefits of library services to a community.
“Ms. Andrews was selected following a competitive search that yielded a tremendously talented pool of candidates,” says Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth. “During the interview process, Devon demonstrated a genuine passion for the profession, creativity in programming, and an eagerness to be a part of our Mansfield community. Many of her programming initiatives were intriguing to hear about, including the Free and Fresh Fridge that provided free produce to library patrons. Another program, Books on Buses, provided free book boxes at area bus stops to foster a love of reading. These are innovative, and share similar values to what we hold as important here in Mansfield.”
The greater Mansfield community is invited to an open house to meet Ms. Andrews and welcome her to Mansfield. The reception will take place on Thursday, November 16 from 4:30 to 6:00 PM at the Buchanan Auditorium, Mansfield Public Library, 54 Warrenville Road, Mansfield Center, CT. All are welcome to attend.
Ms. Andrews earned her Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of South Carolina, and holds a Bachelor of Arts English Language and Literature. In 2022, the Charleston Regional Business Journal included her in their Forty Under 40 issue. She was also named a Community Champion in 2021 by the organization Healthy TriCounty and has served as a leader with the local Chamber of Commerce.
Following the retirement of Director Leslie McDonough in June after nearly twelve years of exceptional service, the Town began to search for a director. The selection process entailed multiple rounds of review, and involved a collaborative effort among library professionals from other CT municipalities, staff from the Mansfield Public Library, Town department heads, Human Resources staff, and others.
“We offer our sincere appreciation to Kaithlin Epling, Systems Librarian, who served as Acting Director during this period,” says Town Manager Aylesworth. “Her professionalism and leadership through our busy summer season was stellar. The whole staff did a great job planning and delivering the high-quality programs our community enjoys, and I am very excited about what our talented team will accomplish in the years ahead.”
The Mansfield Public Library is located at 54 Warrenville Road (Rte. 89). The main library offers a variety of programs and resources for all ages. In addition to traditional books, it offers an extensive digital collection. Special services include homebound book delivery, a seed and tool library, and digital support for those without computer access. The Town also operates satellite libraries at the Mansfield Senior Center and the Library Express at the Nash-Zimmer Transportation Center in Downtown Storrs.
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