Library also fills two key staff positions
HYANNIS, MA — Hyannis Public Library is excited to announce Amanda Converse as the President of the Board of Trustees. She succeeds Linda Bennett who will remain on the Board.
Ms. Converse, a Cape native, is co-founder and CEO of Love Live Local, a Hyannis-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating and promoting local small businesses. In addition to the positive impact she has on the Cape community through Love Live Local and her service to Hyannis Public Library, Amanda volunteers for We Can and Cape Wellness Collaborative. She is a founding board member for Amplify POC (People of Color) and has served on the boards of Cape Cod Young Professionals, the Cape Cod Chamber, and Coastal Community Capital.
“As someone who is deeply attached to downtown Hyannis, I have always seen the Hyannis Public Library as one of its centerpieces,” she said. “I look forward to seeing the Library evolve to meet our community’s ever-changing needs. We’re working to become a strong partner for the small business community on Main Street, the greater Barnstable community and beyond.”
Prior to founding Love Live Local, Amanda opened the first eco-friendly boutique on Cape Cod, Shift. She also launched The Current Quarterly, the Cape’s only dedicated local fashion and shopping magazine, and then Ebb & Flow, a publication that highlighted the health, wellness and sustainability community on the Cape; both served as platforms through which to promote Cape Cod based businesses. As a young professional and small business owner she brought an authentic voice to these issues.
“Amanda is the right leader at the right time for the Hyannis Public Library,” said Antonia Stephens, Library Director. “We are working to transform not only our physical space, but also our Library programming and commitment to our entire community. It’s an exciting time and we are grateful for Amanda’s leadership.”
Additionally, the organization has hired two key staff members to help bring its new strategic vision to life.
Kelly Depin, a seasoned library professional, has accepted the position of Youth Services Librarian.
Most recently Kelly served as Library Director at Whelden Library in West Barnstable. A certified school librarian for grades pre-K through 12, Kelly said she wants to fully interweave the Library into the community.
“The Library is not just a building,” she said. “It’s also the services and the people inside. We don’t have to be limited by four walls.” As an example, Kelly mentioned a project she worked on with local organizations to provide books for summer programs with the Town of Barnstable Recreation Department, Barnstable YMCA and Camp Lyndon.
Already recognized for its outstanding Youth Services programming, Kelly is excited to help revamp the Library’s Youth Services offerings. She wants the youth area to be active, bright and busy, providing interactive and innovative programming for youth of all ages and across all areas of Cape Cod. “My heart belongs to public libraries,” she said. “Come visit me soon.”
Lauren Medeiros joined the Library this summer as the Community and Communications Coordinator, a newly created position, dedicated to community engagement and outreach.
With a background in corporate and nonprofit communications, she will be responsible for outbound media content for the Library, increasing the organization’s presence and reach, and creating positive changes to how the Library is serving the community. Lauren previously worked at the Marine Biological Laboratory and Brandeis University and is happy to be back home on the Cape and making change in the local community.
Libraries, she said, are a cornerstone of what makes a community thrive. “So many people don’t have access to reading and educational materials due to their cost, and that’s exactly why we’re here. The Library is here to help.” She’s happy to say hello and recommend a good book for you the next time you stop in at the Library. “We have something for everyone here, but you can never go wrong with a good Stephen King book,” she said.
The Library will also expand its current hours of operation to offer more accessible times for the public to use its services. Currently it is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well as Tuesday and Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. for evening visitors. Starting in December, the Library will open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for patrons who wish to visit on the weekend.
About Hyannis Public Library
Hyannis Public Library is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit library, one of seven serving the Town of Barnstable in lieu of a municipal library. The Library has served the greater Hyannis community for over a century from its home at 401 Main Street, which comprises the original Ora Adams Hinckley building (opened in 1908), the Eagleston Wing (1939) and the Twombley Wing (1974).
As a cultural and informational hub, HPL has served everyone from presidents to new immigrants, and it remains committed to cultivating a strong and stable connection with the surrounding community. The Library’s mission is to embrace diversity, inspire creativity, stimulate intellectual curiosity and facilitate lifelong learning by providing high quality resources, programming and services to all.
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