Big plans ahead for small Bloomfield Library
BLOOMFIELD, NY – For more than a year, Bloomfield Library Board of Trustees President Mindy Hawkins managed the small library in the village in the absence of a director.
While anxious to find a new director − the previous director resigned in November 2021 − board members also wanted to be sure that the next director would be the right fit for the library and the community.
Enter Chelsea Arnold, the library’s new director, who comes to the small village from the big city – she most recently served as supervising librarian of the children’s department at the Bronx Library Center, the largest branch in the Bronx.
Arnold was looking to return to the Rochester area.
“I also am constantly trying to challenge myself professionally,” Arnold said in an email. “I thought working here in Bloomfield would be a great way for me to grow more as a manager and as a librarian teach me new things.”
And the library is happy to have her, according to Sandra Mitchell, a trustee who serves on the board’s personnel committee as well as the budget and finance committees.
The board was impressed by Arnold’s confidence, level of maturity, her work ethic, and it certainly helped that she had such a great employment history in the New York Public Library, Mitchell said. She noted that Arnold’s former supervisor was sad to lose her, but gave her glowing remarks about her managerial and budgetary experience.
“We felt she could bring a wealth of fresh new ideas that we so badly need. The fact that she had worked so closely especially with younger patrons was a plus.,” Mitchell said. “We have struggled with trying to interest teens to come into the library, and she has much experience with that. We also were very happy that, being a Rochester native who wanted to return to family, that she desires to work in a smaller library where she can make a difference.”
The Friends of the Bloomfield Public Library are hosting an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at the library, 9 Church St, Bloomfield.
Here’s a bit more about Arnold.
Q: What prompted you to get into the library field?
A: I've always been an avid reader. My parents used to read to me regularly as a child and really introduced me to a love of books. I was struggling to find a career I was happy with in my early twenties and decided to go back to graduate school. When I thought about what I'd like to study and turn into a career I decided on libraries because of my love of books as well as my experience working in a college library during my undergraduate studies.
Q: What was it like working at a big city library?
A: Working in New York City libraries was a really unique experience. I enjoyed always staying busy and seeing a variety of patrons. It made me learn how to be really flexible and adaptable. It also solidified my decision to work in public libraries. There is truly no other institution like a public library. The value they offer to everyone is heightened in a city as big and diverse as New York. I worked in a low-income area and saw how much a public library can offer. I always tell people while I love books it's not just about the books. Libraries offer so much more -- just to name a few things I've seen firsthand: language classes to immigrants, safe spaces for kids who have nowhere else to go after school, and a warm free place for unhoused people.
Q: Why did you decide to return to the area?
A: I spent the last 10 years living and working in New York City. I learned so much from it. But my sister and my parents now all live in Rochester, where I was born and raised. It was hard to be far away and to be honest I was getting a bit tired of the hustle of the city. I also am constantly trying to challenge myself professionally. I thought working here in Bloomfield would be a great way for me to grow more as a manager and as a librarian teach me new things. I've never worked in a small community library, and I look forward to connecting to and building relationships with patrons.
Q: What are your plans for the Bloomfield Library?
A: I plan on growing the services Bloomfield Library offers. We are working on increasing the number and types of programs offered for all ages. I am striving to get back to pre-pandemic levels of services. I want everyone to think of the library as a fun and thriving space with something for everyone. We will continue to add more materials and services for the community.
Q: What challenges do you see for libraries in the future?
A: I think the biggest challenges to libraries now and going forward is often proving their worth to the public. It's frustrating to explain the value of libraries to people who may not use or think they need them. Libraries need to evolve with the times and move from just spaces with books to community centers with emerging technologies and services. Funding is certainly a constant area of concern. It costs money to offer a great collection and programs for free. I think most libraries want to keep growing but need more money to do so. Another huge issue libraries are facing right now is book bans and attempts to remove materials. Some librarians are facing personal attacks for the materials they include in the library. As librarians our goal is to include books for everyone to truly be as inclusive and diverse as possible. Facing backlash for doing our jobs in providing materials is really unfortunate.
Q: What are your top 5 favorite books?
A: This is a hard one! “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier, “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles” by Agatha Christie, “Slaughterhouse-Five” by Kurt Vonnegut and “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishugiro.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Big plans ahead for small Bloomfield Library and director Chelsea Arnold
