The Trustees of the Wayland Free Public Library are pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Lindquist as its next Library Director effective September 5, 2023. Mr. Lindquist has worked as a professional librarian in public libraries in Massachusetts and Connecticut since 1989, following his graduation from the Columbia University School of Library Service, where he received his Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree. He received a BA in English from Trinity College in Hartford in 1985.
His executive experience includes positions leading the Sturgis Library in Barnstable, MA, the Westfield Athenaeum in Westfield, MA, the Northborough Free Library in Northborough, MA and the Farmington Libraries in Farmington, CT. Prior to becoming a Library Director, Mr. Lindquist was a Reference and Media Services Librarian at the West Hartford Public Library (CT) and a Reference and Young Adult Librarian at the Windsor Public Library (CT). He began his library career while still in High School as a Library Page at the Lucy Robbins Welles Library in Newington, CT, where he was born and raised.
Aida Gennis, the Chair of the Library’s Board of Trustees, who helped lead the search committee that reviewed applications from candidates for the Library Director position, commented:
“We are very excited to welcome Chris Lindquist as the next Director of the Wayland Free Public Library. With his deep managerial experience at different types of libraries; his appreciation for historic buildings, his collaborative and outgoing personality, Chris will engage and bring new perspectives to share with our staff and public. We are looking forward to supporting his work as Chris develops an innovative and inclusive vision for the Wayland Free Public Library.
The Board of Library Trustee’s mission is to provide a place for lifelong learning and community, offering a welcoming, environment to inform, inspire and enrich all in the Town of Wayland. We believe Chris Lindquist is the person who will bring this mission forward to our Wayland community.”
The Board of Library Trustees engaged Consultant Jennifer Harris, former Director of the Plymouth Public Library in Plymouth, MA, who has been an integral part of the search process since last May, to consult with the Library Director Screening Committee to find the most qualified candidates with the right mix of skills and experience to lead the institution.
Ms. Harris commented: “The process to search for the next Library Director began with a review of the Library facility, staff, Trustees and Friends. Once the nature of the historic building as well as its challenges were understood; it was apparent a director with a keen interest in history was essential as well as one with strong communications skills and a collaborative style of management. The Wayland community will benefit with a public facing Director, bringing new ideas and energy to the Wayland Free Public Library. Mr. Lindquist displayed all those characteristics and more.”
The Library celebrated its 175th anniversary this spring, tracing its roots back to 1848, when it was successfully established as one of the first free public libraries in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In assuming its leadership, Mr. Lindquist expressed his deep appreciation to everyone involved in his introduction to the Library, including Assistant Director Andrew Moore, who has been Acting Director since Sandy Raymond, former Library Director, retired on June 30, 2023. “I am indebted to Aida, Jennifer, the Library Director Screening Committee, the Board of Library Trustees, for the time and effort they took to carefully review my qualifications and interest in the position. Thanks to Andy and the library staff for keeping the Library running smoothly during this time. I am deeply impressed with the care and thoughtfulness with which the Library carried out the search and I am honored to serve as the Library’s next Director.”
Mr. Lindquist commented “The Wayland Free Public Library combines everything I was looking for in my next position, including an engaged and committed Board of Library Trustees, a talented and well-trained Library staff, including many long-serving professional and support staff, a Library with rich historical roots dating to the 19th and 20th centuries, a progressive, forward-looking community which clearly treasures its Library and takes pride in its distinguished history.”
Trustees & Friends will host an Open House to welcome Mr. Lindquist in the Round Room at the Library on Sunday, October 15 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm., all are invited. More details will be announced soon.
For more information, contact Aida Gennis or visit the Wayland Free Public Library at www.waylandlibrary.org or call 508-358-2311.