New Canaan Library has hired a Connecticut library director with more than one decade of experience in both small and large public libraries across the nation as its new CEO and president.
Kim McNally
Kimberly McNally, most recently the director of the Berlin Peck Memorial Library in Berlin, Conn., will start Feb. 1 in New Canaan, according to a press release.
“A library is the center of the community and a place for growth and connection for everyone,” McNally said in the release. “The New Canaan Library, with its thoughtfully designed building and dynamic resources, is leading the way for how libraries in Connecticut and around the country can support their communities in new and exciting ways. I am honored to be joining this library and I look forward to getting to know the community, staff, and stakeholders and building our future together.”
McNally launched her career in library management in Vancouver, Wa., where she worked as branch manager for three branches serving more than 30,000 residents. She relocated to Connecticut in 2018, joining the Durham Public Library as assistant library director, providing “policy direction on customer service and reference” and organizing community lectures on a variety of topics, the release said.
A Wethersfield, Conn. resident currently, she succeeds Lisa Oldham in the role. Oldham retired last month following 10 years at the helm of the library, “during which time she successfully restructured the operations and services of the Library and led the efforts to build the new Library building,” the press release said.
“Since June 2021, Ms. McNally has led a staff of 22 at the Berlin Peck Memorial Library and has had experience working closely with its Library Board, local government officials and town department heads,” it said. “Since 2019, she has been a Board Member of the Connecticut Library Consortium and served as Board President from July 2022 to June 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of South Florida. Prior to her career in libraries, Ms. McNally worked for four years in commercial real estate in Florida for Colliers International and Starbucks Coffee Company.”
Bob Butman, chair of the New Canaan Library Board of Trustees, said in the release that throughout the recruitment process, the Board “has worked hard to identify a candidate whose passion for libraries and their vital role in communities was evident.”
“With Kim’s appointment, we feel we have found the right person to guide our excellent team toward the great future this new building promises our community,” he said.
Outstanding news! I will look forward to welcoming Kim to New Canaan!