Photo Credit: Harold Hanka/Westerly Sun
The Stonington Free Library (SFL) is proud to announce that Micayla Hall has been chosen as the new Library Director to succeed the recently retired Belinda de Kay.
Micayla joined SFL in September 2012 as a part-time Youth Services Assistant, and has experience working in virtually every area of the Library. She was named Assistant Director in 2016, and worked closely with former Director Belinda de Kay. “Words fail me in describing my time and beautiful partnership with Belinda de Kay.” says Micayla, reflecting on her time as Assistant Director. “I honestly cannot thank Belinda enough for all that she has done for SFL during her tenure. As I frequently tell her, she is truly one of my favorite people in the world. Her mentorship has had an immeasurable and lasting impact on me.”
Before coming to SFL, Micayla worked part-time in the University of Rhode Island’s Fine Arts Visual Resource Library while earning both her bachelor’s degree in Art History and a master’s degree in Library and Information Studies (MLIS). She also interned at Connecticut College’s Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives to gain experience in an academic library, and the Groton Public Library for experience in a public library setting while pursuing her degree.
Allegra Griffiths and Denise Easton, Co-Presidents of the SFL Board of Trustees, commented: “We, along with the entire Board of Trustees, are delighted that Micayla has accepted the position of Director of the Stonington Free Library. We have been so impressed by the quality of Micayla’s work over the past years, including oversight of the building addition and renovation process. In particular, we greatly appreciate her positive, can-do attitude and affection for the Library and its patrons. With Belinda’s mentorship, Micayla has grown in responsibility and experience, and this leadership transition seems like a natural next step.”
As Micayla begins her time as the Director of SFL, she realizes there will be work to be done to revitalize programming, services and outreach in a post-COVID world. While SFL was successful in transitioning much of its programming and services through virtual, digital and curbside means, Micayla is already planning for the future when COVID subsides. She has ideas on continuing to expand digital library offerings, restore and increase access to technology, offer new programming and services that help to close the digital divide, support workforce and life skills development and continue to increase collaboration with other community organizations. Departing Director Belinda de Kay knows Micayla is ready for the job, sharing “I am absolutely confident that the Library will continue to grow and thrive under the leadership of my colleague, co-worker and companion through many challenges, Micayla Hall.”
