It is with great pleasure that we announce staff member Alyssa Downey has been promoted to the new full-time position of Youth and Adult Services Librarian at Stonington Free Library (SFL). Prior to her promotion, Alyssa served as a Library Assistant at SFL since August 2021.
Micayla Hall, Director of Stonington Free Library stated, “I am thrilled that we were not only able to add this new full-time position, but also to have filled it with the perfect candidate. Alyssa’s work since starting here has been exceptional. She will continue to split her time between Youth and Adult Services, but now on a full-time basis. Alyssa is already working with Assistant Director Karla Umland and Youth Services Director Cathy Taylor on implementing several new programs and services that will positively impact the community.”
Cathy Taylor, Director of Youth Services said, “Alyssa is a welcome addition to Youth Services. She has new and creative ideas for programs and brings her enthusiastic love of reading to children of all ages.”
Besides her work at SFL, Alyssa was previously an elementary school teacher. Alyssa said, “I grew up visiting my hometown library at least twice a week every summer vacation. I knew as I got older that I wanted to turn my love of reading into a career and went on to become an elementary school teacher in Boston and studied to earn a Masters degree in reading. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the classroom and watching my students grow, however as I reflected upon my own goals, I realized I truly wanted to get into the field of working in a public library. I earned my MLS degree from the University of Rhode Island in 2022. I have learned so much at SFL already and I look forward to learning so much more from all my amazing colleagues here!”
Please stop by soon to say hello to Alyssa!