Bethany's Clark Memorial Library Announces New Director

Courtesy of the Bethany Library Association:

The Bethany Library Association announces with pleasure the appointment of Melissa Canham-Clyne as the new Library Director of the Clark Memorial Library. Mrs. Canham-Clyne will assume her duties in Bethany on September 12. She comes to Bethany from her service at the New Haven Free Public Library, from 2005 to 2012. Her most recent position was that of Library Manager, Courtland S. Wilson Branch of the New Haven Free Public Library. She brings her confident, dynamic administrative style, capable of leading staff while also developing responsive, creative community driven programs and services to Bethany’s Clark Memorial Library.

Barbara Haag, a member of the Personnel Committee of the Bethany Library Associaion commented that “A four month search involving thirty-three applicants from six states resulted in our selection of Mrs. Canaham-Clyne. A major factor was the committee’s desire to hire an individual who would be able to transform our library into a cultural center for the town and a more dynamic part of our community.”

Mrs. Canham-Clyne will succeed Sarah Shepherd, who is leaving after five years as the Library Director to pursue other opportunities.

Elaborating on her experience in New Haven, Mrs. Canham-Clyne said, “Librarianship is the art of building community through the careful and deliberate cultivation of lifelong learning opportunities. I accomplish this by calling on my backgrounds in journalism, education and hospital administration. From starting a community reader’s advisory to inaugurating a citywide poetry contest to using the web for real time programming to directing an annual mentoring program, I use my passion for empowering others by helping people use knowledg eand technology to inspire their process of thinking about their worlds.”