Fairfield Librarian Steps Down After 10 Years Of Service

FAIRFIELD, CT — Karen Ronald is resigning as the Town Librarian, effective June 1, to spend time with family and move out of state, Fairfield First Selectman Mike Tetreau announced on Wednesday. Ronald has worked for the Fairfield Public Library for more than 10 years.

Ronald first served as Deputy Town Librarian for three years and then, after a nationwide search, she was promoted to Town Librarian, a role she has relished for the past seven years. Ronald had led three other public libraries before coming to Fairfield – in Trumbull, Wilton and in one in Canada. (To sign up for Fairfield breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

“Over the past decade, the library has become more open, responsive and more agile in responding to community needs and challenges,” Ronald said in a press release. “The Board of Library Trustees, the Friends of the Fairfield Public Library and especially the staff are committed to service excellence from daily interactions with patrons checking out library materials to the stellar community-wide One Book One Town program. I am confident this superb public service ethic will continue as the core focus of library service for years to come.”

Read more from the press release below:

Under Ronald’s leadership, the Fairfield Public Library has become recognized for its wealth of program opportunities for all ages and interests. Fairfield’s programming has attracted many people who are eager to learn new skills, share new ideas and develop new ties to the community.

The Library has continued to thrive and move forward in spite of significant budget challenges in recent years. Ronald has encouraged library staff to always seek out new community partnerships, develop new services, and continuously improve library service overall for the residents of the Town.

“On behalf of the Fairfield community and all those who visit our fine libraries, I want to thank Karen Ronald for her outstanding years of service as Town Librarian,” Tetreau said. “Karen’s love for learning and her ability to recognize and help meet the needs of our community have been instrumental in the success of both the Main Library and the Fairfield Woods Branch Library. Thanks to Karen’s hard work and dedication our libraries continue to flourish.”

The Board of Library Trustees for the Fairfield Public Library will be conducting a national search for Town Librarian, effective immediately. The Board’s Search Committee will engage with a search firm to interview individuals with the experience and vision necessary to propel the Library forward. The Search Committee's goal is to recommend a candidate for approval by the Board of Selectmen during the fall of 2017.

Beginning June 2, 2017, Nancy Coriaty will serve as Interim Town Librarian. Coriaty has been serving as Deputy Town Librarian since 2010. Prior to that, she was Branch Librarian for three years beginning in 2007. Coriaty is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and received her Master’s in Library Science from Simmons College.

"I feel so honored to continue to serve the people of Fairfield as its new Town Librarian,” Coriaty said. “For me, it is the culmination of over 30 years of library service."

Jan Fisher will assume the role of Interim Deputy Town Librarian also effective June 2, 2017.

Fisher came to the Fairfield Public Library in late 2012 to serve as Assistant Director of Administrative Services. She had previously worked for the Bridgeport Public Library for 28 years. Fisher has been active in statewide library organizations including serving as the Connecticut Library Association Treasurer for a number of years. She received a Master’s in Library Science and a B.A. from St. Joseph College (now University of St. Joseph).

Pictured: First Selectman Mike Tetreau thanking Town Librarian Karen Ronald at the Main Library. Photo Credit: Josie Ahlberg