The East Lyme Library Board Pleased to Welcome New Children's Librarian

The East Lyme Library Board has announced a successor to Children’s Librarian Randall Haines, who will retire at the end of August. Rebecca Hickman Scotka, Youth Services Librarian at the Alvin Sherman Library, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will take over the position on August 25, 2014.

Board Chairman, David Jacobs, announced her selection at the Board’s Annual Meeting. She was chosen from 30 applicants from across the nation because of her decades of work as an innovative children’s and teens’ librarian. In her application, Rebecca mentioned that during her childhood in Guilford, CT, her favorite destination was always the Guilford Free Library. “The librarians’ warmth, knowledge, and love of reading” inspired her “to choose librarianship as a lifelong career”.

Ms. Scotka also mentioned that her strong skills are an understanding of the technologies required in a modern library, the presentation of exciting programs for children, teens, and their families, skill at writing grants, and an outstanding knowledge of children’s and young adults’ literature.

Rebecca has a Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, from Southern Connecticut State University and a Master of Library Science also from Southern Connecticut. She is the author of an article on “Serving Children Whose Parents Are Incarcerated” in American Libraries Direct, and many reviews of books in the School Library Journal.

Lisa Timothy, the Library Director, mentioned to the Board that Rebecca had distinguished herself during the interviews with her personality and knowledge. She said, “We chose Rebecca for her infectious enthusiasm. She is bilingual, and has great experience with programming for very young children and teens- two areas in which we would like to expand our offerings.”

She will be replacing Randy, who has worked at the East Lyme Library as Children’s Librarian for over 20 years. Randy, who also was trained at Southern Connecticut State College, has run a very popular summer reading program with hundreds of children each summer participating in both the Summer Reading and the Wednesday afternoon performances. He has also built one of the strongest children’s literature collections in this part of the state. He will be sorely missed by the children who always looked for him when they entered the children’s room.

Rebecca said she “is looking forward to collaborating with the Youth Services Department in providing fun, educational, and innovative programs for the children and teens of East Lyme.” Her photo shows her leading a presentation on “A Dazzling Display of Dogs” by Betsy Franco, using puppetry which she likes to incorporate into her storytelling programs. She is looking forward to having residents drop in to meet her when she arrives in late August. The Library Board is delighted to welcome a person with such energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge.

June M. Hoye
Chair- Publicity Committee- East Lyme Board of Directors