Wilton Library Names New Executive Director

WILTON, CT — Wilton Library Association has appointed Caroline Mandler as its next executive director. She will succeed Elaine Tai-Lauria, who retired at the end of January after ten years leading the organization.

Mandler joins Wilton Library after working for 11 years at Darien Library. Most recently, she served as assistant director, Operations with responsibility for budget, finance, fundraising, human resources, materials management, and strategic and capital planning. Her specific responsibilities included planning and executing the Annual Campaign fundraiser and creating and managing budgets for the Town of Darien and Friends of the Library.

In 2020, Mandler served as acting director of Darien Library for two months, during which she oversaw the library’s initial reopening after the COVID-19 lockdown and its adaptation to the pandemic. Prior to joining Darien Library, Mandler worked in donor relations and management for nonprofit organizations in New York.

Rob Sanders, president of the WLA Board of Trustees, touted Mandler's "15 years of management experience in all facets of library and nonprofit work."

"After an exhaustive search that identified a slate of talented candidates, she emerged as the one most qualified to lead Wilton Library in the next phase of its growth and development," Sanders said.

Sanders also had praise for Tai-Lauria, "under whose enlightened and inspired leadership Wilton Library has gone from strength to strength in the last decade, including most recently the acquisition of The Brubeck Collection."

Mandler will assume her new role on March 7. She will be responsible for all aspects of library operations, as well as future strategy and direction, donor relations, and fundraising.

“It is an honor to have been selected as Wilton Library’s new Executive Director,” said Mandler. “It is a truly inspirational place and I am looking forward to embracing the opportunities and challenges it faces in the future.

"Libraries have a vital role to play in the cultural life of the communities they serve. Mandler said. "Understanding and responding to the changing needs and demands of our patrons in Wilton and elsewhere will always be paramount in my approach. I am excited to work with the library’s very talented team and to build on Elaine’s strategic partnerships with other Wilton organizations and community leaders."

Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center.