Melrose Public Library Has a New Director and Assistant Director

Some familiar faces at the Melrose Public Library have recently stepped into new positions.

The library’s board of trustees has chosen Linda C. Walsh, the previous assistant director of the library, to replace as its director. 

“Everyone who knows about it is completely delighted,” said trustee Mary Edwards in an email. “ It's the very best kind of promotion from within."  

Walsh said that she was “very excited” about her new job.

“It’s become a library that I really love working at, so it worked out well for me that I was able to continue with my career while staying at such a wonderful library.”

Walsh started working in the library’s reference department in 2001, the year she received her degree in library science from the University of Arizona. 

After three years of helping residents research Melrose history and use computers, Walsh became the library’s assistant director. She held the position for 10 years, participating in events such as the Trivia Bee and writing grants that have allowed the library to put on programs such as the citywide book club.

As the new director, Walsh said that she would like to continue to expand and improve the library’s resources for its patrons. 

Meanwhile, the former head of circulation, Diane Ridley Wall, will become the new assistant director, after decades of working her way up through the library’s ranks.

Wall came to the library in 1969, while she was still in high school, to work as a page. She became an assistant, and then served as the head of circulation for 30 years.

Wall said she is “delighted” about her promotion. While she is still figuring out what her new responsibilities are, she will certainly continue to run the author’s corner, a popular program at the library that invites writers to read from their new books. 

The two women will work closely together, they said. However, Walsh said she would concentrate on “making sure the library has all of the things it needs to function” and talking to trustees and city hall officials to work out library policies. Meanwhile, Wall will work more in the building, passing on information from Walsh to staff and the public.

Christine Morrissey will become to new head of circulation, Wall said.