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Editorial Note: Esmé Green has served as the director of the Goodnow Library since 2011. Last week the community learned that she would be moving on to a role at the Memorial Hall Library in Andover. Sudbury Weekly caught up with Green to talk about her time in Sudbury, and her experiences at the Goodnow Library.
Looking back on your time at Goodnow Library, what accomplishments are you most proud of, and how do you hope they will shape the library’s future?
I am really proud of our children’s programming. We have made a difference in 1,000s of families lives—from weekly Music Makers, to major open houses like Family Pride and May the 4th. I am also really proud of the projects we completed with the Goodnow Library Foundation, like the building of the NOW Lab makerspace and renovating the children’s department in 2013. Some fun accomplishments that might not seem significant are the opening of the Dunkin path and adding the drive up book drop. Those projects really changed the way people use the library. The path facilitates access to and from the library, and the book drop has been hugely popular since its installation. All of these changes have brought the library into more people’s lives and made the library the social hub of the community.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as Library Director, and how did you work to overcome them?
Every job has its challenges, and my experience was no different. I would say that covid was the most significant. We really had to pivot dramatically and quickly to continue to serve the community during lockdown. That being said, I think we were really successful. We initiated contactless pickup, 1000s of grab and go crafts, and pop up libraries outside. We also spent aggressively on ebooks. The use of them spiked during covid, and hasn’t gone back down at all, but continues to grow.
How has the role of the Goodnow Library evolved in the Sudbury community during your tenure, and what do you see as its most valuable contributions?
The library has become much more user-centric and visible to the community in general. One of the most valuable contributions has been the advent of Teen Study Week. We have created a welcoming, safe and friendly atmosphere for students twice a year since 2012. Not only is the space welcoming and open, but we have worked to address the stress that comes with preparing for exams with snacks, games and even baby goats!
How has your experience at Goodnow Library influenced your career and personal growth, and what’s next for you in your professional journey?
I have grown tremendously in my time here. I think the most amazing thing about Sudbury is the talented and genuine people who are invested in giving back to the community; these volunteers have been very special. Just about everything we do and have accomplished can in someway be credited to the volunteers who have participated in our various endeavors. I will take many of the things I have learned here with my on my next adventure as Director of Memorial Hall Library in Andover, MA.
What will you miss most about the Goodnow Library and the Sudbury community?
Frankly, I will miss just about everything—from the amazing staff and library users, to the beautiful drive to work through the backroads from Cambridge. I have met and worked with so many amazing people over the years and made lifetime friendships. I am grateful for my time here and the generosity of the people of Sudbury. It is going to be very hard to say goodbye.
