By Meghan Peterson
(August 23, 2022) — As many in our Haddam and Killingworth communities may know, the libraries are vibrant sites of conversation, programming and of course, reading, for adults and children alike. Library staff help to make this all happen. Haddam Killingworth News/HK-Now.com recently spoke with Marissa Lehmacher, Children’s Librarian at Brainerd Memorial Library in Haddam (920 Saybrook Road).
MP: Tell us a bit about your personal background (e.g., where do you hail from? where do you currently live?)
ML: I grew up in Killingworth and currently reside just over the river in East Haddam with my husband, our three young children, and a feisty Siamese cat.
MP: Educational background?
ML: I went to Sacred Heart Academy for high school and then attended Providence College where I received Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Women’s Studies. After returning to Connecticut, I worked in the field of social work for ten years and then decided to make a career change. I obtained my MLS from Southern Connecticut State University and have been happily working at Brainerd Memorial Library since 2013.
MP: Title/Position at BML?
ML: I am the Children’s Librarian and Head of Youth Services at BML where I design, plan and implement programs and activities for youth, work on collection development, assist patrons with library resources and services, and collaborate with other organizations in town.
MP: What drew you to work at BML?
ML: I started working at BML to gain experience in the library world as I was finishing my MLS. At the time, I wasn’t certain of what population I wanted to work with or what type of library setting I wanted to work in. Starting at a smaller library close to where I lived made sense. After spending time at BML and getting to know the library community here, it began to feel like home. I love BML’s historic architecture, our dedicated staff and, most of all, our awesome patrons, who make each day fun and exciting.
MP: What do books mean to you?
ML: Books are doorways to other places. They engage, inspire, provide knowledge, teach empathy & understanding, provide a sense of identity, and allow for escape. Books are pure magic.
MP: What do you like to do when you are not working at the library?
ML: When I’m not working at the library, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones at our family homes in Vermont and Nantucket. Hiking, swimming, beachcombing, gardening, photography, and exploring historic places are my favorite pastimes. My kids and I are currently on a quest to visit and photograph all of Vermont’s historic covered bridges. We’ve seen about a third so far and often find really great swimming holes at each location.
MP: What fun kid library programs/activities should we be on the lookout for?
ML: We have our summer reading ice cream social coming up at the end of this month (August 30th, 5:00-7:00 p.m.). We’ll have make-your-own sundaes, fun crafts, and giant bubble making. We’re also gearing up for our back to school and fall programming, which includes our weekly story and music times, our Fall Festival that the Friends of the Library sponsor, and various autumn-related activities throughout September and October. Music with Margie will also be returning starting in October. Be on the lookout for new programs such as an environmental club for teens, a Pokémon club for tweens, and new book clubs! During the month of September, Brainerd Memorial Library will celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month by hosting activities for children, including make your own library card holder, library card bingo, decorate a library bookmark, and fun prizes!
MP: Any other fun factoids about you to share with our readership?
ML: A goal of mine is to visit every National Park, Monument and Historic Site that is a part of the NPS. I’m kind of a geek about it and have a “Passport to Your National Parks” book, where I collect cancellation stamps at each location. I also hope to through-hike the Appalachian Trail someday.
Photo by Meghan Peterson
