By Meghan Peterson, Ph.D.
(Feb. 12, 2020) — Located at 301 Route 81 in Killingworth, the Killingworth Library provides a variety of adult, adolescent, family, and children’s literary resources, educational programming, and cultural arts events. As such, it serves as a dynamic hub for people to learn, gather and experience community together.
We recently contact Joshua Leblanc, the recently-hired young adult/teen librarian here in Killingworth, to speak more about the role the Killingworth Library plays in the lives of Killingworth (as well as surrounding area) residents and library patrons.
Laurie Prichard, Director of Killingworth Library says, “Josh graduated from ECSU in May 2018 with a Bachelor’s in English, a minor in communications. He was a teaching assistant in the English Department and was on the Dean’s list his senior year. He plays guitar and frequently plays and sings during our Saturday morning storytimes. Other interesting tidbits from his resume include: 2017 World Champion in ISKA Creative Breaking (Martial Arts) as well as a Black belt in American Filipino Kun Tao.”
How did you come to call Killingworth Library your home?
Leblanc: Laurie, the director, recruited me when the library was looking for a temporary hire to help out with the Tween and Teen programs for this semester. We have both taken some of the same courses at Southern together and she thought I would be a good fit.
What is your background? Please provide a bit of biographical as well as professional information.
Leblanc: I graduated Eastern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s in English and am currently enrolled at Southern for my masters in Library and Information Science. Despite this being my first time officially working for a library, I have run children’s and teen programming at summer camps, private schools, and other similar programs. I’m excited for this opportunity to utilize what I’ve been learning with my classes at SCSU and combine it with my existing experience.
How do you see your role not only at the library but in the community?
Leblanc: I hope to build a place in the library where children, teens, and families can meet and enjoy some programming or even just hang out. I’m excited to work with the community to build the tween and teen programs and can’t wait to have some fun with those who sign up.
What are some of your favorite aspects of your job?
Leblanc: I really enjoy meeting and interacting with all the awesome people who come into the library every day. I also have a lot of fun doing story time every Saturday morning at 10:30 and can’t wait to start up some of our other programs like Anime Night and Dungeons and Dragons.
What are some goals/objectives/vision(s) you have for the library children’s department?
Leblanc: One objective I really want to focus on is promoting a fun and open environment at our programming, and, obviously, growing the teen and tween programs into something truly spectacular.
Any other thoughts to share with residents, patrons?
Leblanc: I can’t wait to get to know all of you in the coming months. Come sign up for Anime Night, Dungeons and Dragons, or drop by Storytime at 10:30 on Saturday and hang out!
Photo by Laurie Prichard.
