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PHOTO: Jared Bond, who has worked at the Belgrade Public Library for 10 years, was named library director in August. (Maureen Milliken photo)
BELGRADE – Longtime library employee Jared Bond was named library director in August. Bond has worked at the Belgrade Public Library, as a library assistant and librarian for 10 years. He has also been interim director twice.
As director, Bond is responsible not only for the library’s daily operations, but for developing a collection that is wide-ranging, thoughtful and representative of the community, and programming that engages and enlightens patrons. During his interview, Bond talked of libraries as a “third place” outside of home and work where people can be their authentic selves as they seek enlightenment or enjoyment.
“I want to lead the way for us in accomplishing our goals of offering a diverse collection and interesting, entertaining and educational programming,” Bond said. “I feel confident that my experience working in the Belgrade Public Library will well prepare me for taking up the directorship.”
Bond was selected from among three finalists. Before coming to Belgrade, he worked at Cumston Public Library in Monmouth. In Belgrade, he initiated a highly popular Minecraft program for youth and played an instrumental role in upgrading the libraries personal computers and technology.
“Jared has a demonstrated commitment both to the mission of libraries as communal places of exploration and to the Belgrade Public Library in particular,” Town Manager Anthony Wilson said. “He mightily impressed the interview panel with his articulate vision of what libraries can and should be. We’re excited to offer him this opportunity to lead.”
The library has since added Kim Dawes as library clerk and Alaina Hood as library assistant. Dawes is taking over the 11 a.m. Thursday story time, which will also be available via video.
Bond said that the library is currently focused on expanding graphic novel, paperback and nonfiction collections, as well as keeping up with new releases. “We have added more than 30 books since the beginning of September, including the latest from Paul Doiron and Louise Penny, two of Belgrade’s favorite authors,” he said.
The library, at 124 Depot Road, is open 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
