Christine Gates says she has enjoyed her first few weeks on the job as the new director of the Hamlin Public Library.
“I love it, everyone is so nice,” Gates told the Suburban News and Hamlin-Clarkson Herald during a Meet the Director reception Saturday, February 3 at the library.
“The (library) board members are so helpful and the staff is amazingly talented, I am so lucky,” Gates said.
She says her first day on the job was December 4. Gates replaces Kay Hughes-Dennett, who retired from the post late last year.
Gates comes to the library director position after experience in the public school library system. She has a strong background working with teens and tweens. Prior to coming to Hamlin, she worked as the high school librarian at Churchville-Chili Central Schools.
“We want to encourage more teens to come to the library,” Gates says.
The Hamlin Public Library offers tween and teen programming including crafts workshops, a book club and the Volunteen Connection – a fun and creative group of tween and teen volunteers who are helping to plan library events and activities.
Gates says she wants the community to feel a sense of welcome as they enter the library.
“We want to have a warm environment,” she says. “When (patrons) walk in, we want them to feel that this is a part of their community.”
There have been a few changes since Gates became library director.
The young adult area at the front of the library has been “opened up,” she says. “We had a space for children and teens, we needed a space for tweens,” she explains.
There is now table space, seating and more available for tweens. “It’s a space they can call their own,” she notes of the new area.
“We have a computer where students can sit and work on Power Point presentations,” Gates says. Additionally, educational toys are available for younger patrons.
The library is also working to accommodate the need for adult programming.
“We have a high demand for day and night programming,” Gates notes.
Recent adult craft programs featuring a Valentine decoration and a champagne flute for Valentine’s day were offered both during afternoon and evening sessions.
Coming up on February 22, its DINOmite DINOSAURS during winter school break week, and on Sunday, March 25, the Friends of the Hamlin Library are hosting an All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at the Hamlin VFW from noon to 5 p.m.
For more information on library events and programming, call 585-964-2320, visit hamlinlibraryny.org or go to the library’s Face Book page.
