Skaneateles resident Nickie Marquis has been appointed the new director of the Skaneateles Public Library, the Board of Trustees of the Skaneateles Library Association announced last week.
Marquis, who has lived in Skaneateles since August 2010, brings more than 10 years of experience in library management, collection development, fundraising, public programming and reference services to the job.
Marquis most recently served as director of development at the Seneca Falls Library. She replaces SLA Trustee Danette Davis, who has served as interim director since July, after the departure of former library director Kathy Mosher.
“I’m excited to bring my experience and passion for libraries to my hometown library,” Marquis said. “I look forward to getting to know many more residents in the weeks and months ahead and enhancing library services to better meet the needs of the Skaneateles community.”
Marquis said she plans to continue the ongoing work to have more user-friendly space in the library, to implement more community programs and to generally create more opportunities for people to come into the library.
SLA Board President Scott Elia said the board decided to seek a new director this year because it wanted someone to “make some new, more aggressive changes” to the library. “We really needed a new director to make that happen,” he said.
“After an extensive search, we are thrilled that Nickie has accepted the director position,” Elia said. “Nickie brings a wealth of experience in public libraries and library development. She and her family also live in Skaneateles, giving her a unique insight into the needs of our community, and the dedication and enthusiasm we need to lead the library into the future. She only started [last] Monday and she already has some very good ideas.”
Prior to her position at Seneca Falls, Marquis served as assistant director and reference librarian at the Media-Upper Providence Free Library in Media, Penn., and information literacy instructor and reference librarian at the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Hood College in Frederick, Md., and a master’s of library science degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
Marquis’ first public function as library director was last Saturday’s One for the Books annual fundraising event. She will be introduced to the Skaneateles community at a public reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 at the library. All members of the Skaneateles community are encouraged to attend.
Jason Emerson is editor of the Skaneateles Press. He can be reached at [email protected].
