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Helene R. Murtha has been selected to serve as town librarian effective Monday, First Selectman Mike Tetreau announced. For the past year, Murtha held the position of Head of Children’s Services for the Fairfield Public Library. In that job, she managed the children’s department at both the Main and Woods Branch libraries.
"Dr. Murtha brings a wealth of experience to effectively manage one of the busiest libraries in the state and help it continue to thrive," Tetreau said in a statement.
Before serving Fairfield's youngest library patrons, Murtha was the school library media specialist for the Eastchester Union Free School District in Eastchester, N.Y. In that position, she supervised a middle/high school library facility serving 1,500 patrons. She also worked as a children’s librarian for the City of Yonkers, N.Y.
“As a Fairfield University graduate, I was thrilled to return to Fairfield last year as head of children’s services at Fairfield Public Library," Murtha said. "The town and the library hold a special place in my heart, and I am excited to collaborate with the first selectman, community officials and organizations, Board of Library Trustees, Friends of Fairfield Public Library and library staff to work together to continue to build on and enhance Fairfield Public Library’s long history of providing quality services and programs for the community.”
She earned a doctorate in educational administration from Dowling College; a master of science in library and information science; and a bachelor of science in business management from Fairfield University.
Upon the departure of Karen Ronald last May, the Board of Library Trustees for the Fairfield Public Library conducted a national search for town librarian. After a process of reviewing 31 candidates, initial interviews of six semifinalists, and three finalists, the board found its new town librarian right here at home.
“Dr. Murtha brings a wealth of experience to the position. Her business acumen and management skills combined with her work in schools and children’s services make her the perfect fit to be the Fairfield Public Library’s Town Librarian," Board of Library Trustees Chair Sonal Rajan said.
“Dr. Murtha’s outstanding performance as Head of Children’s Services and her intimate knowledge of our public library system will serve our community well,” Tetreau said,
Photo IDs, from left: Danielle Sharp, director of development of the Friends of Fairfield Public Library; Board of Library Trustees Chair Sonal Rajan; new town librarian Helene Murtha; First Selectman Mike Tetreau; and Friends of Fairfield Public Library President Margo Kaminsky.
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