Name Christina B. Nolan

Age 63

Occupation

I am the Library Director for our community library, Ridgefield Library Association. After graduating from college in the late '60s, I, along with thousands of others, went to live in San Francisco. I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted to do but quickly realized that management training at Wells Fargo Bank was not my life's path. While traveling in Europe and trying to find my life's path, someone suggested I become a librarian. The more I explored this idea, the more I liked it. I went to graduate school and focused my studies on the public library track within the field of Library and Information Science. It has turned out to be a fantastic career choice for me. I have worked in huge city public libraries doing reference work, did television interviews of authors, was a children's librarian in suburban settings and served as Acting Director of the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for the State of Wisconsin. Thinking that was a strong, broad foundation, I applied to become a library director. In short order, I got my first job as a library director. Within the first 4 months, I realized that no amount of prior experience had adequately prepared me for all the things I had to manage as the actual library director. Fortunately, I loved the variety and challenges and now have about 20 years experience with this job. I LOVE libraries, am very people oriented, am fascinated by the group dynamics of board work and board development. I can't think of a better job for me. My enthusiasm for libraries is contagious, and I particularly like community library work.

How long have you been in Ridgefield? 

I moved to Ridgefield almost 10 years ago. In 2000, I was working at Ann Arbor District Library in Michigan as the Associate Director of Public Services. The Ann Arbor library had just been named National Library of the Year and was far outpacing nearly all libraries in the country from a technology perspective. Unfortunately, for a large variety of reasons, Ann Arbor didn't have a strong foundation in policies, financial oversight, or community connections. Some very serious problems surfaced that I felt were poorly handled by the Ann Arbor library director as well as their library board. It was a sufficient divide that I knew I would need to find a different job rather than adapt to the circumstances in Michigan.

Just at that time, I saw a notice for the Library Director here in Ridgefield due to the pending retirement of Anita Daubenspeck. I somewhat knew the community of Ridgefield because one of my brothers lived here at the time (Jim Nolan & his wife Kathleen). As often happens, a search firm had been hired to locate a field of applicants for the Library Board to consider. I applied and came for an interview in late September -- I believe it was the day the Bernese Mountain Dogs came into town. I liked what I saw: a library that is loved by the community, a strong board, a stable staff committed to high customer service and community pride.

Placing a Library Director in a community is a challenge. In addition to the professional skills, this person must "fit" with the community in a special way. From the first interview, I felt this was a really good "fit" for my skills and strengths. I was fortunate to be hired and my first day was December 1, 2000

What is your favorite place to go in Ridgefield? 

I have so many---I love to go to the Rec Center, the Playhouse, Books on the Common, Bissell's (there is nothing like Ed's skilled pharmacists), Steve's and  Bailey's Backyard. I am seriously directionally challenged. My sons gave me one of the first GPS devices on the market -- now I happily explore the Ridgebury and Farmingville areas, or drive on the various Peaceable streets, knowing I can get home when I need to.

Why Ridgefield? 

Ridgefield is a great community teeming with lots of culture, natural beauty and charm. In very early 2001, I had the good fortune to become an active member of the committee that planned  Patriot Weekend, the 225^th Anniversary of the Battle of Ridgefield. I got to learn a fantastic amount of local history from Keith Jones, Kay Ables, Elise Haas, Jeanne Timpanelli and the like. That cemented my appreciation for this community.