Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of Q&As with Framingham Public Library staff. The main Framingham Library and the Christa McAuliffe Library branch were physically closed for more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. During that time period, a new director and assistant director were hired. During those months, new staff was hired, some left, and with the library back to its pre-pandemic hours, SOURCE thought it would be great during the prime summer reading season to introduce and re-introduce key library staff to the community, and have staff discuss what the library has to offer and their favorite parts of the libraries.
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Director of Libraries Lena Kilburn
When started in current position: August 31, 2020
How long with Framingham Library: 7 years and 8 months – 8 years on January 7, 2022
I am responsible for: Working with an incredible staff and collaborating with this vibrant community to bring excellence in library services by developing and growing innovative library staff, collections, programs, learning experiences, and spaces for this amazing City!
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Favorite Children’s book: The Halloween Tree, by Ray Bradbury
Favorite Book: Too many! There are so many. Some of the books that I read and reread growing up are: Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte; The Princess Bride, by William Goldman; The Lord of the Rings trilogy, by JRR Tolkien; Something Wicked This Way Comes, by Ray Bradbury; American Gods, by Neil Gaiman
Favorite author: So tough to pick just one, but if I HAD to, probably Ray Bradbury. His writing is much more eclectic than many people realize and everything he writes is just overflowing with beautiful imagery. Sometimes it’s sad, sometimes funny, sometimes a little scary, but his work always draws you in and makes you think.
Favorite section of the Framingham Library to browse: Since I started my career in Children’s, the Children’s Room will always be near and dear to my heart. I love the richness of imagination in Children’s Literature. There’s lots of joy to be discovered there.
When I’m in the library, I just can’t help myself and check out staff picks! Definitely.
The best part of my job is hearing ideas from the staff, giving them the green light to make something grow, and bringing it to life for our community.
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I wish people knew the library offered: First and foremost, opportunity–opportunity for growth, connection, creativity, exploration, joy, enrichment. We have an incredible staff, serving up amazing experiences, plus tens of thousands of items both physical and electronic to borrow: music, movies, artwork, books. Not to mention an innovative collection of Library of things which includes musical instruments, tools, camping gear, Wifi Hotspots, Rokus, among other things!
The Framingham Library needs YOU! Our patrons and community are the reason we come to work every day.
Last thing I took out with my library card was an ebook on Hoopla (download the free app!) called The Lost Apothecary, by Sarah Penner. Recommended!
I would recommend: Take advantage of all of our electronic resources. Libby, Kanopy, Hoopla -Free subscriptions to magazines, newspapers, download books, the latest music, movies. We have so much at your fingertips no matter where you are!
MassBay Community College 
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