Sawyer Free Library recently welcomed Tricia Balsan as the children’s librarian.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tricia to the Sawyer Free Library,” said Jenny Benedict, the library’s director, expressing her enthusiasm for Balsan’s appointment.
“Her expertise in children’s literature and commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning make her an invaluable addition to our talented and dedicated Children’s Services staff,” Benedict said. “We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our community. Tricia’s approachable and friendly nature surely will be embraced by Gloucester’s young people and their families.”
“I am so excited to join the team here at Sawyer Free Library,” Balsan said. “Everyone has welcomed me so warmly and has such enthusiasm for what they do. I can already tell how vital a part of the community the library is.”
“Gloucester clearly loves their library,” Balsan added, “and it’s such a wonderful feeling! I look forward to getting to know the children and families of Gloucester — both at our temporary location at 21 Main St., and in our brand-new library building when it opens next year!”
Balsan recently graduated magna cum laude with dual degrees — a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature and a Master of Science in Library Science — from Simmons University in Boston. She also graduated magna cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies from SUNY Empire State College.
She brings a wealth of experience and passion to her new role, the library said.
Her extensive background in public libraries includes having served in various roles from page to circulation clerk. Her experience has equipped her with the latest best practices in the library and children’s literature fields, the library said, with a special focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation with children’s and young adult literature.
In her most recent position at the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, Balsan provided library services to children, including leading engaging and interactive story times.
Her experience includes positions at the Oceanside Library in Oceanside, New York, the Malverne Public Library on Long Island, New York, the Baldwin Public Library in Baldwin, New York, and the Hampshire College Library in Amherst.
The library invites the community to come to 21 Main St. and congratulate Balsan on her new role while checking out its summer calendar of fun and free events and programs designed to inspire, educate, and entertain people of all ages.
Sawyer Free Library’s summer operating hours at its temporary location are Monday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m., to 5 p.m.;and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library’s website can be accessed 24/7 at sawyerfreelibrary.org.