Dear Library patrons,
This, my 109th message to you, is my final as Library Director. As I move onto retirement with dreams of world travel, home repair projects and reading the books I haven’t had time to read, I am delighted to introduce new Library Director Amy Behr-Shields.
The Board of Trustees engaged in an intensive three month endeavor to identify the perfect candidate to serve the Summit community. They have selected Ms. Behr-Shields, a Scotch Plains resident, to fill the position. She comes to us from the Somerset County Library System, where she has served in a multitude of roles, including as a Youth Services Librarian and a Youth Services Department Supervisor of multiple branches. Most recently however, Ms. Behr-Shields has served as the Human Resources Generalist for the ~260 staff of SCLS.
Ms. Behr-Shields has strong experience in administrative library functions, customer service, and in creating community relationships. She is passionate about cultivating an environment of learning for both staff and patrons and is dedicated to redefining the traditional library space to adapt to the needs of the community.
Please stop by on Thursday, April 7th between 2:00 – 4:00 pm to bid me adieu as I move to my next chapter and to welcome Ms. Behr-Shields as she opens a whole new chapter for the Summit Library. It has been a pleasure serving as Director of this wonderful library in this wonderful community with this wonderful staff. I thank the Board of Trustees, the staff and the residents for allowing me to serve.
Susan Permahos
