Meet the Staff

Library Director

Heather Brodie Perry, M.L.S., Ph.D. she/her
hperry@cwmars.org

“Before coming to Ashby, I was a Reference Librarian, and I truly love answering questions, especially the hard ones. I grew up in Ashby and moved back after COVID, returning to my roots What I love most about being a librarian is that I get to learn something new every day.  You are never bothering me with a question. Helping people find answers is literally what I am here for. I am a tenacious searcher, I once spent 18 years tracking down a short story I read in 8th grade, but I did find it (Examination Day, Slesar, 1958). I also enjoy home repair and improvement, even if I did not expect quite so much of it to happen at the library. If you need help finding information, solving a mystery, or figuring out where to start, come see me at the desk.”

Librarians

Rose Smith

Children's Librarian

James Porter

Library Page

“I’ve lived in Ashby all my life so it’s great being able to help contribute to our community. Whether it’s finding that missing book, doing pull lists, reaching the high shelves, or just making a treasure hunt, I’m always here if you need a hand! I also love nature and am something of a writer. Cooking is also a hobby of mine, not to brag but I make a great lasagna!”

Jenn Washington

Children's Librarian

Sandra Schippers

Library Assistant

Our librarians do a lot to keep the library afloat! They help with the shelving, cleaning, processing books, and just making the library a great place to be!

Board of Trustees

Join The Trustees

  • Rebecca Anderson, Chair
  • Roberta Flashman, Vice Chair
  • Claire Lavin, Secretary
  • Jane Pankosky
  • Dwight Horan, Scholarship Committee
  • Lynne Carpenito, Treasurer
  • Amy Redder
  • Geraldine Zagarella

The Board of Trustees is essential to keeping our library strong and growing. Each spring, new trustees are elected to three-year terms, with one-third of the board changing each year, and we are always excited to welcome new members. If you love the library and want to help shape its future, joining the Board is a fun and meaningful way to give back. The Board meets once a month, usually skipping one meeting in the summer and around the holidays, and trustees typically serve on one low-key subcommittee focused on a specific project. We would especially love people with interests in fundraising, social media, or new ideas for the library. If you are interested, talk with Heather, Rebecca, or any Trustee to learn more.

 
Regular Board of Trustees meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The public is welcome to attend our regular board meetings.

If you would like additional information, please email them at AFPL.trustees@gmail.com

Volunteers

  • Vicky Mickola
  • Hannelore Colasanto
  • Sandra Schippers
  • Barry Buck
  • Lynne Carpenito
  • Rita Poland
  • Rebecca Anderson
  • Lisa Salem
  • Victoria Maloney
  • Brenda and Joe Armstrong-Champ
  • Michelle Thomas
  • Scott Wakeman
  • Steve Smith

Our library runs on the time, care, and generosity of our amazing volunteers, and we truly could not function without them. From processing and shelving books, to cleaning, watering plants, helping with special projects, and supporting fundraising efforts, our volunteers keep the library welcoming, organized, and running smoothly every day. Their dedication makes a real difference for our entire community, and we are so grateful for everything they do. Senior volunteers may also be eligible for a discount on their taxes for volunteering. For more information, please see April at the Council on Aging. If you are interested in volunteering, we would love to hear from you. Please email Heather or Rose at ashbylibrary@cwmars.org to learn more.