New children’s librarian Andrea Conboy is a familiar face at the library, as she has worked there part time for more than a year.
PHOTO/MICHELLE MURDOCK

The Hopkinton Public Library recently announced the hiring of Andrea Conboy as children’s librarian. Her first official day on the job was May 28, but it was not her first time working at the library.

Conboy joined the library staff in February of 2018 as a circulation assistant on a per diem basis when she was looking for part-time work, and she said she instantly fell in love with the staff, the library and the community. With the retirement of Denise Kofron in January, the opportunity for a permanent position as children’s librarian was her next goal.

Conboy completed her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in 2015 and worked as a full-time speech-language pathologist, mostly in schools. Last fall she started the process of completing a master’s degree in library and information science from Simmons University.

“I am excited to be full time and look forward to knowing the community and the library patrons,” Conboy said. “I want to learn names, make the children’s library a warm and welcoming space, and hope to continue the excellence in service.”

What she is looking forward to most is working with kids and programming, both running the existing programs and developing new programs.

“I have a lot of enthusiasm for programs,” Conboy said.

Conboy also talked about some of the existing programs that she is looking forward to this summer, including the summer reading challenge, which will be space themed to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing.

Another favorite for Conboy is watching children reading to the library’s therapy dogs, Gracie and Kaboom. The dogs are available in the Children’s Room on either Mondays or Wednesdays from 7-7:45 p.m. with no signup required. To see the complete schedule of the dogs’ availability, visit libraryinsight.net/calendarkids.asp?jx=hk.

The staff at the library are happy to have Conboy on board and look forward to working with her in her new role.

“We are delighted to bring Andrea on board,” said library director Heather Backman. “She brings wonderful energy and ideas that will help us remain responsive to our patrons’ needs and interests, as well as a strong background in literacy development work with children. I believe our youngest patrons and their parents or caretakers will enjoy building relationships with her and experiencing what she brings to the library.”