Children's Librarian

SAWYER FREE LIBRARY WELCOMES TRICIA BALSAN AS NEW CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is delighted to announce the appointment of Tricia Balsan as Children’s Librarian.

Jenny Benedict, the Library Director, expressed her enthusiasm for Balsan’s appointment, “We are thrilled to welcome Tricia to the Sawyer Free Library. 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. 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. 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,” shared Tricia Balsan. “Gloucester clearly loves their library, 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 Street, and in our brand-new library building when it opens next year!”

Tricia Balsan, who 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, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her new role. She has an impressive background in public libraries, having served in various roles from page to circulation clerk. Balsan’s extensive experience has equipped her with the latest best practices in the library and children’s literature fields, with a special focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation within children’s and young adult literature.

In her most recent position at the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, MA, Balsan provided library services to children, including leading engaging and interactive story times. Additionally, her experience includes positions at the Oceanside Library, Malverne Public Library, Baldwin Public Library, and Hampshire College Library. Triciai holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies from SUNY Empire State College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to come into 21 Main Street and congratulate Tricia on her new role while checking out its exciting 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 21 Main Street are Monday and Wednesday from 8 am to 6 pm, Tuesday from 8 am to 6:15 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm, and 24/7 online at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

For more information about “Summer at the Sawyer Free Library” and to register for programs, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

SFL Children’s Services Team: Jessica Laurie, Tricia Balsan and Justine Vitale

SAWYER FREE LIBRARY WELCOMES NEW CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN TO STAFF

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to welcome Marisa Hall as its newest Children’s Librarian.

“I am beyond pleased to welcome Marisa Hall, with her innovative thinking, boundless enthusiasm, and love of working with children, to our dedicated and talented staff at the Sawyer Free Library,” stated Jenny Benedict, the Library Director. “Marisa is so approachable and friendly. I know that our young patrons and their families will welcome her warmly.”

Marisa brings her extensive experience of creating and implementing programs and community outreach events designed to catch the attention and meet the needs of the library’s younger patrons to her new position at the Sawyer Free Library.  With expertise in STEM/STEAM concepts and practices, she will also be developing new innovative programs for children and teens of all ages.

“I’ve been so inspired by the Sawyer Free Library community and my warm welcome to Gloucester that I can’t wait to jump in and start working with the library’s young patrons,” said Marisa Hall on her new role. “I’m looking forward to getting to know even more of the community through my Saturday story-times and STEM programming in the new year.”

Marisa comes to Gloucester from New York, where she most recently served as the Senior Children’s Librarian New York Public Library’s Riverside branch for over four years. She has been recognized with numerous professional awards and certifications for her work in library services and received her M.L.I.S. with a concentration in School Media and Youth Services from Rutgers University and a Bachelor’s of Arts from the University of Delaware.  

The Children’s Room staff led by Christy Rosso.

SFL’s New Children’s Librarian