NEWS
Meet Chatham Public Library’s New Director
The Chatham Public Library welcomed the arrival of its new director, Hanna Bachrach, who took the reins at the library this August. In her first few days on the job, Bachrach has been busy familiarizing herself with the multitude of references and resources the library provides, and getting to know the staff and patrons.
“I am very excited to be a part of this library,” said Bachrach during a brief break between meetings. “It’s such an important center for the community, and I really look forward to bringing new ideas and exciting ways to further our mission as a center for all members of the community, whether children, working adults, or retirees.”
Bachrach is an experienced librarian with a background in both academic and municipal library systems. She has worked for college or private school libraries in New York, Vermont and Virginia, and for public library systems in Austin, Texas and Henrico County, Virginia. She holds a master’s degree in library science from Pratt Institute and an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree in creative writing, sociology and studio art from Hollins University.
She grew up in Chatham, graduated from the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, and currently lives in Chatham Village with her husband James, who is a PhD. student at RPI. You may also recognize her from her walks around town with Sadie, her Basset Hound mix.
Bachrach succeeds former director Luisa Salbin-Kildiss, who resigned in May. Bachrach’s appointment was made official on August 14th, with Chatham’s Board of Education approving her for the job after a month’s long search and interview process that included Bachrach meeting with library committees, staff and patrons. Wendy Fuller provided interim library director services during the search.