After 14 years, Chester Library Director Linda Fox is retiring and handing the keys to the card catalog over to new Library Director Stephanie Romano. Until the official transition on July 6, Romano is shadowing Fox, learning the ins and outs of the Chester Library.

Romano is coming to her new position from Old Lyme, where she worked at the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library as the circulation supervisor for the past nine years.

“I’m excited for my new position in Chester; I love the charm and atmosphere of a small town. I’ve made many friends in Old Lyme and have had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Friends of the Old Lyme library, as well as collaborate and partner with many businesses, and I look forward to doing the same in Chester,” said Romano.

She added, “My path to being a librarian has not been a direct one. I worked at Research Books Inc. (a book distributor for corporate libraries), in Madison for about eight years before deciding to go back to school. The work I was involved in with Research Books involved interaction with librarians on all different levels and was the reason I chose to pursue a degree in library science. I loved the fact that every librarian I spoke with, no matter which field they were in, loved their job. I knew that I also wanted a job that I was going to love after 25 years.”

Romano’s background and appreciation for the library helped her to gain the position, though Fox has left big shoes to fill.

“I am sad to see Linda retire—she is such a warm, welcoming presence—however, we look forward to a new chapter with Stephanie,” said Library Board of Trustees Chair Terry Schreiber.

Sally Murray, a member of the Friends of the Chester Library, said, “Linda has consistently given her all, and then some, for the people of Chester; her tireless efforts have brightened our town in ways most people will never recognize, but which benefit all of us.”

Fox, who has no particular plan for her retirement, said, “I am making space in my life for something wonderful to come into it.”

She added, “I think Stephanie is a perfect fit for Chester. She is a very real, hands-on kind of person, with a can do attitude who has a desire to learn how to make things here in this small town even better.”