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09/25/2024 08:30 AM“Coming here was like coming home for me in a lot of ways.” For Sudie Simmons, becoming the new adult programming coordinator at the Henry Carter Hull Library was a natural fit.
In May, Sudie was applying for graduate programs in library sciences when she decided to check in and see if the Henry Carter Hull Library had any open positions.
“I started working at the circulation desk in May but I was really interested in doing programming,” Sudie recalls.
Eventually, the former adult programming coordinator left, and an opening was available.
“It’s been only four months, and it’s the best job already. Everyone has been super supportive,” Sudie says.
As the adult programming coordinator, Sudie is in charge of finding events or programs that would interest adult patrons.
“We have separate programs aimed at adults and kids. Some of the programming, I just make sure it’s running as normal because we’ve done it for a while, but I’m also responsible for getting new events like finding new artists for our exhibits or doing special one-off events,” Sudie explains.
For example, Sudie points out that September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, and October is ADHD Awareness Month, so Sudie says she is looking for programming around those initiatives.
In addition to finding the events, Sudie is also responsible for making press releases and promoting the events on social media.
“I handle a lot of logistics, field requests from people who want to do programming with us,” Sudie says.
One upcoming event Sudie is eager to spread the word about is the upcoming arts and crafts fair on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “We’re still accepting vendor applications. We’re going to have all relatively local artists and craft people. We’ll have crocheting, sewing, paintings, and this year, we’ll be both indoors and outdoors. We’re thrilled,” Sudie says.
Another event Sudie is excited about is a health fair scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Attendees can get flu and COVID vaccines from a pharmacist, and a speaker from Middlesex Hospital will be on hand to discuss breast health.
As far as Sudie is concerned, working at the library is not something that comes as a total surprise to people who know her. While she’s studying library sciences at the graduate level now, her undergraduate degree from Yale was in literature.
“So not totally far off,” Sudie jokes. “I basically grew up at the library when I was a kid. I worked in the Fairfield public library in high school. I keep telling people, ‘I don’t know how it took me so long for me to work in a library,’ but I guess everyone’s path is different. I remember I came home from my first day at the circulation desk and loved it so much I said, ‘I can’t believe I get paid for this’,” Sudie said.
As for her favorite part of working at the library so far, Sudie points to the strong bond the library staff has with the larger community.
“There’s no question my favorite part is the community. Both the patrons and the staff. Everyone is so supportive,” Sudie says.
In fact, Sudie says catching up to that level of connectivity with the patrons is the hardest aspect of her job.
“The hardest part is that it’s such a small town it’s been a big challenge to get up to speed and get to know everyone by name like the rest of the staff does, but it’s definitely a good challenge to have,” says Sudie.
Sudie originally grew up in Bridgeport before living in New York City for 11 years. She moved to Clinton earlier this year to be closer to family. So far, the small town has left a strong impression on her.
“I think coming from New York City and Bridgeport to coming to a small town has been unique. Just getting to know the neighbors is different. It feels like there’s so much in common with everyone, and it’s great. Not that you didn’t get that in cities but it’s more noticeable here. It’s what’s really stood out,” Sudie says.
In her spare time, Sudie enjoys sewing, thrifting, taking care of house plants, and being outdoors, especially at Hammonasset.