Stefanie Dalton
Seekonk,MA
Summary
Successful, enthusiastic Library Director with almost 26 years of public library experience, possessing excellent management, community outreach, customer service, collaboration, technology, fundraising and event/program planning skills, seeking position Director of the Seekonk Public Library.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Library Director
North Providence Union Free Library
07.2020 - Current
- Oversaw a $3.1 million Community Learning Center renovation to the library's second floor in summer/fall 2025.
- Writes the yearly library budget under the guidance of the library Trustees.
- Attends annual budget hearings with Town Council and administrators.
- Manages the expenditures and procurement of funds for the library's non-profit Foundation.
- Approves all expenditures.
- Writes grants for library improvements and innovative services.
- Generates and updates policies and procedures for the library staff and library users.
- Compiles data and completes the RI Public Library Annual Survey each year, reporting on library information, material use, income, and expenditures for the purpose of state library funding.
- Serves in the network of RI library directors on state-wide meetings and decision-making on state library policies, technology, and innovations in the consortium.
- Works closely with other Town departments on projects and library needs, such as the Mayor's Office, Police Department, Fire Department, DPW, Recreation, and the Senior Center.
- Attends and presents sessions at state and regional library conferences.
- Completes continuing education courses offered the the state library, OLIS (Office of Library and Information Services).
- Hires professional staff and paraprofessional staff.
- Manages department heads and librarians.
- Holds department head meetings four times a year and an all-staff meeting two times a year.
- Encourages staff to highlight their talents and skills at programs and conferences.
- Oversees the library's website and social media pages, sharing library highlights and information with the public.
- Corresponds with local newspaper, The Breeze, on library highlights and stories of interest.
- Plans and implements library participation in community meetings and events yearly, including the Town's Memorial Day Parade, National Night Out, Charity Basketball Game, Student Government Day, Centredale Village Festival, PTO Fall Festival, and others as they arise.
- Worked with graphic designer on creating a library logo and continuously on designing an annual report brochure.
- Mentored a MET school student for four years and has fostered a rapport with the school and teachers.
- Supervises library building and grounds. Communicates with Building Maintenance and service companies when needed.
- Compiles a Continuity of Operations Plan annually of library contacts, vendors, and emergency plans.
- Organizes fundraisers multiple times a year, including ongoing raffles, book sales, and vendor fairs.
- Plans relevant , entertaining, and informative programs and services for the staff and the public.
Systems Coordinator
Providence Community Library, Rochambeau Library
Providence, RI
11.2019 - Current
- Coordinated staffing of nine neighborhood branches with the assistance of two additional System Coordinators.
- Managed and scheduled twelve staff among three departments at the Rochambeau Library including circulation services, Reference, and the Children’s Floor.
- Supervised other neighborhood libraries as needed.
- Attended Coordinator meetings with Library Director bi-monthly to discuss system-wide issues and concerns.
- Maintained 3 floor building and reports issues to security guard and custodial departments as needed.
- Planned and attended staff nights to help foster meaningful connections among and between branches.
- Scheduled groups, individuals, and organizations to utilize three meeting spaces at the Rochambeau Library on a daily basis.
Branch Librarian
Cranston Public Library Oak Lawn Branch
Cranston, RI
01.2014 - 11.2019
- Supervised the daily operations of the branch library.
- Managed and scheduled six regular part time employees, and other branch staff as they fill in as needed.
- Conducted annual performance reviews for part-time staff.
- Recruited staff members who showed skills as volunteers to work for the library.
- Planned staff events such as dinners, birthdays, and paint nights to connect in meaningful and fun ways.
- Maintained budget for adult, teen, and children’s materials.
- Helped develop and write social media policy.
- Educated staff on library policy manual for procedures as necessary.
- Prepared weekly deposit of branch monies acquired through fines, prints, and other library services.
- Managed the acquisition of gift funds donated to the library through families, wills, and estates.
- Diffused confrontational situations as they occur at the desk and during programs.
- Opens and closes the building following appropriate procedures.
- Reported building and safety issues in the library and on library property to the appropriate channel for resolution.
- Oversaw the renovation of library’s basement program room after seven years of non-use.
- Supervised the Central library’s Reference Desk during Sunday shifts.
Youth Services Librarian
Cranston Public Library Auburn Branch
05.2008 - 12.2013
- Managed one full time paraprofessional employee, four regularly scheduled part time workers, and an average of 15 volunteers in building.
- Communicated with city workers and maintenance companies as library building problems occurred.
- Effectively diffused difficult situations as they occurred in library, concerning patrons and other troubles.
- Reported to Director and Assistant Director as problems occurred within the building.
- Monitored the grounds of the library and reported any issues or incidents to appropriate persons.
- Assigned tasks to part time and paraprofessional staff.
- Scheduled part time staff and volunteers.
- Successfully found coverage for library during staff absence.
- Opened and closed down building following procedures.
Reference Associate
North Providence Public Library
North Providence, RI
08.2000 - 12.2004
- Supervised Reference Department in the absence of Head of Reference Librarian.
- Trained new employees in Reference service skills.
- Diffused confrontational situations as they occurred.
Education
Master of Library and Information Science -
University of Rhode Island
05-2008
Skills
- Fundraising
- Public Relations
- Networking
- Recruitment
- Community Engagement
Accomplishments
- Secured a Champlin Foundation Grant to renovate the library's outdated restrooms soon after assuming the role of Director.
- Appeared on the national television show "Kindred Spirits" in 2022.
- Worked with RI PBS on "Our Town: North Providence" to host filming days and highlight the library's history.
- Commissioned the library's first logo to establish more visibility in the community and beyond.
- Established library presence at annual community events.
Certification
- Information Literacy Instruction Certification
Timeline
Library Director
North Providence Union Free Library
07.2020 - Current
Systems Coordinator
Providence Community Library, Rochambeau Library
11.2019 - Current
Branch Librarian
Cranston Public Library Oak Lawn Branch
01.2014 - 11.2019
Youth Services Librarian
Cranston Public Library Auburn Branch
05.2008 - 12.2013
Reference Associate
North Providence Public Library
08.2000 - 12.2004
Master of Library and Information Science -
University of Rhode Island
In the media
- Dalton outlines what's next once physical library renovations are complete
- Construction of community learning center beginning at North Providence Library
- Now on loan at NP Library: At-home printing capability
- Show explores case of haunted North Providence Library and miffed former trustee
- Filming wrapping up on ‘Our Town: North Providence’
Published works
“Promoting the Library and Summer Reading Program: Grabbing the Attention of Middle School Students,” in Library Youth Outreach 26 Ways to Connect with Children, Young Adults and Their Families. Edited by Kerol Harrod and Carol Smallwood. McFarland, 2014.