Meet Our New Director: Laura Irmscher
Laura Irmscher is the new Director of Library Services for the West Hartford Public Library. Laura is a seasoned librarian who has spent over 15 years serving the public, with extensive experience in many different facets of library operations. Laura joins us from the Boston Public Library where she most recently held the position of Chief of Collections. Laura holds a MLIS from Simmons College and a BA in History from Alma College.
We asked her to share a little about herself. Here’s what she had to say.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Build Legos with my daughters, bake extravagant goodies, play Animal Crossing, and of course, read.
What’s the best professional memory you’ve made?
Watching people at the grand reopening of the Boston Public Library’s Central Library after a major renovation. I was on a team that worked for years to reimagine what that library could be. Watching the public’s reaction – seeing the surprise on their face as they saw the new building that was completely transformed into a welcoming, light, vibrant place – was something I’ll never forget.
How do you see libraries changing in the future?
I see libraries continuing to transform and innovate in response to community needs. As one of the few public institutions that still have the trust of the people, libraries have a special opportunity to bring people together.
What’s your favorite place of all the places you’ve travelled?
A ski lodge in Vail, Colorado. There is something so peaceful about the quiet after a snowfall in the mountains.
What books are on your night stand?
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar, Pack Up the Moon by Kristan Higgins, Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen, The Enchantress Returns by Chris Colfer, Subpar Parks: America’s Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors by Amber Share … (it’s a bit of a precarious pile)
What’s the last great book you read?
Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez
Describe your ideal reading experience.
In a hammock next to a lake with a gentle breeze blowing
What’s your favorite book no one else has heard of?
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. I know people heard about it at the time, but it’s nearly 20 years old and I think people have forgotten about it. Definitely worth a re-read.
Whom would you want to write your life story?
Weird Al Yankovic
Lightning Round
Fiction or nonfiction? Fiction
Coffee or tea? Mocha Frappuccino
Are you a morning person or night person? Night Person
Podcasts or audiobooks? Podcast
Summer or winter? Summer
Fall or spring? Fall
Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Cake or pie? BOTH
TV shows or movies? Movies
City or country? Country
Text or phone call? Text