Old Town Library director bids farewell after 14 years, new director named

OLD TOWN, Maine — Cindy Jennings has led the Old Town Public Library for the last 14 years, but by early August, her time as director will come to a close and a new chapter will begin. 

Jennings is handing over the reins to the first person she hired 14 years ago, and said she’s looking forward to her next adventure — whatever that may be. 

But as Jennings looked back on her time with the Old Town Public Library, she said she tried her best to make the library an important part of the community. 

“We want to be a destination and not just a transactional place,” Jennings said. “We want to be a scenic turnout on the information highway.” 

Jennings started her 38-year career in libraries as a children’s librarian, one of the most fun jobs in the business, she said. But as the leader of the library, she could have a direct impact on her community in different ways that stretch beyond just books. 

Ultimately, what we do is share information in so many different formats,” Jennings said. “I would like to believe that we are inclusive, diverse … and serve the community well.” 

For Jennings, one of the things she is most proud of isn’t necessarily how the library gives people access to information — it’s the plants that line the ground on the outside, she said. 

Jennings said there seemed to be an interest in further developing the gardens around the buildings, so she worked with a local gardener to create beautiful beds of plants and flowers. 

The programming is something Jennings said she’s also proud of and she hopes it will continue after she leaves. Jennings helped to develop a wide range of programs from gardening to luncheons that brought authors and residents together. 

Cassandra Pool — the new director — said she’s felt the impact Jennings has had on the library since her first day 14 years ago. 

“She’s been an amazing mentor. When I first started, I had just graduated [from] high school and was going to college and didn’t really know what I was doing,” Pool said. “She told me about the new program at UMaine Augusta — the library program. Now I have a degree in library information and science.” 

Pool started out just restocking shelves on the weekends but over the last 14 years, Jennings has trained her and been a mentor, preparing her for her next role of leading the library. 

“It’s going to be challenging. Not being able to check with Cindy on things will be challenging,” she said. “But I think she has prepared me for this and I feel like it’s time. I’m excited — nervous — but excited.” 

For Jennings, her plans once her term expires are to spend time with her family and work on a new business venture, making handbags and wallets. But overall, Jennings said she’ll miss the people. 

“It’s just a wonderful job and it’s been a wonderful job,” Jennings said.