READING BETWEEN THE LINES A QUICK CHAT WITH THE ATHENEUM’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND HEAD LIBRARIAN ANN SCOTT

What’s something that most people don’t know about you?

You might not know how much I love my work. I find great overall meaning and purpose in catalyzing a community toward greater knowledge, creativity and wellness. Growing human connectedness through art, music, reading and stimulating conversations is deeply satisfying.

If you had to select three books that would serve as quintessential Nantucket reading, which would they be?

I need to know what genre, style and reading level floats your boat, but here’s a fun start: Away Off Shore: Nantucket Island and Its People, 1602-1890, by Nathaniel Philbrick; Daughters of Nantucket, by Julie Gerstenblatt; and Out of the Wild Night, by Blue Balliett.

Describe an experience that amplifies the unsung work of the Atheneum beyond being a library?

Do you mean “beyond being a book repository”? We register people to vote, we help folks gain citizenship, and we offer resources that would not otherwise be accessible to an average citizen. We combat censorship. We protect your freedom to read, your privacy, your free and fair access. We are the people’s university, using written and spoken word, as well as inspirational and artistic expression to democratize knowledge. This is the unsung work of public library workers across the country, and it is rooted in a deep and beautiful history. And unlike other public libraries, the Atheneum receives a required degree of funding from local government but works very hard to raise nearly 75 percent of its operating budget on an annual basis.

What is one part of the Atheneum that people would be surprised to learn about?

You may be surprised to know that you already have a free library card, waiting for you at our front desk. You might also be surprised to know that we deliver to the homebound and that we do not charge late fees.

What’s one misconception of librarians?

Depends on the librarian. Some of us are naturally quiet; some are boisterous. Some of us are readers. Others, not so much. Library workers come from all kinds of industries and have diverse backgrounds and talents. Librarians have further invested themselves with a master’s in library and information science. Our education can range from the history and ethics of library science to coding, archives, sociology, leadership, research skills and specialized fields.

How would you define your mission at the Atheneum?

The Atheneum is “Nantucket’s free public library and gathering place, transforming lives with resources and experiences that support lifelong learning for all.” My professional mission as executive director and head librarian is to actively nourish and leverage the considerable talent of our trustees and staff to deliver a library curriculum that is relevant and responsive to the cultural and educational needs of Nantucket.

What’s your favorite Nantucket tradition or pastime?

My favorite Nantucket tradition is the annual Cold Turkey Plunge held on Thanksgiving at Children’s Beach, which provides critical funding to our Weezie Library for Children, so that we may offer free year-round access to a multitude of materials and activities.

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