Library Staff
The library has always been an integral part of my life, keeping me rooted in my passion for reading and giving me a place to explore my curious questions about the world. How fortunate I felt to spend time after school, throughout college, and the early years of my career combing the stacks for books to get lost in and stories that would comfort or challenge me. Best of all was that I always knew the library would be a space I could come to for personal growth and community connection.
I’ve served as library director for several rural community libraries in both Northern New York and my new home state of Vermont, and I am excited to be a part of the rich and vibrant community here in Bristol through my role as library director. There is nothing I love more than helping inspire personal learning with valuable resources, setting the stage for engaging community conversations, and being a part of a collaborative process to build strong communities.
If I’m not reading, you can almost always find me out in the woods on nature walks with my family, knitting, or exploring the beautiful Green Mountain State. But most likely, I’m still daydreaming about great books.
Katie Male-Riordan
Library Director
In early 2014, my family and I moved to Bristol. Lawrence Memorial Library instantly became a place for us to explore. The library’s programs for its youngest readers allowed us to find our community and begin putting down roots. Throughout the years, the library’s importance in our lives has grown and evolved; from those early days of board books through to Lego Club, and it’s been amazing to watch the changes that have taken place there over that same period of time.
Becoming the Children’s Librarian at LML is a dream come true and will allow me to put my experience as a professional educator to work for a broad group of kids (and their families.) Poetry, theater, and dystopian fiction are genres of high interest for me, and I absolutely adore picture books—you’re never too old to sit down with a picture book!
Alison DaBica
Children’s Librarian
Books, community, and design – there’s not a better combination in my eye! I’m thrilled to be a part of the LML team where I’m able to bring my 10+ years of graphic design experience and my love for community and books together!
When I’m not at the library, you can find me tending to my gardens, hiking Bristol Ledges with my husband and pup, or with my nose in a book!
I’m currently on a memoir and contemporary fiction kick, but my literary preference is ever-changing.
Rebekah Cameron
Program Services Assistant
Megan Thomas
Circulation & Interlibrary Loan Clerk
Reading has always been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. Although my reading “style” may change periodically, reading always boils down to an opportunity to feel or learn something. As a young adult, I was found “looking for myself” in books. I think this played an important role in the types of books I love: Phoenix Rising by Karen Hesse, The Giver by Lois Lowry and The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. I also love children’s books for their beautiful messages and illustrations.
The town library has been a Happy Place for me since I can remember, wherever I've lived. And the five-year old me would be very happy to know that I still get to “play librarian”! Surrounded by books, connecting with folks, serving our community – I am relishing this post.
I can’t remember not being able to read, and books have been faithful companions throughout my life. I love digging into novels that sing to my heart and stretch my edges, picture books with juicy art, or illuminating nonfiction. I have a rotating pile next to my cozy chair but never give myself a bad time about not finishing (or even starting!) a book; life is too short to spend with books I don’t enjoy!
