Susan Ray Enjoying New Role at Simsbury Public Library

After 28 years, Susan Ray is certainly no stranger to Simsbury Public Library patrons.

Originally hired as teen librarian, she's spent the bulk of her career at the reference desk. About a month ago she was named head of Adult Services. 

In her new role, she oversees the reference staff, works with many different departments, helps with grant proposals and comes up with programming initiatives. 

"Instead of being reactive I get to be creative," Ray said. "It's a little bit of everything." 

Ray said she enjoyed the challenges of the reference desk and the varied questions people brought to the table. 

Even in this digital age, popular web sites don't have all the answers and are not always completely accurate or objective, she said. 

One of her favorite jobs was to help people answer obscure questions. 

"I think people are amazed at what we can find for them," Ray said. 

Her new job allows her to be even more proactive with ideas. Some of those in progress include a "golden library card" and a birthday celebration for the self-checkout. She said such ideas also allow her to tap into the creative side of other staff members and bring attention to the facility and its physical and electronic services.  

"They're fun things you can do to help promote the library," Ray said. 

Ray has a master's in library science from Syracuse University. 

Outside of work, Ray does enjoy reading but also loves sports, especially football and basketball. 

Library director Lisa Karim is excited to work more closely with Ray on promoting the library and keeping up with the latest initiatives. 
 
"Susan brings a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to her new position," Karim said. "She's stepped in seamlessly and hit the ground running. I'm pleased with all she's accomplished in only a few weeks. I'm looking forward to working with her as we move the library forward."