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A lifelong reader with a taste for nearly every fiction genre, she has recently begun an in-depth exploration into the world of nonfiction as well. In Emily’s opinion, two books everyone should read are any near-future dystopian fiction about the consequences of bigotry, climate change, or end stage capitalism, and a book on women’s health (it’s poorly taught and under researched–we could all learn something more). She’d be happy to give recommendations on either category, or any other genre.

Outside of the library, she enjoys playing board and tabletop roleplaying games, learning (but never mastering) new crafts, getting outside, and nurturing a love of early literacy in her toddler. Though she has lived in Rhode Island, New York, and Las Vegas, she’s called Vermont home since 2004 and is proud to be part of the local community.

Daniel combines his background in data analysis, software development, and prospect research to forward the library’s fundraising and other strategic efforts.  Prior to his work at MCL, Daniel engineered databases, performed grants research, and taught music.  He earned his Ph.D. in Music Composition from University at Buffalo, where he taught undergraduate students for seven years as an instructor and Visiting Assistant Professor. He has also worked with children, and taught music lessons to kids aged 5-12 at Buffalo Community Music School. In his spare time he enjoys piano playing, reading, and exploring the beauty of the Southwestern Vermont region.

Carrie developed a passion for children’s literature as an undergraduate student and further honed that passion during graduate school, where she was able to curate her studies using children’s literature as the lense to move through her program. She has shared that passion as a preschool and classroom teacher and librarian. She joins the MCL staff following five years as a Youth Services Librarian at Bennington Free Library.

Carrie holds a B.S. in Education from Northeastern University and a M.A. in Liberal Studies from Skidmore College and a Vermont Certificate of Public Librarianship. A life-long resident of the area, she has a keen sense of the community and is excited to bring her passions and experience with children and families to the MCL community. Outside of work, she spends her time in a flurry of activities including skiing, biking, and running and–of course–reading! Committed to giving back to the community where she lives, she is a Board member at Arlington Rescue Squad as well as a volunteer EMT with the organization. She lives with her husband and daughter in Arlington.

Robin Hood got his start at the MCL in 2022 and has enthusiastically taken up the roles of Library Greeter and Staff Morale Specialist. Early visitors to the MCL might encounter Robin on his morning zoomies through the Library, and evening visitors might catch a glimpse of him as he helps to tidy the cafe floor before going home for the day.

Children’s and Youth literature are some of her favorite genres and she is always happy to assist with suggestions for people of all ages!

Outside of the library Karen lives on a small farm where she raises chickens, vegetables, herbs and tea. Having been a mom for the majority of her life, she is currently learning to live with an empty nest. You never know what new critter or art project will be showing up in her life these days, so feel free to ask about her latest projects!

Each Saturday of Emet’s childhood was spent on a family excursion to the Mark Skinner Library. It was a journey filled with two miles of walking, often hot chocolate, and magic – because she got to be surrounded by books. Her love for libraries only grew as she studied the environment and community development at the University of Vermont. Where before she thought of libraries as a fantastical means of escape, she began to realize what a powerful tool they could be for bringing people together and building community. The past couple of years she has been working as an environmental educator, but upon moving back to Manchester she decided that it was time for a new journey back to her roots. Emet loves reading fantasy books, working on her garden, and continuously learning new forms of art.

Carson is a lifelong lover of reading, play, and curiosity. They spent the last decade teaching children from South Carolina to the Balkans to North Africa and back again. Now they are eager to get to know the MCL community’s families. Professional specialties include silly dances and cardboard swords.

Beginning with weekly visits as a child with his parents to the public library, Ed Surjan has had deep connections with libraries throughout his life. Following an entrepreneurial career in computer and technology businesses, in 2010, Ed made his love of reading and libraries his career. First, at Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA, and for eight years at The Frederick Gunn School in Washington, CT, Ed has brought a fully engaged, inclusive, and immersive approach to working with high school students, parents, families, and teachers. As MCL Executive Director since 2022, Ed utilizes his combined entrepreneurial and library experience to serve our community and region.

A lifelong learner, Ed has earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Chicago and an MS in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University. He can frequently be found outdoors, running, hiking, and snowshoeing. He and his wife, BJ, enjoy exploring Vermont in the company of their trusty Labrador, Jack.