Kyle DeCicco-Carey is the new Library Director of the Millicent Library in Fairhaven, Mass. He started on 10/19/20. Submitted photo.
Press Release
The Millicent Library Board of Trustees has announced the retirement of longtime Library Director Carolyn Longworth and the appointment of her successor.
Kyle DeCicco-Carey of Mattapoisett took up the post on 10/19/20.
“Carolyn has devoted herself to the Millicent Library for 43 years. While we wish her all the best as she transitions into retirement, we — and of course, the library patrons — will miss her dearly. However, we are delighted to have a librarian of Kyle’s experience and talents take the helm as director,” said Joanna M. Weeks, president of the Board of Trustees.
Longworth became the Millicent Library’s seventh director in 1985, succeeding Rita Steele. Previously, she had served as children’s librarian for eight years. Longworth helped usher the library into the computer age when she studied HTML to create its first website. She has been an excellent steward of the historic building, and a tremendous ambassador to visiting dignitaries.
DeCicco-Carey has nearly 20 years of professional library experience. He comes to the Millicent Library from Harvard University, where he was senior reference archivist in the property information resource center. He has experience as an interim library director at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, and is president of the Board of Directors of the Mattapoisett Historical Society.
Among other recent changes at the library, this summer also saw the retirement of the beloved youth services librarian, Jane Murphy, who had served the town’s youth for a decade.
“She knew all of the children and families that attended Ms. Jane’s Storytime and looked forward to seeing them each week,” Weeks said. Murphy also had a very active Teen Advisory Group whose members helped out with programs and selecting materials for the teen collection.
Weeks was elected president of the board September 15, succeeding the late Christopher Bunnell. She was a page at the library during her high school years.
“The Board of Trustees thanks Carolyn and Jane for their many years of dedication and service to the library and the Fairhaven community, and wishes them relaxation, joy, and plenty of time to read during their retirement,” Weeks said. “We look forward to a new chapter in the library’s history as we welcome Kyle.”
The Millicent Library is a non-profit corporation which operates the public library for the Town of Fairhaven. Opened to the public in 1893, the library was built by Henry Huttleston Rogers in memory of his late daughter, Millicent, who died at age 17. The Millicent Library has provided generations of Fairhaven’s booklovers with a quiet place to escape, and is one of the most beautiful architectural treasures in town.
The Millicent Library building is closed to the public due to COVID-19, but contactless book pick-ups and drop-offs are available, ensuring Fairhaven residents continue to have access to their favorite reading material. Requests can be made online at https://www.sailsinc.org/ or by calling (508) 992-5342.
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