Press release and submitted photos:
Richmond Memorial Library has seen a lot of change in the past few months in the form of three new faces on its professional staff roster. Mike Boedicker, Jennifer Potter and Samantha Stryker have recently come on board after an outside promotion and an internal retirement incentive created three librarian vacancies.
They join Media Services Librarian Rita McCormack, and all look forward to working with and serving the community!
(Photo: Mike Boedicker, Nonfiction, IT, Webmaster and Genealogy librarian)
Mike Boedicker has his Bachelor of Arts in Communications from SUNY Oswego and attended the University at Buffalo for his Master of Library Science. He was raised in Binghamton and started his library career there as a page and clerk at the Broome County Public Library.
After earning his MLS, he worked as audiovisual librarian and then assistant director at the Danville Public Library in Illinois.
Mike shares that a desire to stay in public libraries brought him to Batavia.
“After 17 years in the Midwest, my wife and I moved back to NYS for her new job (she's director of the Parma Public Library outside Rochester)," he said. "I wanted to remain in public libraries and applied to RML.”
Boedicker has several goals as he begins here at RML. He wants to learn the ropes and discover more about the community by developing a community needs assessment. He hopes to help the library address the community’s changing needs. He’s also planning a website redesign and would like to offer more technology programming.
Since he began here, Boedicker has noticed that Batavians are active users of the library and a friendly, approachable, diverse group.
“This is a special library; I could feel that from my first visit," he said. "I want to help make sure the library remains a well-used resource in the community."
Why should people visit Richmond Memorial Library? "It's a cultural hub of the community, offering great collections and services, diverse programming, and a dedicated staff that cares."
(Photo: Jennifer Potter, Youth Services librarian)
Jennifer Potter comes to Batavia from the Niagara Falls Public Library and Niagara University. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Binghamton University and received her Master of Library Science Degree at the University at Buffalo.
She has always dreamed of being a Youth Services librarian! She finds Richmond Memorial to be active and inviting. Potter says her goals are “Reaching more children, parents, and caregivers so that they know what we offer at the library and understanding what the community wants in children's and teen programs and materials.”
In her short time here, Potter has found that even though Batavia is a city, it has a warm small-town feel to it. She wants the community to know that they can start clubs and meet here. For example: homeschoolers, at-home moms, or a teen robotics group. There are guidelines to use our meeting rooms, but people can use the library for many clubs and gatherings.
Why should people visit Richmond Memorial Library? "To get free, reliable information and to relax and read in a comfortable environment away from life's pressures -- among other reasons."
(Photo: Samantha Stryker, Community and Adult Services librarian)
A lifelong resident of Genesee County, Samantha Stryker received her Master of Library Science from the University at Buffalo and a Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Fredonia. She has been working at the library part-time for several years and is excited to begin a full-time position here.
Most recently she worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension Genesee County and the Leadership Genesee program as an Executive Assistant.
“My past experiences helped me create a strong network in the community and learn what our challenges and opportunities are in Genesee County,” Stryker said, noting she has “big shoes to fill” (those of her predecessor Leslie DeLooze).
She hopes to use her knowledge of the community to bring new programs to the library and seek out more partnerships.
“It’s already been such a pleasure getting to know our patrons more," Stryker said. "We truly have a wonderful community in Genesee County. I always joke that we are a ‘small big town’ but it’s true -- in the sense that everyone seems to know everyone, but also that people are very friendly and truly want to do whatever possible to help our community succeed. We have a lot to be grateful for here.”
Why should people visit Richmond Memorial Library? "Summer is a great time to visit the library! Come for the air conditioning and stay for the many resources and summer programs. We have an awesome youth services staff planning a full summer of activities and adults can participate in our Summer Reading BINGO challenge."
We had to ask: What are you all reading?
Mike: "Reporter" -- a memoir by investigative reporter Seymour M. Hersh.
Jennifer: I'm reading a funny book called "The Fakir who Got Trapped in an Ikea Wardrobe" by Romain Puertolas, Barbara Eherenreich's "Bright Sided" and a funny Young Adult book called "My Lady Jane."
Samantha: I’m reading Ruth Hogan’s "The Keeper of Lost Things" for adult book discussion in July (shameless plug) and I’m also reading "Lady Killers: Deadly Women Throughout History" -- a nonfiction book by Tori Telfer.
