SWAMPSCOTT — Swampscott Public Library Director Jonathan Nichols is just six months in his new position, and he has big plans for the library that has not been renovated since 1997.
“I have a lot of goals for this year, but they all center on reinvigorating our spaces and services to better meet the needs of the community,” said Nichols.
This includes streamlining spaces and services to eliminate confusion, encourage patrons to utilize the library’s resources and create an overall more user-friendly experience.
Nichols was not around for the initial proposal of strategic planning between 2019 and 2020. The planning took a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic but is moving forward as part of the long-term Library Improvement Projects, using initial concept plans and drawings provided by Lavallee Brensinger Architects.
Nichols, along with the Swampscott Public Library Trustees, are still in the process of viewing different proposals, and they have not yet set a budget. Nicholas said they are keeping in mind the needs of the community — including accessibility — through patron surveys, community meetings and staff interviews.
“Part of this initiative is to unify all of our non-fiction — which is currently located in three different locations, on two separate floors, which leads to patron confusion when trying to locate materials — updating furniture, addressing any ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] needs within the building, and modernizing our services as trends change, such as adding streaming services,” said Nichols.
According to Nichols, the library’s technology is relatively up to date. He plans to build on the services it already offers — if and when it receives a grant — including adding Roku TVs with various streaming platforms and creating a makerspace equipped with various technologies, including Adobe suite, 3D printer, laser cutter, sewing machines, and new databases. The makerspace will “help facilitate programming and skill development for all ages,” Nichols said.
Since starting as library director, Nichols has worked to organize other projects, including a successful escape room program as well as a Murder Mystery party, both in October. He also launched a new initiative during National Library Card Sign-up Month in September. The initiative secured small discounts for card holders who presented their library cards at checkout at participating local businesses. According to Nichols, around 10 businesses participated, and he hopes to offer the program again with more participation.
For future programming, he is currently working on a Patron Appreciation Day, to be held in the spring, as well as various author talks, book box subscription services (like Owl Crate, but offered for free), and a revamp of the adult summer reading program with the help of the new reference librarian and adult programmer, Bernadette Benman. Nichols is also in the process of creating a dedicated space for teenagers, which will include new paint and additional furniture to make it more appealing.
