Dr. Murtha brings a wealth of experience to effectively manage one of the busiest libraries in the state and help it continue to thrive. Dr. Murtha previously held the position of Head of Children’s Services for the Fairfield Public Library where she managed the children’s department at both the Main and Woods Branch libraries for the past year.
Prior to her serving the Town’s youngest library patrons, Dr. Murtha was the School Library Media Specialist for the Eastchester Union Free School District in Eastchester, New York where she supervised a middle/high school library facility serving approximately 1,500 patrons. Dr. Murtha also worked as a Children’s Librarian for the City of Yonkers, New York.
Dr. Murtha earned a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Dowling College; a Master of Science in Library & Information Science; and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Fairfield University. She holds a New York State Public Librarian Certificate; a School Building Leader Certificate; a New York State Permanent School Library Media Specialist Certification K-12; and a New York State Teacher Certification N-6. Dr. Murtha has also been a member of the American Library Association, New York Library Association, Westchester Library Association, and International Dyslexia Association.
Dr. Murtha said, “As a Fairfield University graduate, I was thrilled to return to Fairfield last year as Head of Children’s Services at Fairfield Public Library. The Town and the Library hold a special place in my heart, and I am excited to collaborate with the First Selectman, community officials and organizations, Board of Library Trustees, Friends of Fairfield Public Library and library staff to work together to continue to build on and enhance Fairfield Public Library’s long history of providing quality services and programs for the community.”
Upon the departure of Karen Ronald last May, the Board of Library Trustees for the Fairfield Public Library conducted a national search for Town Librarian. The Board’s Search Committee engaged with a search firm to interview individuals with the experience and vision necessary to propel the Library forward. After a process of reviewing thirty-one candidates, initial interviews of six semi-finalists, and three finalists, the Board found its new Town Librarian right here at home.
Friends of Fairfield Public Library President Margo Kaminsky commented, “The Friends of Fairfield Public Library are delighted to welcome Dr. Murtha in her new capacity as Town Librarian. Her background and experience make her uniquely qualified to lead our Library system into the future.”
First Selectman Mike Tetreau said, “I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Murtha as Fairfield’s new Town Librarian. Dr. Murtha’s outstanding performance as Head of Children’s Services and her intimate knowledge of our public library system will serve our community well. I look forward to working with her to continue to meet the needs of all of our patrons who frequent our fine libraries.”
First Selectman Tetreau continued, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Acting Town Librarian Jan Fisher and all those before her for their dedicated service to the Fairfield Public Library. I also want to express my deep gratitude to the all of our library staff, the Board of Library Trustees and the Friends of Fairfield Public Library for their commitment to provide the highest quality of service and help our library flourish.”
Photo l-r: Danielle Sharp, Director of Development, Friends of Fairfield Public Library,
Board of Library Trustees Chair Sonal Rajan, new Town Librarian Dr. Helene Murtha, First Selectman Mike Tetreau and Friends of Fairfield Public Library President Margo Kaminsky.