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Snyder takes the helm

Meet Fremont’s new library director

By Angie Landsverk


Natalie Snyder says being the director of Neuschafer Community Library is a dream job.

“I’ve always loved reading,” she said.

She was hired to be the new director in late summer, replacing Susan Frick who retired.

Snyder started training in August, then began her job duties after Labor Day.

“I love it,” she said.

Snyder was not looking for a new job when she saw the posting for the position.

“I was looking up events for summer reading,” she said. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.”

Snyder lives in the Readfield area.

“I used to bring my kids here,” she said. “I always loved how lively the library is.”

Snyder was Caledonia’s town clerk when she learned of the job opening.

She loved her job, but said there was not much interaction with people.

“The library is books, people and programs,” Snyder said.

She has three children – ages 12, 10 and 8.

They attend school in the New London School District.

Snyder is a New London High School graduate.

She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in women’s studies.

Her background includes working in customer service, sales and business management.

Changes, ideas

Snyder said she is excited about the opportunity to continue growing the library into a vibrant community center with innovative and interesting programming, a high quality collection of books and movies and a friendly, helpful staff.

The library is located in the village hall, on Wolf River Drive.

She said this is a transition phase for the library with new staff, unfilled positions, new hours and some new policies.

Consistent, year-round hours was one of her first changes.

Snyder said it was based on listening to feedback.

Beginning Nov. 1, the hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

The library will be temporarily closed on Saturdays.

She said staff training and library reorganization projects will be scheduled on Friday afternoons and over the weekend, so they are completed without disrupting library hours.

A part-time librarian and two part-time library assistants are being hired.

Of those already hired, Snyder said, “We are all training and getting up to speed quickly.”

She is working to make sure the library’s space is used efficiently so it functions as a true community center.

Snyder’s goals include updating technology and expanding programming for all ages.

Most of the library’s computers are past their life spans, she said.

A new computer will be added in the employee workspace.

Snyder also wants to learn what technology students use in school so the library is a place they can go to after school to use that same technology.

Her ideas for new programs include trivia night, board games, movies on early release days and an escape room next summer.

“I’m willing to try anything and see if the community is receptive to it,” Snyder said.

She will be adding a spot in the library where people can give suggestions on what type of materials and programs they want to see.

Snyder reminds library patrons that in addition to books, the library offers movies, large print books, audiobooks and programs.

“Everything is free,” she said.

Upcoming events

Story Time is held at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Coffee and Conversation begins at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29.

The book club is reading “The Immortalists” for its next meeting.

The Holiday Shop at the Library is Saturday, Nov. 23.

It includes gift baskets for raffle and purchase, vendor booths, breakfast and lunch.

The annual fundraiser supports programming, including the summer library program and other library initiatives.

Donations for the baskets may be dropped off during library hours.

Snyder hopes it is a successful fundraiser so she is able to expand the programs offered.

A Lunch and Learn program is set for noon on Dec. 11.

Snyder appreciates the library board, village board, Friends of the Library and all who support the library.

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