My name is Nancy Connery and I moved to Orchard

Cove in Canton 9 years ago. After living here for a few

years I wanted to be involved in the community. When

I saw that there was an upcoming election with an

opportunity to run for Library Trustee I decided to run.

I have now served as a Trustee at the Canton Public

Library for the past six years, currently as Vice Chair

and the previous five years as Clerk. People often ask me what the duties of a Trustee are. I describe it as being part of running a microcosm of a city or town that is a peaceful destination and a trusted resource for residents of all ages. To name a few, the issues run the gamut from Human Resource and budget decisions and building maintenance to dealing with identifying and developing policies that are sensitive to the needs of the patrons and values of the library. 

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In the last few years as a Trustee I have been part of the multi-year “Next Chapter” Capital Campaign to raise funds for reconfiguration and space reimagining inside and out which will make the library an even more vibrant destination. I have also served on various sub-committees such as developing an evaluation tool for the Director’s annual review, choosing a book for the annual Canton Reads event, and library policy creation. 

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I ran for election to the Library Board of Trustees because I am a lifelong reader and library lover but I have found it to be much more. It has afforded me the opportunity to know Canton better and to feel a part of the community. I've also become the liaison between Orchard Cove and the Town by raising awareness of town elections and issues and have pulled together town election forums at OC to bring the town to us. Many residents of Orchard Cove moved from other parts of the country and brought with them their keen interest in local politics and support of schools and libraries. Aside from being a Library Trustee I chair the Orchard Cove Scholarship, Finance and Garden Committees. I also co-host a weekly radio show, “Home Cooking Jazz” at the Brandeis University radio station. 

 

I have a graduate degree in Management and was adjunct faculty at Lesley College. I spent my career in hospital administration in Manager or Director positions at Boston Children’s, Beth Israel Deaconess and Mass General hospitals overseeing groups responsible for operating room scheduling and patient bed placement as well as those responsible for patient registration and staff working with insurance companies and patients who had no insurance and needed help applying for Medicaid, SNAP or disability benefits.Working in these fast paced, time sensitive multi-faceted environments with responsibility for large groups of employees honed my operational, managerial and negotiating skills. 

 

These have served me well in my role as a Library Trustee. The Canton Library is a true community precious gem, I feel honored to be part of this cornerstone of community service.