This is a contribution from a Swampscott High School student, as part of the Swampscott Tides Big Blue Student News selection.
Story by Sasha Fafel.
Swampscott Public Library Director Jonathan Nichols recalls catching the “library bug” after working as a children’s programmer in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Nichols was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, before he attended Simmons College for graduate school. He has worked in other libraries in Massachusetts, such as the Newton Free Library, Haverhill Public Library, Lynnfield Public Library, and Belmont Public Library. Nichols assumed the position as the Swampscott Public Library director in 2022.
“The biggest responsibility is managing the staff and the budget,” Nichols said. “Apart from that, I also fill in the gaps. I’ve kind of been in every position in the library, so it’s really easy for me to fill in those gaps. Every day is a little different.”
His time at the Swampscott Public Library has included multiple renovations to the space, including a new Maker Space and the teen area in the basement, as well as new flooring on both stories.
“We got a $30,000 grant, so we got to create a new Maker Space downstairs, so that’s been a big change. We’ve gotten money from the town as well to do new flooring so that will be happening once all that’s finished,” Nichols said.
Nichols said that the library’s engagement with the community is what makes his job special.
“We’ve done a patron appreciation day since I’ve started. That’s a celebration of everyone that visits or loves the library. We had over 300 people in attendance. For Swampscott, that’s a lot of people for one event,” Nichols said. “That’s just a way for us to get back and appreciate the patrons that support us year-round.”
Nichols also runs the library’s weekly “Magic: The Gathering” event, which has gone from five or six people to 20 participants, he said. Going forward, Nichols said community outreach for all ages is a priority for the library.
“My goal is to get outside of the building,” Nichols said. “That is one of my big things as a librarian is to build community. We had almost 600 programs last year, so there’s a lot happening.”
Nichols also represents Swampscott and works to help the wider network of libraries in the area. He is the treasurer for the executive board for the North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE).
“We look at policies and procedures that affect all libraries that are a part of us, not just here at Swampscott,” Nichols said. “We make sure that everyone is in compliance. We direct all of the budget towards improvements to our library system to help manage books and streamline processes.”
