ROCHESTER – The Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library and its Board of Trustees cordially invites the public to a meet and greet with their new director, Kristen Cardoso. Stop by the library on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and help them welcome Kristen Cardoso to the community. Light refreshments will be served.

The Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library’s Board of Trustees announced the hiring of Kristen Cardoso as Library Director, effective Sept. 26th 2022. Cardoso has more than 17 years of library experience. She holds a Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) degree from McGill University’s ALA-accredited School of Information Studies, as well as a masters in English Literature (MA). She started her journey as a page for the New Bedford Free Public Library where she developed a deep passion for the service libraries can provide communities. She carried this passion with her as she took on various challenging roles and increasing responsibilities, first as a student staff member at UMass Dartmouth and McGill University and then as a professional at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and the University of California, Santa Cruz. Most recently, upon moving back to New Bedford, she has served as the Howland-Green Branch Library manager.

Cardoso is also a published author on library best practices. As a leader, Cardoso focuses on developing and supporting her staff, while also having a deep understanding of community needs. She has created and executed successful library programing, including those based on technology education for all patron groups. Cardoso’s expertise aligns with the goals of the library’s 5-year Plan and its mission to make available to the residents of the town of Rochester a center which provides information, entertainment, education, and enrichment for all segments of the community.

"The Plumb Memorial Library is a beloved community institution and I am excited and honored to be taking up the torch. I believe libraries are essential for creating thriving communities, where the library is the community's home away from home, and I look forward to being a part of that here in Rochester. I hope to make the library an even bigger part of people's lives. See you at the library soon." Cardoso said.