ROCHESTER – The Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library’s Board of Trustees has announced Kristen Cardoso as the new library director, starting Monday, Sept. 26.

Cardoso has more than 17 years of library experience. She holds a Master of Library and Information Studies degree from McGill University’s ALA-accredited School of Information Studies, as well as a masters in English Literature.

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 other roles and 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.

Kristen is also a published author on library best practices. She has created and executed successful library programing, including those based on technology education for all patron groups.

"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,” said Cardoso.