Charles Roussel elected as new Library Board President

To our friends, patrons, and partners,

I appreciate the opportunity to serve as the new president of the West Falmouth Library, a position I was elected to this past week. I want to thank the board for its confidence, our professional staff for its continuing excellence, and all of you for making the library a part of your life.

My job is immeasurably easier thanks to Kathy Bryson, who steered the library through our transition from COVID and guided the board in its direct oversight of operations. Her leadership as president was instrumental in the development of our new strategy and the arrival of our new executive director, Molly Akin. Kathy’s warmth, humor, abundant energy, and championship of all things WFL have enabled us to arrive at the great place we find ourselves today.

Thanks also to Mary Harris and Ollie Egleston, who’ve completed their board terms. We are in their debt for the countless hours and insights they’ve provided over many years. We’ll be celebrating Kathy, Mary, and Ollie at our annual meeting on August 25th and hope you can join us then.  More to come on that.

As with all public institutions today, the West Falmouth Library finds itself at a crossroads as we approach our 150th anniversary in a few years.

The need for curated knowledge; kind, safe and welcoming spaces; and community engagement has never been greater. So, too, are the challenges of remaining relevant and sustaining ourselves. This is why we’ve embarked on a new strategy—to ensure we remain a vibrant force in the life in our community.

We can honor the past while enabling the future and appreciate your continuing support as we steward this treasured institution.

Be well, go gently.

Charles Roussel
President, West Falmouth Library Board of Directors