An avid bookworm her whole life, Duxbury Free Library Director Carol Jankowski can often be found walking the grounds of the library on her lunch break. After chatting with the warm and vivacious Carol, we realized just how demanding her position is and how she spends her days devoted to providing literature to children and adults in Duxbury and beyond.

I was hired in August of 1997 and worked at the Wright Building (home of the former library) until November of 1997 when we made the monumental move to this location.

How did you decide to pursue a career as a librarian?

I was a young mother when a part-time job opened at the John Curtis Library in Hanover. I applied and got the job. I had previously worked as a social worker for the Braintree Council on Aging. When I began working in the library, I knew I had arrived in the professional environment that was designed for me. In 1998, I began my graduate program and loved every minute.

Have you always been interested in books and reading?

Yes! I grew up in a large, working class family. My father, a Boston College graduate and WW11 veteran, was a huge champion of all the democratic ideals. He loved this country passionately and all it offered, in particular public education and public libraries. I walked from my elementary school to the library in Rockland almost daily. At the time, you were allowed to check out only five books at a time. I typically read all five, and returned them the next day for my next allotment.

What does your role as Director at the Duxbury Free Library entail?

A myriad of responsibilities: administering the budget, managing 20 plus employees, caring for this aging building, communicating with the Town Manager and the Board of Trustees, involvement at the Old Colony Library Network level, attending professional meetings and conferences, developing and facilitating programs, collaborating with other town departments, collective bargaining, supporting the creative efforts of my Division Heads and staff, and staying on top of emerging trends in the field are just some of the activities.

How do you feel about the evolution of books and the growing popularity of e-books and e-readers?

Reading will always be important, and books will always exist in many formats. I still read traditional books but I also use a Nook, especially for travel. My concern is that public libraries have a responsibility to provide books for patrons. Libraries are a cornerstone of American democracy. In this new digital media environment, publishers are imposing restrictions that are affecting our ability to be as competitive and relevant as our private counterparts. That being said, we continue to build our e-book catalog, we provide instructions for e-book users, and there is still high demand for all the traditional formats. People thought the advent of television would eradicate radio. It didn’t happen. Books will prevail.

How important is reading to the development of a child?

You’re talking to a book lover, a mother of two college-educated professionals and a grandmother of a four year old who loves books, reading and word play. Reading encourages creativity, builds skills that are required to have successful personal, academic and professional experiences. Reading also provides free, lovely entertainment, and a healthy happy way in which to bond with our children. Reading provides cultural common ground for discussion and writing. Reading also stimulates intellect and curiosity. Kids who read succeed!

What role does the Duxbury Free Library play in our town? 

It is a destination library! Almost everyone in this community uses the library for one of many reasons including checking out books, music CDs, and DVDs, adult programs, to be tutored, to participate in teen discussion groups, lectures, community meeting space, art exhibits, technology assistance, computer use, wifi access, book groups, films, story hours and concerts.  The residents of this town love the library and are extremely supportive of what we do. There is a high level of participation in all of our programs and services; our circulation is high and our meeting rooms almost always booked.  The successful Friends of the Library membership drive also illustrates the community support for our library.

Do you have an all-time favorite book?

Tough question.  “Calvin Can’t Fly: The Story of a Bookworm Birdie” by Jennifer Berne is my newest favorite children’s book. Even thinking about “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” brings tears to my eyes. “One Hundred Dresses” by Eleanor Estes is a childhood favorite. It is the first book that I can remember that made me contemplate prejudice and compassion. I recently listened to “Rules of Civility” by Amor Towles, and will never forget the protagonist Katie Content. “West with the Night” by Beryl Markham, “My Antonia” by Willa Cather—books kind of dominate my life. I love fiction, non-fiction, poetry and memoir. So this could go on forever. I also love the short stories of Grace Paley, Dennis Lehane’s earlier works… and I just read “The Hunger Games” to understand the book buzz. Life’s too short, read fast!

Where is your most beloved spot in town?

The library first, the beach second. I’ve also just discovered a couple of gorgeous woodland walking trails in this town, exquisitely maintained by Joe Grady and his team. Stunning.

Do you have any hobbies?

I have many--- they include reading, jewelry design and production, walking, jogging, weightlifting, yoga, kayaking and gardening.

Where can we find you when you’re not at the library?

With my nose in a book at home or, on the beach, with my grandson in Plymouth, practicing yoga, making jewelry. And someday you’ll find me wandering around Europe.