Minot resident and new Auburn Public Library Director Donna Wallace’s life experience has shown her that a library is more than just a place where people can find books or learn a new skill — it is often the center of a community where the lives of many people intersect.

After many years working at independent boarding schools near and far, Wallace, a Turner native, came back to the area in 2012 when her husband, Bill, took a sabbatical from St. Andrew’s School, a private school in Middletown, Delaware, to teach and coach at Bates College.

Wallace started off in 2012 at the Auburn Public Library by helping launch the CREATE! Media Lab. Later that year, she took over as teen librarian, and by 2019 Wallace took on the role of Adult Services manager, which she continued serving as until she was named director in May.

What drew you to library sciences and what did you do before coming to Auburn Public Library? About half of my career was spent in independent boarding schools. Anyone who knows anything about this type of school knows that one often fills many different roles in addition to the role for which one was hired — “other duties as assigned.” When we found ourselves at a small private school in Middletown, Delaware, St. Andrew’s School, I was co-directing their new aquatic center and was called into the headmaster’s office to talk about working in the school’s library. It was an immediate fit, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do for the remainder of my career. In addition to working at Saint Andrew’s’ Genereaux Aquatic Center and Irene duPont Library, I also was a dorm parent for V Form, or 11th grade, girls.

Going back to your youth, what did you think you would be doing at your age? I wasn’t sure, to be honest. I knew I wanted to go to college to allow myself more opportunities, and I was thinking of something in business management and even considered accounting. After graduating, I worked a couple of different jobs before finding my way to the independent school sector, first at Hebron Academy, then at St. Andrew’s.

How do you balance work and life? It’s sometimes hard especially during the past few years where I’ve often found myself working two jobs at once at APL. I try as much as possible to unplug at home, but it isn’t always easy. I think coming from the independent boarding school world, where I lived and worked at the same place, I haven’t learned that balance. Our time off, except for summers, often came in increments of a few hours here, an afternoon there. It’s nice to come home to my own space each night, even if it sometimes means responding to an important email or taking part in a Zoom meeting from home.

What are some of your favorite things outside the library? I love summer and all that comes with it.  My husband, Bill, and I do a lot of short camping trips, mostly to state parks. I like gardening, although I don’t get into the gardens as much as I would like — all about that balance, as above. We have two dogs, Kebo and Summit, so we do a lot of walks and hikes. And yes, of course, I love books and love to read, but I don’t always have as much time for that as I’d like!

What is the most important part of your day? The most satisfying? The staff is the reason APL is such a great library. My favorite part of the day is coming in and making my rounds, touching base with each staff member to see how they are, what they are working on, etc. I also like to see who is in the library and what they are seeking. Our customers represent the diversity in our community, so what they seek from the library is also diverse. I love that the library is a safe place for all, no matter where people come from, their socioeconomic background, and/or their interests.

Who are your biggest influences? I have to go back in time to answer that question — there were two women early in my life that I strive to emulate. My mom was a strong and independent woman. (And) in high school, I worked in the principal’s and guidance offices. Our assistant principal, Elaine Chenard, was that same type of woman. More recently, I feel incredibly supported by my husband, my children, and my sisters. That kind of support bolsters my confidence and pushes me to be the best version of myself.

What kind of legacy do you want to build? People come first for me. I want the staff to know that I support them, both personally and professionally.  I want APL to continue to be a safe place for everyone.

One question I always ask in an interview is “Why do you feel you are the best candidate for this position?” I applied for the position (of director) as I believe in APL’s simple yet succinct mission statement, “To bring people, resources, and ideas together to engage, enlighten, and enrich the community.” No organization can do that much better than a library, and vital to a library’s success is its staff. I believe in the group of people we have assembled; it’s a group I am proud to work beside each day. I want to facilitate their growth, giving them autonomy, a sense of mastery, and a purpose through their work. If the staff feel supported, they can better serve those who walk through the door each day, making APL a friendly, welcoming environment that everyone looks forward to being a part of — whether they are a staff member or a customer.