RANGELEY – The Rangeley Public Library has announced that Martin Gagnon has accepted the position of library director.

Gagnon joined the library staff last summer, working as the library assistant. During that time, in addition to his traditional library tasks, Gagnon initiated the only men’s book club in the state and he has won the support of the community and his co-workers.

Gagnon has a bachelor’s degree in communication from LaSalle University in Philadelphia. He is pursuing a second degree in library services and information at the University of Maine in Augusta.

Gagnon is originally from Amesbury, Mass., but with a large extended family living in Maine, he was intent on relocating to Maine after his graduation from college. He came to the Rangeley region in 1998 after a job search landed him a job as a journalist at the Rangeley Highlander.

Gagnon comes to his new position with a definite mindset about the library’s place in the community and a vision of how the library will function under his direction.

He said, “I am very excited to serve the patrons of the Rangeley Public Library and all those who come to visit. As director, I really want to focus on our service to the patrons and increasing our technological abilities to provide more convenient service for those in our community.”

Gagnon believes that public service must be the top focus of the library. He said the staff and volunteers who are such a big part of the library are great people who really have a passion for the library and its importance to the community.

“I want people to enjoy the library, the interactions with the staff, and just feel very welcomed when they come to the library,” he said.

Observing that at many libraries, patrons can renew their books or check on their accounts on-line, Gagnon would like to examine how the library can use technology to develop more convenient services. Toward that goal, Gagnon noted that recently the library added a book recommendation link to its Web page at rangeleylibrary.com.

He said, “I am honored to be named the new director of the Rangeley Public Library. It is truly a great building and a valuable asset to all patrons of all ages.”

Heidi Ferguson, assistant library director, said, “Marty is home-town and he really wants to be here. Plus, he’s furthering his education. I think he will make the library the best it can be.”

Gagnon lives in Langtown with his wife, Jenny, and his two sons, Sawyer, 5, and Nash, 3.