STAFF
Karen Ordway
DIRECTOR
Many of you know Karen as she has worked for the library for many years in various roles and has also been involved with the Friends. She is now assuming the position of Interim Director and will bring a wealth of administrative, organizational and financial skills to the position as well as extensive knowledge of library operations and a great love for our library.
Karen grew up in Portsmouth, NH and graduated from Bentley College with a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance and Business Communications. She was the owner of a successful business for 26 years and has also had a successful career in the legal field.
For decades she was a “professional volunteer” for the PTA, library, school, recreation center, and various fundraising efforts. Besides spending time with family, Karen loves reading by a cozy fire, baking, knitting and gardening, and walking her dog.
Lee Williams
ADULT SERVICES COORDINATOR/FRONT DESK
Lee Williams is already a friendly face as you enter the library. Lee is passionate about reading and libraries and is eager to launch some exciting new programs, build up and rejuvenate our adult collection, and invite fellow readers to join some book clubs.
Before coming to the library, Lee was an executive assistant to the Military Commander, Code Director and all supporting personnel at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. She has also worked in the insurance field and in merchandising. She brings extensive administrative, organizational, customer service and training skills to the library as well as creativity and enthusiasm.
Lee is a mother of three, grandmother, and also pet parent to three kitties—Pepper, Aden and Ruby. An avid gardener, swimmer, baker and knitter she also enjoys feeding the birds and spending time at the ocean.
John Roe
CHILDREN’S SERVICES COORDINATOR
John Roe promises to bring some wonderful ideas and activities to the Kent Room. John has worked with children from toddler to teen and we love his enthusiasm. Expect the return of Dungeons & Dragons Club, programs on graphic novels, nature-related crafts and in general, lots of fun for all ages.
John has extensive library experience, having worked both the bookmobile and front desk at a public library in Pennsylvania, assisted at the Rice Library, and most recently, served at Ladd Library at Bates College. He is also an accomplished graphic designer, illustrator and video producer. He is an Army veteran and we thank him for his service.
John himself is engaged in a regular D&D club, is an avid reader and enjoys creative computer projects. He is an indulgent pet parent to his terrier mix, Baxter Dave, and cat, Olive.
Laurel Sabera
ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN & CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMER
Laurel lives in Eliot with her husband and four children. She has a degree in Elementary Education and has worked with children and families in a variety of settings for the last 20 years. She is passionate about supporting families and building vibrant communities.
You can find Laurel at the front desk or in the Kent Room running storytimes.
Jenny Isler
ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN
Jenny is delighted to be a part-time librarian, noting that this “dream job” combines two of her favorite things—sharing her love of books and helping support a vibrant community. She is very active in town affairs, serving as a member of Eliot’s Aging in Place Committee and as a former chair of the Eliot Energy Commission. Jenny holds an MBA in Organizational and Environmental Sustainability from Antioch University NE, and was Director of Sustainability at Clark University in Worcester, MA for 12 years.
Jenny is “at home in the woods or in the city,” and loves reading, hiking (including the Camino de Santiago trail), travel—she’s visited 35 countries and done two round-the-world trips, and gardening. She shares her home with two adorable cats.