Kewaskum Public Library Introduces New Library Director

The Kewaskum Public Library has announced its new Library Director as Stephanie Frey. Frey joins the library with a diverse professional background and excitement for the new role.
Originally from New London, she describes herself as “a person of small towns,” a trait that aligns naturally with Kewaskum’s close knit community. Her career path has taken several unique turns from planning for department stores, to work in fitness instruction, and ultimately, to library service.
“Sometimes you can’t predict your path — the ride takes you where you need to be, if you are lucky,” she said.
Her journey into libraries began at the Hartford Library, where her curiosity about the inner workings of libraries quickly grew. “I started working in the Hartford Library and found that I wanted to know more and more. How do books get ordered? How is a library more than books? What do all these reports mean?”
That sense of curiosity and enthusiasm for lifelong learning now guides her as she steps into her leadership role in Kewaskum. Her immediate goal is to become familiar with the community she now serves. “My first goal is to get to know Kewaskum,” she said. “I want to be able to help this library be a community center.”

Looking ahead, she has identified expanding the library’s physical space as an important objective, as well as installing an elevator to ensure full accessibility to the community room. “In general, I hope that people think of the library as a place they can go for knowledge about all sorts of things: computers, genealogy, and community, just to name a few.”
As she begins her role, she is taking time to listen, observe, and learn before proposing new initiatives. Frey said, “My job for the moment is to look, listen, and ask questions. What does the community want from the library? What service could we provide that would bring new patrons in the door?”
She also praised the staff at Kewaskum Public Library for their commitment to service. “The staff here is so great. They are friendly and smart and willing to find answers or books for everyone who walks through the door.”
With her energy, experience, and passion, Stephanie Frey has started her new director role, and the library will continue to grow in their new building.