Where were you and what were you doing just prior to coming to the Lenox Library?

For the past 12 years I was with Jack Morton Worldwide, an experiential marketing agency.  I started as a producer in their digital department and eventually moved into a management role.  After moving to the Berkshires I remained with Jack Morton for 2 years, commuting part-time to Boston but eventually left to work locally.

How did you get started in Development work?

Development is a great use of my background in a non-profit setting.  Development is about building loyalty to a cause, an idea or an organization and then turning that loyalty into an action that will help sustain the organization.  Here at the Library, we provide access to great services.  You can take out a book, download audio books and attend an event, all at no charge.  Our services build patron loyalty.  Now, it’s my job to translate that loyalty into actionable results.

What made you want to work at the Lenox Library?

This position seemed like the perfect combination of my prior experiences and my future goals.  I went back to school last Fall and started my Masters of Library Science at Simmons College.  I also knew I wanted to transition into the Third sector.  Through talking and meeting with many non-profits in the area, I realized that what mattered most to me was finding a position in my community that would utilize my skills while also challenging me to grow professionally.  This position offers both.

In your opinion what are the greatest challenges in Development today and specifically at the Lenox Library?

Non-profits are facing the challenges of a struggling economy.  There is also an abundance of new nonprofits, increasing the competition for fewer resources. Another challenge for many non-profits is tightly focused government funding.  This puts more emphasis on the individual donor.

Here at the Lenox Library, I think our greatest challenge is communication.  There is confusion regarding the Library’s funding.  As an educational non-profit organization, the Lenox Library Association is responsible for raising approximately 60% of its budget through individual contributions and fundraising events.  Every dollar we raise helps guarantee that everyone in the community can continue to enjoy the Lenox Library.  We are focusing on doing a better job of communicating our fundraising efforts.

What is it that you like about your job?

That I get to work at the Lenox Library!  Even before we relocated to the Berkshires, I had been to children’s events at the Library.  The Library has been a constant for my family.  We check out books, we attend the summer concerts and we have met friends and neighbors here.  That I can make a difference, ensuring that the Library is able to continue being central to the community is very rewarding.

If you have any questions, please contact Rebecka at rmcdougall@lenoxlib.org or at 413-637-2630 ext. 21.