New Canaan Library appoints new director
McNally starts in new role Feb. 1; succeeds Oldham, who is set to retire
NEW CANAAN — Kimberly McNally of the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library in Berlin will take on a new role as New Canaan Library’s new executive director next month.
Beginning Feb. 1, McNally will take over leadership of the New Canaan Library from Lisa Oldham, who announced her retirement in August after 10 years as the library’s executive director.
Her salary was not available, but Oldham’s salary was $177,532, according to data filed with the Internal Revenue Service for fiscal year 2022.
McNally has been the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library’s executive director since June 2021. She previously served as Assistant Library Director of the Durham Public Library and as a branch manager for three library branches in Vancouver, Wash.
“The New Canaan Library, with its thoughtfully designed building and dynamic resources, is leading the way for how libraries in Connecticut and around the country can support their communities in new and exciting ways,” McNally said in a press release. “I am honored to be joining this library and I look forward to getting to know the community, staff and stakeholders and building our future together.”
A Wethersfield resident, McNally has been a board member of the Connecticut Library Consortium since 2019 and served as its president from July 2022 to June 2023.
McNally holds a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of South Florida. Prior to her career in library services, she worked in commercial real estate in Florida for Colliers International and Starbucks Coffee Company.
“Throughout this recruitment process, the board has worked hard to identify a candidate whose passion for libraries and their vital role in communities was evident” said New Canaan Library Board of Trustees Chairman Robert Butman in a press release. “With Kim’s appointment, we feel we have found the right person to guide our excellent team toward the great future this new building promises our community.”
“She was a terrific candidate,” said Vice President External Affairs and Philanthropy Ellen Crovatto. “We’re all looking forward to working closely with her on a great vision and future for the library.”