BUCKLAND — Children’s book author, writing teacher and longtime library enthusiast Jane Buchanan of Greenfield began her new job this week as library director of the Buckland Public Library.
The author of children’s and young adult novels, Buchanan said she is looking forward to working in Buckland, where she hopes to develop new programs for both adults and children.
“I just love small town libraries,” said Buchanan, who was library director of the M.N. Spear Memorial Library in Shutesbury when she moved back to Massachusetts, from 2004 to 2007. From 2007 to 2017, Buchanan was head of borrower services for the Greenfield Public Library, where she supervised operations at the circulation desk. Most recently, she has worked as a part-time circulation assistant in the children’s room of the Jones Library in Amherst.
“I’m looking forward to a chance to work at a small library again,” said Buchanan. “Small libraries are the centers of their communities and well-supported by them. I love meeting the people and working with the public.”
Buchanan started her career as a journalist, working for the Fitchburg Sentinel, Monadnock Ledger and the Greenfield Recorder, as well as writing freelance feature articles.
As a children’s book author, she has written three historical novels for middle-grade readers, a young adult biography of Queen Mary Tudor, and several novels. Buchanan is also co-founder of the LoonSong retreat for children’s writers in Northern Minnesota and is an instructor in writing for children at writers.com.
“I’m hoping to be able to do some writing programs for adults and children,” she said.
The library at 30 Upper St. is open Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m.; Friday from 1 to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.