Credit: Aimee Smith

New Wayland Free Public Library Director (WFPL) Chris Lindquist stands behind a table of book-themed treats at his welcome event to the WFPL community on Oct. 15. As the new director, Linquist aims to create a more inclusive library for the Wayland community.

On Sunday, Oct. 15, the Wayland Free Public Library (WFPL) held a welcome event for its new director, Chris Lindquist. With more than 40 years of experience working in public libraries, Lindquist claims to have been drawn to WFPL by its rich history and local community.

During his welcome event, Linquist was able to meet with the WFPL Board of Library Trustees and Wayland Community members. As the director, Lindquist will oversee the WFPL responsibilities such as the budget, management and public relations.

“I call [what I’m doing] a listening tour,” Lindquist said. “I’m giving myself a good three to six months to go on a listening tour and find out what it is about this library that’s unique and what it is that the community wants.”

While at the event, community members chatted with Linquist, listened to music and ate snacks. Among the snacks were book themed cupcakes made based off Linquist’s favorite books such as Cape Cod by Henry David Thoreau, which Linquist referenced in his opening remark.

“I’m thrilled by the community’s support for our new director,” welcome party organizer and Friends President Meredith Tobe said. “I’m so happy that so many Wayland residents came out to see him and greet him.”

WFPL is a historic part of the Wayland community that works to provide resources to individuals of all age groups. While here, Lindquist hopes to continue to make the library more accessible.

“I’m 82 years old and I grew up here, so I’ve seen the big changes and the small changes,” Wayland community member Ann Baker said. “The thing I like the most about this library is the people who work here and the people you can meet here. The library is just home. It’s warm. It’s friendly. It’s helpful.”

One project that Lindquist is currently working on is the WFPL’s strategic plan for 2025-2030. According to Lindquist, this project will involve working with the Board of Library Trustees, the WFPL staff and community members to create a plan for the library’s future.

“[The Board of Library Trustees] believe Lindquist is the person who will bring the Trustee’s mission forward,” Board of Library Trustees Chair Aida Gennis said. “Lindquist will do this by providing a place for lifelong learning and community and by offering a welcoming environment to inform, inspire and enrich all those in Wayland.”

In addition to creating a more inclusive library, Lindquist aims to highlight WFPL’s history. Having recently celebrated its 175th anniversary, WFPL is the second oldest free public library in the nation.

“I love history,” Lindquist said. “I love libraries, and I love the public aspect of libraries as I’m somebody who’s steeped in local communities. Wayland has all these special qualities, including its history, staff and school system, which is why I’m thrilled to be here.”

According to Lindquist, he hopes to bring WFPL’s past into the future as he works to create a space where people can come together for a variety of reasons.

“My family has always instilled in me a love of books and reading,” Lindquist said. “I’m somebody who loves to be in an institution like the WFPL, serving the needs of the wider public. That’s what my passion is.”