After nearly two decades at Scoville, director Claudia Cayne steps down
Claudia Cayne will retire Dec. 3 as director of the Scoville Memorial Library in Salisbury. 
Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

After nearly two decades at Scoville, director Claudia Cayne steps down

SALISBURY — After 19 and a half years, Scoville Memorial Library Director Claudia Cayne is retiring, with her last official day on Dec. 3.

In an interview at the library in November, Cayne reflected on the changes at the library — and in the library business — during her tenure.

The obvious change is the explosion in information technology.

“Libraries are in the position of defending their existence,” she said. “We successfully reinvented ourselves and remained relevant.”

When she first came to Scoville, it was routine for patrons to check out 10 books at a time.

“We don’t see as much of that.”

Also, “We used to have waiting lines for the computers,” but improved internet service at the library plus the ubiquity of personal, portable devices put an end to that.

When she was hired, the library had no programs for adults. “One reason I was hired is I had experience [with such programs].

“So that goal was realized in a major way.”

Cayne said more children use the library now — in part because the renovation made the children’s area more attractive, and in part because parents have been looking for more activities, given the restrictions placed on schools during the COID-19 pandemic.

The 2016-17 renovations resulted in “a more welcoming space for people to come spend time” at the library, Cayne said.

The advent of streaming video and audio services have had a big impact on how the library uses its space.

“We had a huge weeding of the DVDs. Some hadn’t gone out in two or years or more.”

Cayne also replaced the Dewey Decimal System.

“That was my decision. We’re the only library that has done it to this degree.

“There was virtually no pushback after I explained that [the new system] made for easier browsing.”

But it was a big job. Every book had to be relabeled.

Asked what she is proudest of during her time at the library, Cayne thought for a moment before saying, “The most lasting impact is the building is in the best shape in decades.”

She thought a bit more and added the library’s responsiveness to patrons’ suggestions.

Asked what she’s going to do now, Cayne said, “Whatever I want.”

She said she will devote more time to volunteer activities such as the Little Guild in Cornwall.

“I like being physically active, and I bought a new road bike.”

She will also spend time on equestrian pursuits.

Cayne won’t be completely gone from the library. She said she has agreed to continue handling adult programs as long as she’s needed.

“But not past March.”

Before she leaves, she will help train incoming librarian Karin Goodell, who is now the director of the Beardsley Library in Winsted.

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