Emily Klonicki of Rockford will become the new director of Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library, 109 South State Street, in Hampshire, on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
She will replace Carol Schrey, who worked at the library since June 2008. Schrey recently moved from the area due to her husband’s job transfer.
Klonicki earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rockford University and a Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
She has served as assistant director and head of youth services at Ida Public Library, 320 North State Street in Belvidere, since 2011.
“During my time there,” Klonicki said, “the library has undergone many positive changes including an increase in programming and attendance, various collection projects which have led to an upsurge in circulation statistics, an expansion of the summer reading program, new partnerships and collaborations in the community, and the implementation of new digital and tech offerings, all of which have expanded access for patrons in Boone County and strengthened the library’s presence in the community.”
Klonicki said that working for libraries is a perfect fit for her.
“I have always been an avid lover of literature, culture and the arts. I am also an active community builder, so pursuing a career in public library service is a very natural path for me as it combines all of the things in life that I am passionate about,” Klonicki said. “I have never second-guessed my decision to go into public library service. It is meaningful work that I enjoy immensely. Each day is different, providing a unique set of intellectual and creative challenges that keep me on my toes and engaged. I love going to work every day.”
Klonicki is looking forward to starting her new position.
“Ella Johnson is a wonderful library with excellent services, knowledgeable staff and a committed board of directors,” Klonicki said. “I look forward to widening Ella Johnson’s impact throughout the district by expanding community involvement, increasing program offerings and outreach and advancing digital and technological offerings.”
In addition to both having a State Street address, the Belvidere and Hampshire libraries were named in memory of a former area resident.
General Allen Fuller donated $5,000 in 1883 to establish a library in Belvidere that would be named after his daughter, Ida Fuller Hovey, who died of consumption at the age of 24.
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Bertha Farrell Watts of Elgin donated $5,000 in 1942 so that the Hampshire library would be named after her sister, Ella Johnson. Watts also donated the abandoned hat shop her sister once owned and the property on which it sat. Upon her death, Watts bequeathed an additional $10,000 to the library.