Arlington Director Of Libraries To Leave For Position In NY

ARLINGTON, MA — Arlington’s Director of Libraries, Andrea Nicolay, will be leaving the town to start a new position as Executive Director of the Albany Public Library in Albany, NY.

Nicolay began as Assistant Director of Arlington’s Libraries in 2012 and was appointed Director in 2015. Her last day will be Friday, July 1.

“Andrea has been a tremendous leader for both the Libraries and the Arlington community and her contributions will be sorely missed,” Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine said in a statement. "From her work on library programming to the Reimagining Our Libraries effort to her leadership role in the creation of Arlington’s first cultural district, Andrea has exemplified a true passion and care for Arlington, its libraries and its residents.”

In her nearly ten years in Arlington, Nicolay increased access to library resources by eliminating fines and rental fees, adding summer Saturday hours in July and August, and securing municipal funding for Sunday hours. She and the Library Board of Trustees also successfully advocated to strengthen library staffing, adding a full-time Children’s Librarian at the Fox Library.

In addition, Nicolay ensured continuity of library services during the COVID-19 pandemic by directing resources to expand digital collection offerings, supporting virtual programs for all ages, and restoring access to the library’s physical collections and spaces.

"Andrea has been an exceptional leader and champion for the Arlington libraries,” Jonathan Gates, Library Board of Trustees chair, said in a statement. “It has been a pleasure to work with her to improve access, build out our collections and increase her staff in support of our community. Andrea leaves us with a great strategic roadmap to improve our library for years to come. The Albany library is lucky to have her and we wish Andrea continued success with this next chapter in her life."

In addition to taking on what she describes as an exciting new challenge, Nicolay also looks forward to being closer to family who live in the Albany area.

“I've had the opportunity to lead an extraordinary team of library workers,” Nicolay said in a statement. “I’m grateful for a supportive Board of Trustees and an incredibly hard-working group of library fundraisers and volunteers. I am proud of all that we've accomplished together. It’s been a privilege to serve Arlington and I will miss this wonderful community.”