0The Medway Public Library is inviting everyone to meet its new Library Director Ivana Aguilar. The “Meet the Director Mingle” will take place on Tues., Feb. 3, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Medway Public Library.

Below is an interview Aguilar did with MPL staff in January.  

Tell us about yourself.

I’m Ivana Aguilar! I’m Mexican and El Salvadoran and I am originally from Texas. I moved to Massachusetts in 2021 to pursue my degree in librarianship. I’m a first generation American and the first person in my immediate family to get a masters degree. I’m bilingual and love all sorts of textile crafts. I have an awesome sticker collection!

What brought you to Medway?

I arrived at the Medway Public Library in October 2024 as the Technical Services Librarian. I was elated at having found my dream job of cataloging books all day. The staff and community were kind and welcoming and I knew I had found a wonderful library. I began my tenure as Interim Director in June 2025 out of love for the job, the staff, and the community. It was definitely not in my career plan to ever be a director. 

Why did you become a librarian?

I originally didn’t think of being a librarian as a career option. I started working at my local library in Texas after graduating college as just a job and fell in love with the work. I am, unsurprisingly, a lover of books, especially fantasy! But librarianship is more than books; it’s building community, providing a safe space, and free resources for all.

What do you wish people knew about the Medway Library?

It’s an exciting time at the Library! We have a lot of new staff and have created two new full-time positions in programming and circulation. There’s a lot of energy and excitement to continue expanding our programming and services to our community.

What are you most excited about in this new role?

When I stepped up as Interim, I made a conscious decision to always put the needs of our patrons and our community first. We’re trying out all sorts of programming to find out what the community wants and needs - from Family Movie Day to Color Me Chill to even more quirkier and staff-driven programs like The Society of Bookmark Collectors. We’re also expanding the collection by adding world language books for adults and children. We’re investing in our Library of Things. There’s a lot of community groups, town departments, and stakeholders reaching out to collaborate with the library- and folks are always welcome to email us with ideas! There’s a lot to be excited about!

What do you recommend folks check out from the library?

Dragons Love Tacos is available in both English and Spanish! I’m practicing for my debut at a future bilingual story hour.

Submitted by Medway Public Library