25-07-2025
A new chapter at Graves Library in Kennebunkport: Loretta Johnson takes the helm
KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine — After 20 years, the Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library has a new library director.
Loretta Swift Johnson from Middleton, Massachusetts, took over the position on July 1, following the retirement of Mary-Lou Boucouvalas.
Johnson has more than 25 years of public library experience and comes to Kennebunkport from the Flint Public Library in Middleton, where she has been director since 2022. She worked her way up at the Flint Library, starting as a teenage library page in 1998 and advancing over two decades to hold positions of assistant children's librarian, outreach coordinator with teen and technical services, adult circulation and collection development librarian, assistant director, and finally library director.
Two other library staff members have also taken on additional responsibilities and roles. Jennifer Gifford, technology and social media coordinator, will assume the role of interim assistant director through December 31, 2025, and Children's Librarian Theresa Bauld ('Miss Terri') will permanently assume the additional role of senior community liaison.
The Kennebunkport library's new director holds a master's degree in library and information science from Simmons University, a bachelor's degree in business administration from Capella University, anda certificate in local government leadership and management from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Suffolk University.
'Loretta impressed the board with her deep background in library management, her genuine passion for community and patron engagement, and her clear understanding of the welcoming and vibrantenvironment of Graves Library,' said Sarah Vander Schaaff, board vice president and chair of the search committee. 'We believe she will be an excellent fit with the library, our town, and the broader southern Maine community we serve.'
'Johnson's selection is the result of the search committee's four-month process,' continued Vander Schaaff, 'informed by best professional practices and input from library staff, volunteers, and former and current board members.
The committee received more than 20 candidate resumes and interviewed more than 10 candidates over three rounds, assessing a wide range of qualities, including leadership, collaboration, strategic planning, and "a commitment to extending the legacy of our beloved library's role in the lives of all who love it.'
Johnson said she is excited about the new opportunity.
'It is truly an honor to be the next director of the Graves Library and to build off the fabulous foundation laid by my predecessor, Mary-Lou," said Johnson. "Everyone who enters the Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library knows that they have entered a special place, and that atmosphere is fostered by the staff, board, and volunteers who work diligently to serve this wonderful community. It is great to now be part of it, and I am looking forward to relocating to Maine soon to be even closer to where the good things happen.'
The Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, established in 1898, is a full-service free library whose mission is to enrich the lives of all who enter its historic building.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Graves Memorial Library names Loretta Johnson as new director
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