Director says Barrington library is 'nirvana'

Debbie Barchi says people have always supported their library

Posted 9/23/17

Debbie Barchi is a planner.

The director of the Barrington Public Library said she likes building plans for work and for life at home, so it was no surprise that when she neared retirement age, …

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Director says Barrington library is 'nirvana'

Debbie Barchi says people have always supported their library

Posted

Debbie Barchi is a planner.

The director of the Barrington Public Library said she likes building plans for work and for life at home, so it was no surprise that when she neared retirement age, she had a plan.

"I always had a plan to retire at 66," she said. "I've thought that way since I was in my 50s."

Ms. Barchi said her plan includes stepping down from the director's position next month, and handing over the reigns to Kristen Chin. (The town announced the next director in a press release earlier this month.)

Ms. Barchi said she also has a plan for what she will do with her time once she retires. She has a plan to travel to the Southwest United States with a friend and will also visit Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons with her son.

The library director also said she will spend time writing nature-themed poetry and essays and would like to learn to speak Italian. She also plans to volunteer her to time to help with vulnerable populations — "I want to make contributions," she added.

Ms. Barchi has been a key figure at the library for 18 years. During her tenure, there have been two large renovation projects — the first floor remodel years ago, and the recently-completed second floor renovation. (There will be celebration on Sunday, Sept. 24.)

Ms. Barchi said both projects were completed without the use of any public tax dollars. The second floor renovation cost $2.6 million, which included $1.2 million in private donations and $1.2 million from a state grant.

"I always wanted to leave on a high note," said Ms. Barchi. 

The Scituate resident said working in Barrington is "nirvana" for a library director. She said there is a lot of support for the library in Barrington — from town officials to residents. Barrington's library also runs a number of popular programs. Ms. Barchi said the Barrington Public Library has also been able to run cooperative programs with other groups and organizations. She mentioned the recent solar eclipse viewing event held on the Barrington Town Hall lawn, where more than 1,000 people attended.

"The library is so much more than a warehouse" of books, she said. "It's really a destination. There's no other place like it. You don't need any money in your pocket. You are always welcome."

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