Rogers Free Library director closes book on 30-year career

After 30 years, Joan Prescott retires from the library today

By Christy Nadalin
Posted 8/14/20

When Joan Prescott took the helm of Rogers Free Library three decades ago, she settled into a small office that was located immediately to the left of the entrance of an outdated, outgrown …

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Rogers Free Library director closes book on 30-year career

After 30 years, Joan Prescott retires from the library today

Posted

When Joan Prescott took the helm of Rogers Free Library three decades ago, she settled into a small office that was located immediately to the left of the entrance of an outdated, outgrown facility.

The location of that office is the only thing that hasn’t changed during her tenure. When she walks out of that office Friday, it will be though a dramatically expanded, modern, open space, built under her leadership. Though it was the crowning achievement of her tenure, she, with a modesty very familiar to anyone who has had the pleasure to know her over the years, resists taking credit.

“I was present for the creation, and so delighted to be a part of it,” she said. “Everybody, the whole staff got on board, had a hand to play. It was just amazing.”

“The timing was perfect. We had such an outpouring of support.”

Despite her implication that she was just one of many, Assistant Directors Kathy McGovern and Jackie O’Brien recall her decisive leadership in the matter of a certain Kousa dogwood tree that was not going to be destroyed in the construction of the new library. Not on Joan Prescott’s watch.

“Joan fought for that tree,” said Ms. McGovern. “I can see her now banging on the table, saying that tree was NOT coming down.”

Among the many things that speak to Ms. Prescott’s leadership is the longevity of the staff. There has been very little turnover there over the years.

Originally from Pawtucket, Ms. Prescott spent 20 years in Maryland before returning to Rhode Island and taking the job here in Bristol.

“Now I’m ready to relax and take it easy,” she said.

Ms. O’Brien and Ms. McGovern planned a quiet surprise send-off for Ms. Prescott for Wednesday, Aug. 12, with catering from Sunset Café and visitors coming in pairs to wish her well. They admit it’s hard to throw a proper retirement celebration for someone under COVID regulations, but also, that this is what Ms. Prescott would want.

Youth services librarians Nancy Kellner and Charlotte Burnham will be acting as co-interim directors while the library’s Board of Directors searches for a replacement.

“She might have a small shoe size, but they will be very big shoes to fill,” said Ms. O’Brien.

Ms. Prescott demurred. “A new person will see things with new eyes, wide open. It’s wonderful,” she said.

“Well, hopefully they will have your passion,” said Ms. O’Brien. “In all those years, you never lost that passion.”

Ms. Prescott says she will still be a regular at Rogers Free Library, but as a patron. "I have a long list of books to read,” she said.

“I love it here. But it’s time to go.”

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A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.