Connie Hillman, director of The Free Library of New Hope and Solebury, will step down from her post effective Dec. 31. Hillman has been librarian and library director since February 2012.
“We’re all disappointed this day came so soon,” said Doug Brindley, president of the board of trustees at the library, in a statement. “Connie expanded the services of the library and its capacity to better serve the entire community. She elevated the profile of the library as a hub of activity in our region.”
Not long after Hillman was hired, the library underwent a major renovation. Housed in a historic building erected in 1874 on West Ferry Street in New Hope, the building was a church prior to becoming a library. Hillman and her staff coordinated the temporary relocation of the library and successfully managed the renovations.
The reopened library offered expanded services, technology and programs.
During the pandemic, Hillman and her staff offered curbside book lending and home deliveries, as well as virtual children’s story hours and adult book clubs.
“She also brought fun and creativity to programming,” Brindley said. “Connie’s steady leadership kept the library relevant to our community, and she will be missed.”
The board of trustees has partnered with Blue Bell-based Dunleavy & Associates in the search for a new library director.
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