Jennifer Reading, the new Seaside Public Library director, has recently stepped into her new role.

Reading, who was raised in New York City, has more than 20 years of experience working in libraries. She initially began her career in historic preservation. However, a colleague encouraged her to consider becoming a librarian.

“I wanted to be a private detective, actually, when I was in college,” Reading said. “But actually, that’s what librarians are, right? We’re like private investigators, we can find anything.”

She received her master’s degree in library science from the University of Denver. Most recently, Reading served as the assistant director of public services for customer experience at the Jefferson County Public Library in Colorado, which included 10 locations, an express library and a bookmobile.

Reading said she was drawn to Seaside for multiple reasons, including a desire to live on the coast and to take the step professionally to direct a small library.

“And what an amazing opportunity, because I’m inheriting a well-loved library, well-respected staff, we have an abundance of materials and programming,” she said. “I inherited, I think, a really great thing and then just get to carry the ball a little bit further.”

As Reading steps into her position at the library, she hopes to collaborate with service providers in Seaside and in the county to provide support to individuals experiencing food scarcity, housing instability and underemployment.

Reading also hopes that the community sees her as a resource not only for library information, but for collaboration on projects as well.

“We want to connect with the community in meaningful ways,” Reading said. “We want to hear from the community what they want.”