Library

Staff and Board of Trustees

Stephanie Romano, Library Director

Stephanie joined the Chester Library team in July 2016, having previously worked in Old Lyme as Access Services Manager. She welcomes your suggestions for book and movie purchases, and library programs, as well as your thoughts on anything else library related.

Emma Burton, Children’s Librarian

Emma, a Chester native, is thrilled to join the library team and help a new generation of readers fall in love with our little library. Story time is every Monday at 10:30; be on the lookout for more children and family events! 

Patty Petrus, Assistant Librarian

Patty has been part of Chester Library since 1984, and a whole generation of Chester children was introduced to the library through her creative Monday morning story times and summer reading programs. Patty is now at the desk to assist you on Tuesdays.

Library Board of Trustees

Sandy Senior-Dauer, President

Sandy taught history for 33 years. She is a vice president and co-chairs programs and exhibits for the Chester Historical Society. She also serves on the Tri-town Youth and Family board and is vice-president of the CT Fulbright Alums. She and husband Keith love to travel, garden and read.

Karin Badger, Vice Chair

Karin is an Art Director and Graphic Designer, specializing in book design. Karin has worked in CT and NY for over 40 years for Garland Publishing, Hinterhoellar Yachts, and AT&T, and freelanced for publishers in the US and internationally. A Chester resident since 2005, Karin says, “Libraries have been a very significant, wonderful influence on my life, I feel they are an immensely important part of the community.

Abigail Rice 

Abigail has been on the Library Board of Trustees since 2019.  She is a first grade teacher at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School in Westbrook. Abigail lives in Chester with her husband and four children. She enjoys reading, knitting, playing the ukulele and piano, walking, spending time at the beach and most of all, being with her family.  

Jennifer Rice, Secretary

Jen has been a member of the board since 2019. Her love of books comes from growing up in a family of teachers. Jen is currently taking time away from work to spend more time with her family. She enjoys story time with her two young children and family hikes.