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Susan Grabski came to the Northeast Massachusetts Regional Library System (NMRLS) in June 1999. As Operations Manager, she is responsible for the management for NMRLS administrative, clerical, front office, and facilities (including computer/network/telephone systems) activities. She takes care of bookkeeping, employee benefits, purchasing  (internal and cooperative), Executive Board/Committee relations, delivery services, member connectivity to online databases, and the design/layout of print and electronic publications. Susan collaborates extensively with the Lucie Gallagher, Operations Coordinator, as well as staff, in support of NMRLS operations and services and works closely with Consultant/Trainer (Technology Coordinator) to maintain NMRLS office technology requirements.
Prior to her time at NMRLS, Susan worked at the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners in the Library Development Unit. Now MBLC Director, Rob Maier, was her supervisor. She feels that working there first really gave her an advantage when coming to the region.
What's the most fun about working at NMRLS? Delivery, delivery, and delivery! Seriously, she has enjoyed working with librarians, including our Board and Committee members, from all types of libraries. The Northeast region has a positive group of folks who approach their work with a great deal of professionalism and enthusiasm. As for the NMRLS staff, she can't think of better group of people with whom to work. "When you have a small number of people working together to provide service, it is important that we get along. We keep each other laughing."
Some background: Susan was raised in Andover, Massachusetts and has fond memories of going to the Memorial Hall Library as a child (of course!). While she has worked with librarians for over a decade, she is not "one of them." She earned her B.A. from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell with a double major in Art History and English. Her studies took her to Crete and Greece. Her curiosity (backpack and Eurail pass) has taken her to France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and Poland.
Little known facts: Susan was an avid horseback rider through middle/high school and college. She competed at combined training events throughout New England (see http://www.area1usea.org/). She also received a regional rating of proficiency in riding and horsemanship from the United Stated Pony Clubs, Inc. In turn, she did a fair amount of teaching and judging at local events for young people.
More recently, Susan volunteers her time supporting a playgroup for families of children with Down syndrome. The group helps to welcome these wonderful children into the world and provides support and resources to their families. Susan designed and maintains the group's web site - http://www.morningtravelers.org/.
Currently, Susan is having a great time following the presidential race. She enjoys reading, hiking, travel, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Robert, live in Haverhill with their two young daughters, Ula and Halina.
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