Library Director: D. Scott Campbell
In the Spring of 2007, I was honored to become the 10th library director at Langdon Public Library.
My library career began in the late 1980s when as a student at the University of New Hampshire (English, ’90), I worked part-time at local public libraries to help put myself through college. In the mid-90s, I worked in Technical Services at UNH’s Dimond Library as a monographs cataloger. After UNH, I spent a decade doing marketing and public relations for high-tech businesses in the NH “e-Coast” before returning to the library profession at the Rice Public Library in Kittery, Maine, in 2005.
I’m a movie buff, an avid sports fan, and the proud father of a bright and beautiful daughter, Erin.
Favorite books: Bright Lights-Big City, Dune, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Time-Traveler’s Wife, Heart of Darkness, Childhood’s End, Lolita, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, Call of the Wild, Old Man and the Sea.
Favorite movies: Esoteric films like Brazil, Blade Runner, and Watchmen. Science fiction like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Close Encounters, and Moon. Comedies like Office Space, Monty Python’s Holy Grail. Animated achievements like The Incredibles and anything by Hayao Miyazaki. Coming-of-age 80′s movies like Sixteen Candles, Risky Business. And classics like Lawrence of Arabia and Citizen Kane. Oh and Field of Dreams.
Assistant Librarian: Mary Rash
I first started at Langdon Library as a substitute librarian in 2001, and since then, my position has evolved into 2 or 3 days a week as a regular employee.
I worked for several years at the Portsmouth Public Library before taking time off to raise a family. When I returned to work for the Portsmouth School Department, I was librarian at Wentworth School and teacher’s assistant at Little Harbour School. After my 23-year tenure there, I retired in 2000. I hold a BA degree in English from Mount St. Mary College and pursued graduate studies in library science at UNH through URI.
A life-long Portsmouth native, I’m an avid reader and a history buff, especially local history. I love the arts scene and all the cultural activities that the Portsmouth area provides. My husband, 3 children and their spouses, and 5 wonderful grandchildren are the love of my life! I consider myself very fortunate to be surrounded by family and friends and work at a job that I truly enjoy!
Library Assistant: Debbie Kohlhase
I’ve been working part-time at Langdon Library since 2005. Before that, I was part-time at Portsmouth Public Library. My full-time job is at Little Harbour School in Portsmouth as a teacher’s aide, so you’ll see me here a couple days a month during the school year, and more frequently during the summer. Working with Scott and Mary is very enjoyable, and I consider myself lucky to have two jobs that I love!
I’m a life-long Portsmouth native. I love to read and take walks along our beautiful seacoast. I also like to sew. My husband Webster and I have two great children, Lauren and Benjamin.
Favorite books: Wind in the Willows, Trumpet of the Swan, To Serve Them All My Days. Also, mysteries by Philip Craig, Laurie J. King, and Tony Hillerman. And, of course, anything by Jane Austen!
Library Assistant: Melanie Burger
I’ve been volunteering at the library ever since my husband Scott took over the directorship. I have worked on the many technical aspects of the library’s mission, including developing this web site. I became more involved in other areas of the library over the years, such that when a part-time library assistant moved away, I was able to step into that role after volunteering. You’ll see me on Saturdays, where I run the front desk and/or catalog the new books and movies for you!
I’ve lived in Portsmouth since 1998 with my son Tommy. I’m an avid dog-lover with two rescue mutts, Mr. Bojangles and Pheobe.
Favorite books: Anything by David Sedaris, anything by David Eggers, anything by Erik Larson, The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak, the Harry Potter series, and Stephen King’s short stories, to name just a few.
Favorite movies: Sixteen Candles, The Fugitive, Down With Love, Titanic, and anything with Meg Ryan in it.
Library Assistant: Renee Ciulla
Some Newington residents might recognize me as the “veggie girl.” I lease land around the corner from John Frink to grow organic vegetables that I sell to numerous restaurants, grocery stores, local families, and a wholesale distributor. In the summer months, I often took much-needed breaks at the Langdon Library and always enjoyed the welcoming and humorous encounters I had there. In the back of my mind it was always a dream to work with such an exuberant, intelligent team of people in this historic location.
My previous library experience was at Saint Lawrence University where I worked during my undergraduate studies. Since those seemingly distant years in school, some of my life travels have taken me to exciting corners of the world such as Bali, Kenya, Australia, Peru, years in Montana, and a three-year graduate studies stint all over Europe. Armed with a Masters degree in Agroecology, I now busy myself with teaching, writing, and producing food.
Despite missing the wild mountains of Montana daily, I am very content to finally settle back in my beautiful home state of NH. Unsurprisingly, farming and sustainable living are two of my passions. I am equally enticed by big mountains, travelling, Italy and Italian cuisine, piano, trail running, biking, and playing serious games of badminton.
When I can convince myself to sit still and read a book or watch a movie, I prefer anything adventurous and inspiring based on true events or at least thought-provoking. Although there’s always a place for Sex & The City…
