Kristen Chin feels most at home surrounded by books — lots of books. 

As the new director of Barrington Public Library, Ms. Chin comes to work in an environment that is her dream come true. After earning her degree at Rhode Island College, Ms. Chin began working at a "ho-hum" job, which she was happy to leave when she began raising her young daughters.

As a stay-at-home mom in Glocester, RI, Ms. Chin would often take her daughters to story hour at Harmony Public Library.

“It was a pleasure to go to the library. That part of the state is isolating and I enjoyed being amongst the children and the books,” she said.

She enjoyed it so much in fact, that she began volunteering at that library and eventually was hired to work in the circulation department part-time.

She found her niche and realized that she had discovered a career she could be truly be happy in. She then went back to school and as a part-time student earned her master’s degree in library science at the University of Rhode Island.

In 2005, she took a position as the director of the Foster Public Libraries — two small library buildings — where she learned every aspect of running a library.

“I learned so much and did many jobs," said Ms. Chin. "From ordering materials, personnel, custodial and even shoveling snow. It was a good platform where I was able to appreciate every job that staff does on a daily basis."

After nine years, she accepted the director position at a much larger library system – Medfield Public Library in Medfield, Mass.

“I loved the job but the commute was tough. At the time, Debbie Barchi (the former director of Barrington Public Library) said I would be perfect for the job here in Barrington when she retired. I put my resume in and now I have been here for almost a year,” she said.

Since coming to Barrington, the third busiest public library in the state, it’s been smooth sailing. She said the staff of 40 full- and part-time employees were welcoming and extremely professional.

“The staff have been amazing. I have five department heads, some of whom have been here since the early 1990s. I am thankful to have such knowledgeable and dedicated staff members,” she said.

Among the many programs and offerings at the library, Ms. Chin said the community is fortunate to have the Friends of Barrington Public Library working on their behalf.

"The Friends have some great programming like the regular book sale in the foyer. Eighty percent of our programming is funded by the Friends," she said.

It’s a reciprocal relationship, too.

Nancy Brex, the president of the Friends of the Barrington Public Library, said Ms. Chin is easy-going and open to new suggestions.

“In my opinion Kris is a real asset for the library," said Ms. Brex. "She has many creative ideas. She attends our monthly meetings and keeps us informed on what is going on. She is easy to work with; receptive to our concerns and issues. She has really gone above and beyond, volunteering to help man our booth at community events. And she is a nice person! I have very much enjoyed working with her this year."

Looking in to the future, Ms. Chin sees the trend moving toward digital, downloadable materials, although the print collection will remain strong.

“We have opened up space by going through the collection and donating older books. We are looking towards the maker movement and have an all ages space with a 3-D printer, glass etching capabilities and a vinyl cutter,” she said.

The library received a grant from the state’s department of innovation and library information services for 10 sets of virtual reality goggles.

“We are not diminishing the print collection in the library, but we are adding to the digital collection of e-books and downloadable audiobooks. We will keep up with the trends and continue to be one of the best libraries in the state,” she said.