ELLEN BARSELLE
​Library Director

Ellen grew up in Denver, Colorado. She moved to New Hampshire in 1999 and to Bradford in 2003. Her love for reading started early, most likely due to having parents who were avid readers. She spent her high school years volunteering for her local public library. Graduate of Colorado State University (BA) and New England College (MS). She worked in a variety of social service jobs from working with
geriatrics, developmentally disabled services, and teen/domestic violence shelters. She became a member of the library book group, then a Trustee, and started as Director of Brown Memorial Library in 2018. She describes this position as her “dream job.”

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ELLIE BROWN
​Assistant Librarian

Ellie is from the Adirondack mountains of NY and has been living in New Hampshire since 2017. She worked at libraries during high school and college, and spent many years working as a farmer/educator. She is currently also a potter and co-founder of the Kawasiwajo Community Land Trust. In her free time she enjoys canoeing, swimming, skiing, doing basketry and fiber arts, and spending time with her husband, Alden and cats, Tilly and Sash.

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LAURIE BUCHAR
Children's Librarian

Laurie has had a long career doing what she loves best…reading with kids.  Graduate of Yale University (BA)  and Simmons (MLIS), she spent 25 years working for the Kearsarge School District and has worked at Brown Memorial in her semi-retirement since 2010.  All ages are welcome at her story time on Mondays at 10 am where she hopes you will feel young at heart.

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PATTY FURNESS
​Library Aide

Patty has wandered many paths in life--a career in veterinary medicine, a nurse, a wildlife naturalist and rehab volunteer-- always amongst books. Migrating to Bradford in 2006, she discovered BML and eagerly became involved as a patron and then a Trustee. She takes delight in our fabulous and knowledgeable staff, connecting with seekers of a good read or place of refuge, children's voices and being a part of this hub of activity and discovery. Patty also enjoy hiking with her dogs, kayaking, cooking with friends and family, Blues and alternative music, and scary stories around a campfire.

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SETH BENOWITZ
Library Aide

Seth was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He has earned B.A. and M.Ed. degrees. After working in several different fields, Seth had a 25 year career in data management. Now retired, he enjoys woodworking, bicycling, and reading. Upon moving to Bradford in 2005, Seth immediately enrolled at the Brown Memorial Library and it has become his favorite spot to hang out.

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MELISSA MITCHELL
Library Aide

Melissa has lived in Bradford since 2023 and just began working at the library. Her inspiration for books comes from her son. Ever since he was born she has had a strong desire to learn more and more about all sorts of stuff, from philosophy to bibles. She always feels like there is just too much in the world to learn about in one lifetime, so what better place than to be able to work in a library. It's grand a free to explore! In her free time, she loves to spend quality time with family and driving to the ocean (she grew up on the Seacoast). 

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DEB GREGORY
Library Sub

Deb has worked at the library for many years and after stepping back from a more full time role, she is now our trusty substitute, filling in when other staff are on vacation or need a sick day. 

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JOY BAKER
Custodian

Joy cleans the library weekly and we are grateful for her behind the scenes role to keep the library clean and safe and running smoothly for all our patrons.