NHLA Paralibrarians
About Us
The New Hampshire Paralibrarian Certification program was formed in June 2014 and became an official section of the New Hampshire Library Association in November 2014.
The Paralibrarian Certification is a voluntary program designed to recognize the involvement and contributions of Paralibrarians in New Hampshire. Paralibrarians (non-MLS staff) support the missions of school, public, academic, and special libraries throughout the state by providing essential services, being involved in professional development activities, and demonstrating commitment to their work. The certification is not a substitute for a Master of Library Science degree or any other degree or certificate.
General FAQ
What's a Paralibrarian anyway?
We're non-MLS staff working in libraries! That's it - not very complicated, is it?
How do I join the section?
When you renew or sign up for your NHLA membership, you can request to become a Paralibrarian section member. There is an additional cost (currently $5) to join the section, which helps us pay for the classes and services we provide our members.
Does this section do anything other than the certification?
Yes! We network, hold classes, have a mini-conference, and more! Check NHLA's calendar for upcoming events. If you'd like a glimpse of what we get up to, you're welcome to attend a board meeting or subscribe to our newsletter.
What good is the certification?
Pursuit of this certification gives scope and structure to professional development activites. It encourages networking and brings new ideas and procedures to your library. Certified staff are more valuable with more skills and greater understanding of library functions. And, as professional stagnation is a significant cause of staff turnover, it helps staff grow where they are.
I have more questions, who do I ask?
Send us an email with any questions you might have! We're always happy to help. Our contact information is on our Board page.
Certificate Holders
There's nothing we're more proud of than our certified Paralibrarians. We want to celebrate your achievements every step of the way! These are our current certificate holders at the highest level they've achieved:
➕ Level 4
Krista Bordeleau, Pelham Public Library, September 2022
Cyndi Burnham, Goffstown Public Library, November 2021
Samantha Gallo, Fuller Public Library, March 2021
Cheryl Ingerson, Maxfield Public Library, September 2020
Lee Ann Chase, Hooksett Public Library, April 2019
Julie Spokane, Brookline Public Library, April 2019
Marcia Strykowski, Hampstead Public Library, August 2017
➕ Level 3
Carla Ferreira, Amherst Public Library, February 2024
Aimee LaRue, Peterborough Town Library, November 2023
Patrick Arnold, Derry Public Library, November 2021
Amanda Alwyn, Laconia Public Library, June 2019
Jennifer Stover, Merrimack Public Library, December 2018
➕ Level 2
Sam Diggins, Bedford, March 2025
Lex Hetrick, Manchester City Library, November 2024
Joann Houde, Nesmith, September 2024
Danielle Arpin, Pelham Public Library, November 2021
Marie Mehegan, Pembroke Public Library, March 2021
Laura Wing, Fuller Public Library, March 2021
Hope Garner, Griffin Free Library, March 2021
Dawn Mazur, Derry Public Library, March 2021
Cherylyn Gable, Meredith Public Library, December 2020
Micaela Seekell, Goffstown Public Library, September 2020
Susan Kehoe, Sandown Public Library, June 2019
Doreen Bergeron, Goffstown Public Library, December 2018
Lee Gilmore, Merrimack Public Library, December 2018
Sheila Lippman, Merrimack Public Library, December 2018
Cathy Hassard, Sandown Public Library, December 2018
Lisa Cutter, Amherst Town Library, June 2018
Sarah Frost, Belmont Public Library, August 2017
Mary Farrell, G.H. Bixby Memorial Library, October 2016
Alison Forte, Blaisdell Memorial Library, August 2016
Leanne Gast, Blaisdell Memorial Library, June 2016
➕ Level 1
Carrie Loring, Rodgers Memorial Library, November 2024
Elizabeth Moore, Dublin Public Library, July 2024
Pamela MacDonald, Amherst Town Library, May 2024
Patrick Harrison, Rye Public Library, May 2024
Gina Votour, Pelham, May 2024
Stephanie Scales, Brookline, February 2024
Katie Ondre, Milford, November 2023
Nik Beauchmin, Peterborough, September 2023
Glynis Hart, Wilmot Public Library, January 2022
John Locke, Meredith Public Library, November 2021
Dianna Levesque, Fuller Public Library, March 2021
Julie Cyr, Jaffrey Public Library, December 2020
Ellen Neilley, James A. Tuttle Library, September 2020
Joann Houde, Nesmith Public Library, September 2020
Linda Hough, Meredith Public Library, September 2020
Susanna Buonopane, Campton Public Library, September 2020
Bettielue Hill, Brookline Public Library, December 2019
Mary Hubbard, Peterborough Town Library, October 2019
Stacy Desrosiers, Goffstown Public Library, October 2019
Lauren Rettig, Davis Public Library, June 2018
Lindsey Blanchette, Salisbury Free Library, April 2018
Cathy Hassard, Sandown Public Library, February 2017
Lisa Cutter, Peterborough Town Library, February 2017
Annette Lombardo, Blaisdell Memorial Library, August 2016
Glenn Walter, Nichols Library, June 2016