Meet the Candidate: Jan Beatty for Simsbury Library Board of Trustees

Democrat Jan Beatty is seeking a seat on the Library Board of Trustees. 

Education 

University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 1975

B.A., English, with concentrations in journalism and art history; magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa

Work experience

My professional career of 30 years was in college textbook publishing, where I gained experience in all aspects of book production, editing, and marketing, and in education, working with college professors as authors, reviewers, and users of textbooks in fields as diverse as anthropology, music history and theory, poetry, English composition, and art.

Since retiring from my last job in publishing as Executive Editor at Oxford University Press in New York, I’ve been tutoring homebound middle- and high-school students, serving as an academic advisor at the ABC House here in Simsbury, and working in Visitor Services at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.

Why are you seeking office?

My husband and I moved here 20 years ago, and I quickly came to appreciate what a valuable educational and social resource our library is. Not only is it an outstanding facility with wonderful staff, but it has also become our town square – where people gather for almost any reason you can think of.  Both virtually and physically, the library offers everyone in Simsbury an environment that is conducive to thinking and learning. I’d like to support our new library director in ensuring the continuance of this excellent town resource.

What experience do you bring to the table?

I believe my experiences in educational publishing, education, and Visitor Services give me a unique perspective on providing resources that both invite and inform our community, and I would be delighted to serve on the Library Board.

What do you love most about town?

Everything!

What do you like to do for fun?

When I’m not curled up with a book, or watching the UConn Huskies’ basketball games, I’m often out  being walked by our two Labrador retrievers, Monty and Jessie. My husband, Michael Park, and I love the        wonderful open space – especially the Ethel Walker Woods – that we can enjoy in Simsbury.

How can residents keep up with you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about the library: email me at editorjan1@gmail.com.