LYNDA  WILLS RETIRES         
League Member Directed Winchester Public Library for 18 Years

Lynda Wills, who retired as Library Director in August, is a person universally respected for her management of our Library and admired for her ability to foster collaboration among groups. Additionally, to the delight of our chapter, she is a strong supporter of the Winchester League of Women Voters. 

LWV members Mary Ellen Lannon, Judie Muggia, Maggie Russell, Lynda Wills,
Gloria Legvold and Bonnie Alpert with Thomas Michalak

On her retirement, Library staff, other town employees, and members of the Board of Library Trustees, Friends of the Library, and many organizations in Town paid tribute to Lynda’s leadership and to the result: our excellent public library .

As president of Friends of the Library and now as a Library Trustee, I’ve had ongoing opportunity to work with closely with Lynda and, like so many of us, I appreciate the pivotal role she has played in the life of our community – ensuring that the Library serves the needs of the Town’s demographics and creating bridges among organizations that exist to serve our population.

An example of how Lynda brings organizations together is the way she supports the activities and goals of Winchester LWV.  “There is a parallel track between the civic involvement of a public library and the civic mindedness represented by the League,” she declared.  “The job of both institutions is to provide information to help make informed decisions, because an informed citizenry is the cornerstone of democracy.”  Furthermore, says Lynda, “The mission of a public library is to provide information and a variety of opinions on all subjects, offering something to offend everyone.”

Lynda says that one of her first actions upon becoming Library Director was to join the Winchester League, after having been a member of the League in Methuen, where she served as Library Director prior to coming to Winchester.  “In retirement, I’ll always be a member of LWV, wherever I am” she says.  Lynda imagines herself being involved in some level with local government, because she believes that “Democracy works best at the local government level.”  She maintains that “Decisions and choices that impact daily life happen in your town or city.”

But Lynda’s first order of business will be to relax and read, spending as much of her time as possible on Cape May in New Jersey, where she has enjoyed vacationing for many years. 

The Winchester LWV adds its voice to the many individuals and organizations who thank Lynda for her contributions to Winchester.  We wish her the very best in this new phase of her life.
                                                       - Bonnie Alpert