FRAMINGHAM, MA - Framingham Public Library staff welcomed new director Mark Contois with a meet and greet reception in the main library staff room on his first day, January 30th.

Contois succeeds Tom Gilchrist, who worked as assistant, and then director for twenty years. Contois served as director of Palmer Public Library for the past ten years. Under his leadership, Palmer has been recognized as a leader in library services, programs, technology, fiscal support and building construction.

Prior to being at the helm in Palmer, Contois was assistant director of the West Springfield Public Library for four years. He served as the Vice President of the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System, President of the Palmer Downtown Partnership, and has served on the Board of Directors of Quaboag Valley Chamber of Commerce, Palmer Rotary Club, Literacy Volunteers of Quaboag Valley, and other organizations.

Contois is married with three children, two of whom are now attending college. He received his graduate degree from Simmons College of Library and Information Science in 1989.

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