Westborough trustees pick Kate Caraccio as next library director, subject to background check

The Westborough Public Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously June 24 to appoint Kate Caraccio as the library's next director, subject to satisfactory background and reference checks and acceptance of an offer to be negotiated by Assistant Town Manager Kim Foster.

Caraccio, one of two finalists interviewed in public by the nine-member board, told trustees she wants a hands-on, community-centered directorship that emphasizes patron interaction and partnerships. "I love working directly with people," she said, describing experience managing branches in larger systems and leading community events that paired library programs with public works, police and fire departments.

The selection followed roughly three hours of public interviews with both finalists. The other finalist, Kevin Sheehan, described about 20 years in libraries and said he favors preserving collections while responding to legitimate safety or accuracy concerns. "You can't be arrested for owning this book," Sheehan said during his interview while explaining why he avoids removing titles unless demonstrable harm can be shown.

Trustees said Caraccio’s written submission and interview answers demonstrated familiarity with Westborough’s priorities, including the library’s long-running building-repair issues and outreach to teens and underserved residents. Dr. Mary Christiansen, a trustee, said Caraccio communicated a concise mission-based approach and offered concrete examples of past initiatives: "She knew it concisely in terms that you could understand," Christiansen said during deliberations.

The motion to appoint (moved by Trustee Kate Daley and seconded by Trustee Deb Cushman) passed with all eight trustees present voting “aye”; one trustee was absent from the meeting. The board recorded the appointment as contingent on a satisfactory background check and references and on the candidate accepting terms negotiated by the assistant town manager. Trustees said they anticipate a typical start date after a 30-day notice period but will try to expedite the transition if Caraccio is available sooner.

Board members praised both finalists for experience and professionalism. Discussion during the public deliberation noted Caraccio’s prior work on library renovations and her plans for data-driven advocacy for staffing and programming. The board’s next steps are to complete reference checks and extend a formal offer; staff will provide final details after those steps are complete.

The trustees closed the meeting after completing the appointment vote and confirming the process for references, offer negotiation and start-date logistics.