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Michelle Centore: Love at First Sight

For Michelle Centore, it was love at first sight when she walked into Westbrook Public Library. That feeling has never left, as Michelle now serves as the Library Director.

“The first time I walked in, it struck me as a simply wonderful place. It struck me as a place that would embrace new ideas but one that also had a strong identity, and that identity was kindness,” Michelle tells the Harbor News about her first impression of the library.

“There’s something really warm and welcoming about Westbrook. It’s a pleasure to come here to work,” she continues.

As Library Director Michelle says, her job changes day to day.

“Every day is different, and it varies a lot. In a small library, you do wear a lot of hats,” she says.

For Michelle, that means she’s responsible for doing everything from supervising staff, to helping at the public service desk, to being appraised of repairs, to providing technological assistance, to helping find programming needs to patrons of all ages. “The needs in the community are really diverse,” Michelle says.

Michelle highlighted two upcoming programs the library is hosting as an example of those diverse needs.

“The first is a collaboration with the Westbrook Social Services to host a clothing giveaway from 1 to 4 p.m. in the library community room on Nov. 28. It’s a free event open to everyone,” Michelle says. “It’s the first time we’ve collaborated with social services, so we’re excited for that.”

“The second event is on Nov. 29, also from 1 to 4 p.m., where we’re doing a jigsaw puzzle challenge where people can form teams of up to four and see who can complete the puzzle the fastest. The event is sponsored by the Westbrook Senior Center, and we’re excited to be doing this for the first time,” Michelle says.

Michelle began working in Westbrook in June of 202. Before that, she worked as a children’s librarian in Orange for 11 years.

“I had a good 11 years, but after that time, I was ready for a new change and new challenges. Being a children’s librarian was wonderful, but after 11 years of doing the same job, I was ready for a change,” Michelle explains.

Growing up, Michelle says she didn’t necessarily see herself becoming a librarian.

“I kind of fell into it. That’s a funny thing about librarians; it kind of draws people from all different fields,” says Michelle.

Michelle says after college, she tried a few different jobs in fields like advertising, journalism, and nannying, but none seemed to resonate. Instead, she combined the parts of the jobs she liked and looked for something that combined all those positive aspects, such as working with the public and helping people find the information they need.

“It’s wonderful to be able to work with people who feel the same way. We have a great staff here at the library,” Michelle says.

For Michelle, the best part of her job is the unpredictability that each day brings.

“I love that no two days are exactly alike. One day, you could be helping someone who is a new American with a tech problem they’ve never encountered; the next, something completely different. There’s so much that is richly rewarding to do,” Michelle says.

Michelle grew up in the North Branford /Northford area and now calls West Haven home. When she’s not working, Michelle enjoys taking her French Brittany, Rosie, for walks with her husband. She also enjoys traveling and simply being in nature.

“I love to be out in nature and experience the quiet. I think it’s really peaceful,” Michelle says.

Even though she isn’t from Westbrook, the community is one that Michelle is quite fond of.

“I think my favorite part is everyone’s sense of humor. We, as a staff and the patrons, everyone just gels and everyone is really upbeat. I’m so glad to be a part of the community, and I’m so grateful for everyone’s patience and kindness,” Michelle says.