— Maggie Gordon

ALTAMONT — The library’s three-month search for a new director has, just like a good novel, a happy ending.

Judith Wines — who has taught ancient Greek at an Upward Bound program in New Hampshire and modern English in Jordan — will settle in the village to be a part of the community as she directs the library.
"The idea of community is a dying phenomenon," she said. "I like that people here actually know their neighbors."

When Ginny La Juene handed in her resignation to the Altamont Free Library’s Board of Trustees this February, the search was on for a new library director.

The board advertised for the position through the State University of New York and the Upper Hudson Library System, said Barbara Quackenbush, the president of the Altamont Free Library.
Nine people applied, from as far away as Illinois and Staten Island. "We struggled really, because the quality was so good," Quackenbush said, "We really did have some very fine applicants."
The struggle ended when the board was introduced to Judith Wines. "When Ms. Wines came forward, it was clear she could do the job and that she would fit in very well with the community," Quackenbush said.
The board voted unanimously in favor of hiring Wines. Her enthusiasm stood out from other applicants, according to Quackenbush. "She had come out and looked into the community. She had looked into the fact that we had looked at the train station and already had some ideas of how she could work with us on that.
"The library board is excited to have her enthusiasm and professional expertise on board as we move forward toward our many new ventures," Quackenbush said.
She went on to mention Wine’s incredible people skills, her "tremendous background in research," and her experience in grant work, but what really set her apart in Quackenbush’s eyes was the fact that she was planning on moving to the community.
"I think it tells us that she’s making the commitment to stay and that’s something we would like to see — to become a part of the community," Quackenbush said.
Wines saw the job listing at the University at Albany, where she earned a master’s degree, and decided to apply. "I like the idea of staying in the area," Wines said. "It’s so lovely up here."
Wines was intrigued by the idea of running a small library, because there is an "opportunity to do everything from story hour to working on the budget," she said.
Wines graduated from Williams College with a degree in classical literature and English literature, before spending 27 months in the Peace Corps. "I’m always happy learning about a different culture," she said.
"I was interested in teaching," said Wines. "I wanted to do something public-service oriented."
During her time in the Peace Corps, Wines was able to teach. She taught English as a foreign language to a group of 40 twelve-year-old girls in Jordan. She used whatever skills she had to help the community, Wines said. "Some of my not-so-smart students had no chance of catching up, so I started a summer program for them."
"A chance encounter," Wines said, led her to become a librarian. "I never really thought of it as a job... I was traveling in Prague and I met this woman. She seemed very bright and she was a librarian."

After her stint in the Peace Corps, Wines returned to America and enrolled in the University at Albany. She received her master’s degree in information science and policy with a concentration in library sciences in December of 2004.

Wines, who is originally from eastern Long Island, has been living in Albany since she returned to school. When her job begins in Altamont, she will become a village resident.
Wines is excited about starting in a new town and a new job with a clean slate. "I am really responsive to what people want — what the community wants," she said. "I’m excited about joining the community and having people come talk to me about the ideas they have."
"She is going to be a big part of our future." Quackenbush said.