By Tom Gilchrist
Staff Writer
VASSAR —Christian Dunham isn’t the only person who believes his technology and grant-writing skills benefit Bullard Sanford Memorial Library.
Christian Dunham is the new director of Bullard Sanford Memorial Library in Vassar.
“Tell me about it,” says Sandy Keyes, a member of the board that hired Dunham as director last month, when asked by a reporter if those abilities will boost the Vassar library.
“This is the man for us,” Keyes said of Dunham. “He has 12 years of experience at libraries, and a master’s degree in library and information science.”
Dunham, 28, of Almer Township, comes to Bullard Sanford from the Caro Area District Library, where he worked since the age of 16, serving as technology librarian before taking the Vassar job.
“Technology is probably my strength,” said Dunham, who hopes to institute computer classes at Bullard Sanford Memorial Library, 520 W. Huron Ave., which is M-15.
Knowledge of technology “can help you save on costs and stay ahead of the trends, or try to,” said Dunham, who also has written grant applications that harvested money for the Caro library.
“I think my total is up to $46,000 in terms of what I ended up getting for them,” he said.
Dunham has written a grant application for Bullard Sanford Memorial Library in hopes of receiving money to finance the library’s annual Concert Series, which takes place in winter and early spring.
Keyes said Dunham “is going to pay for himself in the end.”
“Christian has all the qualities that we need to move the library into the future with new technology and his grant-writing ability, and he’s personable,” Keyes said. “Anybody is welcome to stop by and welcome him.”
Dunham said he hopes to expand the library’s collection of books for teenagers, and its selection of large-print books. He said his favorite book is “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas, but said his favorite book genre is non-fiction.
Dunham’s favorite books in that category include “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan, “The Black Count” by Tom Reiss and “The Elegant Universe” by Brian Greene.
“I feel like I don’t have as much time to read as much as I’d like, so I like to put my time into learning,” Dunham said.
Dunham received a bachelor’s degree in technical writing from Saginaw Valley State University in 2010. He received a master’s degree in library and information science from Wayne State University earlier this year.
Short-term goals at the Vassar library, Dunham said, include the addition of community programs such as self-defense workshops, culinary instruction and craftmaking classes.
“I’ve always seen that when a new manager or employer takes over, they like to make a lot of big changes right away and I think it’s to put their mark on the place, or to show people that they’re doing things,” Dunham said.
“I don’t want to make changes right away. I’d like to observe the place first … and not showboat to show that I’m trying to accomplish something.”
Dunham plans to overhaul the library website, though. The website, www.vassarlib.org, “is kind of out-of-date, software-wise and content-wise,” he said.
The Vassar library is closed on Sunday and Monday, but Dunham said one goal of the board overseeing the library “is to have consistent hours and be open every day of the week.”
Dunham is no stranger to regular work, having helped for years on the family farm, Dunham Farms, operated by his father, Tom Dunham, and uncle, Randy Dunham.
But Dunham’s mother, Anne Dunham, cultivated her son’s interest in reading and in the library.
“She always took me to the library when I was a little kid, to check out books and videos,” Dunham said.
Christian Dunham also credits Betty Gettel, retired assistant director of the Caro Area District Library, for her guidance.
“She was very helpful to me and was a good mentor,” Dunham said.