New Ulm Public Library’s newest librarian Chloe Dickson selects a book from the stacks. (Photo by Amy Zents).

NEW ULM — Last month, Chloe Dickson joined the New Ulm Public Library as the newest librarian.

Dickson grew up in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C., near Andrews Air Force Base. She was homeschooled through high school. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, a school of about 3,000 students. 

Dickson said her love of books began while working on a literacy project for the Girl Scouts Charles County, Maryland. The project created a book club for third- to fifth-graders in partnership with a local bookstore. Participants received books and took part in activities tied to titles such as “James and the Giant Peach” and “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Dickson logged more than 160 hours on the project and she earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award.

“Looking back, that was the first sign I wanted to work in libraries,” she said.

She completed a Master of Library and Information Science degree online at the University of Alabama from 2023 to 2025 while working full time. Before moving to New Ulm, Dickson worked as an information assistant at Southwest Public Libraries in Ohio. 

“I found out about this job because I recently got my master’s in library science and was looking for a librarian position,” Dickson said.

She participated in a synchronous online program at the University of Alabama. 

In a synchronous online program, students and instructors interact in real time at scheduled times, usually through video conferencing or live chat. 

This is different from asynchronous learning, where students access materials and complete work on their own schedule without needing to be online at the same time as others. 

“I would work full time and then run home and do an evening class, three nights a week,” Dickson said. “I didn’t lose too much of the in-person experience because the professors really prioritized in-class discussion and being present.”

Dickson’s position at the New Ulm Library focuses on adult programming, the Memory Lab and technology education for patrons. 

Library Director April Ide said Dickson’s experience in those areas stood out during the hiring process. 

“She had good experience in all three of those areas,” Ide said. “Her enthusiasm for working in a rural library also stood out.”

Ide said Dickson’s background has shaped her contributions. 

“She’s got a lot of great experience and she’s been able to tie her experience with programming, technology, education and digitization to the work she’s already done here at the library and the work she’ll be doing over the next couple of years,” Ide said.

In her first month, Dickson has made connections with community organizations and individuals the library has partnered with in the past and is exploring new partnerships. 

Ide said she is pleased with the progress. 

“I’ve been pleased in her first month,” Ide said. “I am excited to see some of the standalone programs she might offer.”

The library already offers recurring programs such as needlework and chess clubs and an art group that meets weekly. 

Dickson has expressed interest in interactive adult programs. 

One example she mentioned from her previous library is “Clue in the Library,” an interactive game in which participants solve a mystery using resources throughout the building. 

She has also spoken about game nights featuring titles such as “Azul” and “Ticket to Ride.”

Dickson said she wants to learn what the community would like to see. 

“I am excited to learn more from the community and bring in things that haven’t maybe been at the library before,” she said. “I really love adult programs. It’s fun kind of thinking, well what’s missing? What else can we do here?”

She has started helping with the library’s Memory Lab, which digitizes photos, slides and VHS tapes. 

“We’re preserving memories,” Dickson said.

Dickson said her days include Memory Lab appointments, meetings with community groups, and planning for fall and winter programs. 

She also participates in ongoing activities such as book clubs, craft groups and hobby sessions. 

“My days have been crazy busy,” she said.

In her short time here, she has found the people of New Ulm to be very friendly.

“People say hi in the checkout line. They ask how you’re doing,” she said.

She said stories of people who made a difference through service influenced her from a young age.

Ide said she is excited about the addition to the staff.

“I am really excited to have her on our team and I think she’s going to be a great fit,” Ide said. “It’s always good to have fresh ideas, so I am excited to add her to our team.”

Dickson encouraged residents to visit the library. 

“If you haven’t visited, please do,” she said. “I am very open to meeting our patrons and hearing from them what they’d like to see here at the library.”