My name is Peter “Bill” Hanscom and I am running for the open seat on the Library Board of Trustees. 

I was born and raised on Cape Ann and attended Manchester public schools from K–12. My wife and I moved to Rockport three years ago, but our roots in this beautiful town go back through my mother’s family who founded and operated Cape Ann Tool Company. We have three children in the Rockport school system and public libraries have always played a huge role in our family. We have enjoyed countless days in children’s reading rooms, at story times, and art and games clubs.

I have worked for over 15 years in the field of library preservation, working to protect and repair library materials on a daily basis in addition to managing our extensive departmental reference library. I also have more than a decade of experience as a book arts educator in community education workshops and as an adjunct professor, regularly teaching courses on artists books, bookbinding, and independent publishing.

I am a passionate believer in the importance of the public library. More than just repositories for information, they are the hub of any community, providing a haven for intellectual freedom and curiosity, and an inclusive space where anyone and everyone can feel not only welcome but empowered. Today, public libraries face a precarious future. With recent cuts to federal funding to libraries and museums we will need to think creatively about how to maintain and grow the library’s services and patronage.

I want to be a library trustee first and foremost because I care deeply about libraries and the vitally important services they provide. I can offer Rockport Public Library a unique perspective with my experience as an author, educator, and preservation professional. I want to take an active role in protecting what our beautiful town has to offer. I would be honored to serve as a trustee and would appreciate your support in May.

Education
MFA, Book Arts & Printmaking, University of the Arts
BFA, Graphic Design, Montserrat College of Art

Relevant Work Experience
Weissman Preservation Center, Harvard Library (Special Collections Conservation Technician)
Montserrat College of Art (Adjunct Assistant Professor and Book Arts BFA Program Coordinator)
North Bennet Street School (Community Education Workshop Instructor)