The Pine Plains Free Library has named Kiara McCadden as its new youth program coordinator, filling a role that had been vacant since September. McCadden began her position on April 1, stepping in with more than two decades of experience as a teacher, mentor, storyteller, program designer, and event organizer.
“I appreciate the way the public library serves as a community hub, and have had wonderful experiences with each of the Pine Plains Free Library staff, as well as residents of the town,” McCadden said.
McCadden’s responsibilities include overseeing the After School Kids Club for children ages 4 to 11, held Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on school days, and directing the library’s Summer Reading Program. She will also manage a youth program grant from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and coordinate performances for the Pine Plains Summer Camp’s weekly shows.
A graduate of Hamilton College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in literature, McCadden has long felt at home in public libraries. Raised in a small town in Western New York, she volunteered at her local library during high school and recalls maxing out her picture book borrowing limit as a child.
“McCadden brings experience and creativity that will benefit all of our youth programs,” said Library Director Dee Ann Campbell. “We are very excited that she is joining us.”
During the recent spring break, McCadden led a special edition of Kids Club focused on “local creatures”— the animals and plants native to the Pine Plains area. The program, held for children ages 4 to 8, ran from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and filled to capacity each day.
Participants played movement games like Fox Tail Tag, made arts and crafts including clay pot painting with pollinator-friendly seeds, and explored the plants and birds surrounding the library. They also sang songs with improvised lyrics, created stories, and collaborated on board games. McCadden’s approach emphasizes curiosity, creativity, and connection to the natural world. “This place is very special,” she said. “I’m thrilled to be able to contribute to the programming for local youth.”