Employee Spotlight - Sue Phillips

The first employee we would like to spotlight is Sue Phillips from the Hall Memorial Library.  Below you can read about Sue’s 40 year Journey with the town of Ellington.

Sue joined Hall Memorial Library in November 1987 after earning her Master’s in Library Science and serving as Reference Librarian and Assistant Director at Cora J. Belden Library in Rocky Hill. Returning home to Stafford and seeking an opportunity closer to the community she loved, Sue accepted the role of Head Librarian—beginning a decades-long journey of leadership, innovation, and service to Ellington.

Early in her tenure, Sue guided the Library into the digital age by joining the Bibliomation consortium, introducing automated circulation, online catalogs, and shared patron databases. With the strong support of staff, the Friends of the Library, and the community, Hall Memorial Library embraced new technology while maintaining its welcoming, people-first mission.

Sue later helped lead the planning and expansion of the Library, a major milestone that resulted in the beautiful facility enjoyed today—an effort she balanced alongside pregnancy and the birth of her son. Over the years, she has overseen continued technological and service advancements, including public internet access, printers and scanners, ebooks and digital media, expanded programming, renovations, sustainability improvements, passport services, and a Library of Things.

Beyond the Library, Sue has exemplified public service through her volunteer leadership with Scouting America, service on the Stafford Library Board of Trustees and Library Association Executive Board, the West Stafford Fire Department Auxiliary, and her work with the American Friends of Kenya, supporting libraries, schools, and healthcare initiatives abroad.

Through change, challenge, and growth—even a global pandemic—Sue’s steady leadership has kept Hall Memorial Library at the heart of the community. The Town of Ellington is proud to recognize Sue’s lasting impact and grateful to have her as a leader, mentor, and public servant.

As Sue often reminds her Scouts: make friends, make memories, and make a difference.