Staff Writer

 Jeffrey Cabral is excited to call both Biddeford and McArthur Public Library home.

The new library director had never been to the city before coming in January for a job interview. He said he quickly fell in love with the Biddeford and its library.

“I loved the sound of the area and the range of library programs,” he said. “It seemed like a nice place to live. I really loved the library.”

Cabral comes to Biddeford from Yeadon, Pa., a borough outside Philadelphia where he served as library director. Prior to that he was a library director in New Zealand after earning a master’s degree in library studies from Victoria University of Wellington.

After earning a degree in marketing and moving to New Zealand to work with corporate companies, Cabral said he realized he wanted to do something else.

“I really wanted to be in a position that was close to community development,” he said. “Libraries made perfect sense because I spent hours in the library as a kid. I really felt like I was doing something I was meant to do.”

Cabral said libraries are “a perfect blend of information technology, education and the ability to work with the community and make a real difference.”

Cabral, a Massachusetts native, said it was a priority for him to eventually settle in New England when he returned from New Zealand. When he heard McArthur was looking for a new director, he jumped at the chance to become part of a community with a rich history.

“The library has such a long history and great staff. It’s a well-loved institution in the city,” he said.

Cabral is impressed by the range of programs offered at McArthur and said he will use his marketing background to help draw more attention to the library.

“It’s exciting to come to a library that’s definitely on the move,” he said. “We have a highly professional staff that are really involved in some exciting programs. That can only make a positive difference for the people of Biddeford.”

Assistant Director Sally Leahey served as interim director after former Director Dora St. Martin left in November to sail around the world. She said the staff is excited to welcome Cabral and looks forward to working with him to develop new programs and brainstorm ideas.

Leahey said she is impressed by Cabral’s positive attitude and interest in Biddeford.

“He’s going to be a real asset working with local history and the revitalization of downtown,” she said. “I’m pleased he’s so fired up about the community.”

Cabral said he is eager to support revitalization efforts downtown and wants to further involve the library in connecting residents to local history.

“It’s a fascinating place I really think is poised to take off. It’s exciting to see a community that embraces its local history while still moving forward,” he said. “It’s fun to come to a community that has so much energy and excitement for the future.”

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.