Caroline Roberts believes adventure is what we seek — and the library is the place to find it.

As the newly-hired program director at the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, Roberts said she already has a few ideas “rolling around in her head.”

Roberts was one of five to apply for the position held by Barb House for seven years. All but one were from the Boothbay region.

“(Caroline) rose to the top of the list pretty quickly,” Executive Director Tim McFadden said. “I think she is going to do very well.”

“I think I was a little shell shocked at first, because I knew there were other applicants,” Roberts said. “I just want to serve our community in ways they will enjoy. As a patron for over 10 years, I know what families like because we've experienced it.”

Roberts will focus mainly on adult programming. She will also assist Children's Librarian Mary Pinkham with youth programming and events.

The Tampa, Florida native is a graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Roberts holds a bachelor of science in communication with a minor in psychology (specialty in childhood and adolescent psychology).

Liberty University is also where she met her husband, Boothbay native Mike Roberts. The two met during her first week at college and married after graduation. The couple and their two children, John Michael, 13, and Hannah, 9, relocated to Boothbay about 10 years ago from Memphis. Mike Roberts subsequently started a property care business and is the pro shop manager at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club.

Since the family has been in the area, they have attended programs and events at the library. The Roberts family has been close friends with Barb House and her husband Chuck for many years, after their initial meeting at church.

“Barb is a lovely lady who wears many hats. I admire her strong character, endless energy and gracious kindness,” Roberts said.

House, now retired, has been helping her successor ease into the position for the past two weeks.

Fort the two years prior to accepting the BHML position, and while homeschooling her two children, Roberts was the administrative assistant at the Boothbay location of Hall's Funeral Home.

While there, Roberts assisted directors and families in coordinating customized celebration of life events; created Hall's new “Celebrating Life” slogan; and shared original marketing ideas.

The Roberts' children, no longer homeschooled, are now students at Coastal Christian School in Waldoboro. When Roberts is not at BHML, she is a teacher's assistant and elementary librarian there.

Although the Literary Luncheon programming is already booked through June 2015, Roberts will be looking for guest authors for the remaining months.

Roberts said she would love to book Maine's master of horror, Stephen King, even though she has only partially read one of his novels.

“'Bag of Bones,' it just scared me to death and gave me bad dreams,” Roberts said. “I won't do that again. He would be the perfect author in October, but probably every library around wants to host him.”

When it comes to reading, it's all about adventure for Roberts. She loves serial books. A favorite since childhood is C.S. Lewis' “The Chronicles of Narnia.”

“I go back to it time and time again,” Roberts said. “It's adventurous, symbolic. I think it reaches your inner child.”

The new programming director is also drawn to spiritual and Biblical works. She noted “The Left Behind” series, written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins as a favorite. She also reads a variety of books authored by pastors. When it comes to poets, Edna St. Vincent Millay and her “Renaissance” resonates.

As a former homeschooling mom of about 10 years, Roberts said planning, organization and the creation and execution of ideas are key components to successful learning and programming.

“BHML is a pedestal in our community offering rich education, various fascinating programs, and lively events for all ages,” Roberts said. “The library is a portal to discovery, which transports us to exciting adventures that knows no bounds.

“And we would be wise to step through that door, to let go, to learn, and to love it!”