QPL names new executive director

Published 11:30 am Wednesday, May 20, 2026

QUINCY — The new executive director of the Quincy Public Library sees taking on the role as both exciting and a little scary.

“You get scared because you worry, you’re concerned, you want to do a good job,” Natascha Will said. “I don’t take fear as something totally bad. It lets me know I care.”

Will, named to the job at a Wednesday morning press conference, cares deeply about QPL, its staff and the community it serves.

“Libraries today are much more than just books. We provide educational programming, technology access, workforce support, digital services, outreach support services, early literacy opportunities, meeting space and lifelong learning opportunities for residents of all ages,” she said.

“I look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with the board of trustees, mayor, city council, community organizations and residents of Quincy as we work together to ensure the library remains strong and sustainable for the future.”

Will has been part of the staff at QPL for 20 years, working in the children’s department as an event specialist and as assistant director. She most recently served as interim executive director after Executive Director Kathleen Helsabeck was placed on leave in July.

In naming Will to the job, “the board all agreed there’s no better person that embodies the values of Quincy Public Library,” Board President Jonathan Hoover said. “Her institutional knowledge, passion for public service and ability to connect with patrons of all ages made her the clear choice for this role”

Mayor Linda Moore said Will’s hiring marks a new chapter for Quincy Public Library.

“Natascha’s been a breath of fresh air,” Moore said. “Natascha’s experience, leadership and dedication to literacy and education make her an outstanding choice to lead the Quincy Public Library.”

Will said her top priorities include hiring an assistant director “who shares the same values and goals as the library” while continuing to build relationships, promoting transparency with the community and looking at sustainable funding options.

“It would be nice to not have to make cuts to our budget and know that we can provide the level of service that our community has had and expects,” Will said.

“Some people don’t understand even now how the library gets funded,” she said. “We’re looking at ways to have educational programs that can talk about how a library is funded. We want our community to be well-informed and be as transparent as we can.”