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MBLC Celebrates 125 Years

2002

Maier Named Director
Following a nationwide search, Robert Maier, MBLC Deputy Director and Head of Library Development, was unanimously appointed as the new director of the Board by the Commissioners on Thursday, October 3, 2002, during their regularly scheduled Board meeting.

Robert Maier, MBLC Director

Rob Maier, Director of the MBLC (2002-2013)1


"It is with great pleasure to be able to announce the appointment of Robert Maier as our new director," MBLC Chairman Joseph Hopkins said. "Our Search Committee did an excellent job of screening candidates, and Mr. Maier’s experience and in-depth knowledge of the library community within Massachusetts made him our unanimous choice."

A graduate of Union College in Schenectady, New York, Maier earned his MLS from the University of Rhode Island Graduate Library School. Prior to his work with the Board, Maier was the director of the Bedford Free Public Library in Massachusetts; he also worked as a librarian in the Cranston (Rhode Island) Public Library System.2

What else happened in 2002?

  • The year 2002 was a palindrome year, the first since 1991, which by coincidence was also a common year that started on a Tuesday.3 A palindromic number or numeral palindrome is a number that remains the same when its digits are reversed.4

  • The Patriots won the Super Bowl! "On this day in 2002, the New England Patriots shock football fans everywhere by defeating the heavily favored St. Louis Rams, 20-17, to take home their first Super Bowl victory. Pats kicker Adam Vinatieri made a 48-yard field goal to win the game just as the clock expired."5

    2002 New England Patriots

    2002 New England Patriots6

  • The Beltway sniper attacks took place over three weeks in October 2002 in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Ten people were killed and three other victims were injured in several locations throughout the area.7

References:
1. MBLC website [link].
2. MBLC Notes, November/December 2002.
3. 2002 - Wikipedia entry. [link].
4. www.history.com [link].
5. www.bestsportsphotos.com [link].
6. Beltway Sniper Attacks - Wikipedia entry [link].