Three years ago, officials at Bradford Area Public Library began to heavily focus on children’s activities. This year, leaders stepped up efforts with adults programming. And next year they want to focus even more on catering to middle school and high school students.
A youth services librarian is expected to be added next year to the library staff, the board of trustees announced at a meeting Monday evening.
The position will build on the momentum of the library’s Early Learning Center, which was established three years ago to foster early literacy and early learning in children birth through primary school and promote quality family engagement through reading and book borrowing activities, child-centered programming, structured play and storytime to provide a safe, engaging, child-friendly environment, officials said.
“Much of our current success can be attributed to community support and our strong core of staff, volunteers and early learning consultant Sandy Caprarotta, who have created a core of activities and programs that support early learning initiatives,” said Lacey Love, executive director.
The new librarian will work with Teen Book Club volunteer Marie Troskosky to ensure the program continues to flourish as well as build on programs for middle school and high school students.
“The new position will require a master’s degree in library science and will focus on children and youth programming, as well as building the collections which cater to these important age groups,” Love said. “As part of our newly adopted strategic plan, the leadership team believes this position will be an important step in growing our impact and outreach for children and families as well as building the library’s capacity.”
The new librarian will be responsible for incorporating a family friendly, evidence-based program model based on early learning standards. The position will also assist staff with meeting state-mandated, school-readiness requirements for the children and families who are patrons of the library.
The search committee will begin advertising for the new position after the holidays.
“The library’s goal is to be at the forefront, as a ready partner with the school district, in early literacy and school readiness programming with a focus on training/coaching the parent/caregiver,” said Tina Martin, library board chairwoman. “The Early Learning Center incorporates play into the environment because current research indicates the importance of play with regard to fostering positive early learning and early literacy experiences for children.”
The library has seen some big changes in the past few years.
Earlier this year, Colette Roessler was appointed as the adult programming and marketing coordinator. She is also be the library liaison for community groups and organizations.
In 2014, Love became the library executive director. Hailing from southern Pennsylvania, she brought six years of experience from college and public libraries.
The non-profit facility is part of the Seneca Library District and serves Bradford, Lewis Run and Bradford, Corydon, Foster and Lafayette townships. The facility on West Washington Street was constructed in 1991.
Those interested in helping the library continue to grow and expand programming can donate to the 2017 Annual Giving Campaign via mail, in person or at www.bradfordlibrary.org/donation. Thus far, the library has met $36,000 of its $40,000 goal, officials said.
