PORT ALLEGANY — S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library is undergoing a change in leadership. As of Nov. 23, Imani Klein will take over as interim library director.

Klein was raised in Port Allegany and graduated from Port Allegany High School. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and her master’s in library and information sciences from Syracuse University.

She said she always knew she wanted to return to her hometown and put her skills to work.

“I grew up using this library system, even when it was back on Church Street,” said Klein. “It has always been a dream of mine to work here and serve my community.”

For Klein, the library holds an extremely rare and special place in society as a repository of knowledge.

“I love how you can come into the library and find what you want to read at any time. The libraries reserve knowledge but we are also dedicated to sharing all of that information.”

For the last year and a half, Klein has been the circulating and cataloging librarian. She has worked closely with Mary Grace Collier-Kisler, former director of the library.

“She has been a wonderful mentor to me, especially while I was working on my library sciences degree,” said Klein. “I can’t thank her enough for all the support she has given me throughout my journey.”

Klein also feels thankful to her local community members for their support of the library. She recently finished helping out with the library’s annual dinner auction, which was held earlier this month.

“It is always amazing to see how the community comes out to have a good time but also is so dedicated to supporting us,” said Klein.

In the next year, she hopes to continue the library’s current programming and add more classes and activities, if funding permits.

“I would love to continue all the programming we have seen over the years,” said Klein. “I am especially looking forward to the summer learning and working with the kids.”