Columbia Public Library officials are pleased to announce that the Dedication Ceremony of the newly renovated Library is scheduled for Sunday, August 12, at 2:00 p.m. at the library location on 24 South Sixth Street, Columbia, PA 17512. The Dedication Ceremony culminates the combined efforts of library board members, the capital campaign committee, library staff and numerous volunteers in the community—all who worked together to make the dream of the stunning new library a reality. The event will also feature a special guest—Pedro A. Rivera, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Education, who will present a keynote address at the community’s dedication of their new library. As Secretary of Education, Rivera has a strong interest in successful collaborations between school districts and public libraries.

The Columbia Public Library has enjoyed a successful collaboration between the Columbia School District for the past fifteen years. This collaborative success is credited to Lisa Greybill, Library Director, and Mr. John Black, principal at Park Elementary School, which is located next door to the library. “Mr. Black is absolutely wonderful to work with”, said Greybill. “He generously allows us the use of the school gym for Summer Reading programs in order to accommodate all who attend”. In addition, Greybill works in tandem with Mrs. Kelsey Bucks, Park Elementary librarian. Visits to the public library are part of Mrs. Bucks’ curriculum for her students. Greybill also works with superintendent, Tom Strickler and high school librarian, Michael White. “Columbia Borough School District is made up of wonderful people who truly support their public library”, Greybill added.

In today’s ever-changing world, a lot is happening in libraries. Libraries are not just about books; they also provide access to information beyond items that are checked out on a library card.   Libraries act as gateways to information, education, and opportunity — and the Columbia Public Library is no exception.   Not only has the library undergone a major expansion and renovation, but the Columbia Public Library as a whole is now transformed itself into a community and technology hub.  The library is improving the community through access to books and technology that individuals might otherwise be unable to afford.  In addition to books in a number of formats — including e-books, audiobooks, and online resources — there are a number of programs offered that appeal to all ages.

About Pedro Rivera

Pedro A. Rivera was nominated by Governor Tom Wolf to serve as the Secretary of Education on January 20, 2015, and was confirmed by the state Senate in June 2015. He joined the Wolf Administration after having served as Superintendent of The School District of Lancaster, a position he held from 2008-2015.

Under Rivera’s leadership, The School District of Lancaster developed and implemented a new curriculum, an aggressive professional development plan, and innovative classroom observation tools. These initiatives resulted in an increased graduation rate, notable improvements in math, science and writing proficiency scores, and enhanced the level of participation from high-performing students in programs that help prepare them for college and other post-graduation opportunities. In September 2014, Rivera was honored by the White House as a Champion of Change for his efforts to transform urban education – one of ten recipients nationwide to receive the prestigious honor.

He brings extensive experience in public education to his role as a member of Governor Wolf’s cabinet and has spent his entire career helping students. Prior to serving as superintendent of The School District of Lancaster, he served as a classroom teacher, staff member with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, assistant principal, principal, and executive director for the School District of Philadelphia.

Rivera is a first generation college graduate and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University, a Master’s degree in Education Administration from Cheney University, and his Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Arcadia University.

The Columbia Public Library would like to thank all of the contractors and donors who have helped make the newly renovated library a reality. Anyone interested in supporting the library, can make a tax deductible donation online at www.columbiapubliclibrary.org, by mail at 24 South Sixth Street, Columbia, PA 17512, or in person when the library re-opens. For more information or discuss how you can help, call 717-575-9032 or rgamby@columbiapubliclibrary.org.

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The Pequea Valley Public Library’s Board of Directors was pleased to name Catherine O’Sullivan as the new Library Director of the Pequea Valley Public Library. When Margie Perella, Director of the Library announced her retirement after serving as Library Director for the past 27 years, she didn’t have to look very far for her replacement. Catherine O’Sullivan, who has served as the Salisbury Township Branch Library manager, was offered the job as the new PVPL director in June. O’Sullivan knows the value of public libraries since she utilized the library as an excellent resource when homeschooling her own children.

O’Sullivan’s vision for the library includes maintaining Perella’s tradition that made the library a valuable resource for the community located in the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish country. In fact, she noted that approximately half of the library users are from the ‘plain community’. She also credits Perella with creating a library that is a welcoming place, which is run by a fantastic, supportive staff.

Since taking on leadership of the library, she has implemented creative ideas to make the library a place where there is “something for everybody”. For instance, when the recent World Cup Soccer matches began, she set up special screenings where the tournaments were televised for large-group viewing. O’Sullivan loves the challenge of implementing new ideas, “I am a person who likes to ‘think outside the box’ and I enjoy being adaptable—there’s always a way to get from point “A to C”, even if it means going through or around point “B” to get the job done!”

She has also unearthed fascinating historical records about the library that she intends to share by creating displays for library visitors to view. One such find is a group photo of school attendees (circa1937) taken outside the old school house, which later became the Pequea Valley Public Library in 1975.

O’Sullivan, who is currently working on her master’s degree in library science, moved to the area nine years ago from New York City. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Chinese language from Michigan State University.

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For more news about the transition of the PVPL Library Director position and the retirement of Margie Perella, visit Ann Mead Ash’s article that appeared in the Penny Saver, June 2, 2018.