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New board of Bridgeville library looks to expand facility's influence
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The newly reorganized executive board of the Bridgeville Public Library is working on plans for 2013 to make the library more of a regional attraction and to sponsor special events such as concerts, art shows and a summer reading program with the Chartiers Valley School District.
"We want to become more of a regional library and arts center, reaching out to South Fayette and Collier where many of our patrons are," said Joyce Heinrich, the new fundraising coordinator for the library.
Ms. Heinrich, who worked in the corporate world for 31 years, is now devoting her time and energy to helping the library raise funds to sustain the $4 million library building completed in 2011 and located on McMillan Street in Bridgeville.
"Serving the library is very important to me. I am a library person," she said.
The new building replaced the much smaller library on Station Street, where it was housed in Bridgeville's old train station. The station is now home to the Bridgeville Area Historical Society.
While the McMillan Street building opened up opportunities to expand the library's book selection and programs, the new building also brought with it increases in utility and maintenance costs that the new board is working to address.
Terms expired in 2012 for library board members Mary Weise, Nino Petrocelli Sr. and Elaine Salizonni.
Making up the new board in 2013 are Rebecca Wisbon, president, William O'Connor, vice president, Cindy Ghelarducci, treasurer, Michael Aquilina, secretary, Pauline Bontargz who is Friends of the Library Representative and John Oyler and Patte Kelly.
"It's a new board and a new direction for the Bridgeville Public Library. For the first time, the board will include members from neighboring communities which is true representation of our library's patronage," Ms. Wisbon said.
Membership in the library nonvoting advisory board has also increased.
Ms. Wisbon said there is a diverse group of people on the advisory board, including artists, attorneys, homemakers and accountants who are excited and energetic about supporting the library.
"There will be a concert, an art exhibit or some art form happening in the library every month beginning in February," said advisory board member Kim Losego.
On Feb.23, John McDonald and the Mango Men will present a Winter Margaritaville Concert
Also being planned is a summer reading program for children with input from the Chartiers Valley School District to help young people sharpen and maintain their reading skills during summer vacation.
First Published January 17, 2013 4:58 am
