The Clearfield County Library, which consists of Curwensville Public Library and the Clearfield County Bookmobile, recently underwent a change when Paula Collins became the new director on Feb. 1.
Previously, she was director of the Joseph & Elizabeth Shaw Public Library and the new opportunity is an exciting one for her.
Collins, who is originally from Curwensville, said when Dan Bogey retired the position was advertised and she decided to take the opportunity presented.
She said it is a bigger operation than she is used to, but is anxious to take on new challenges the position provides.
Collins graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts with a focus on library science and was a recipient of the Laura Bush Scholarship, allowing her to earn her Master’s degree in library science in 2010.
She is a member of the Pennsylvania Library Association and has worked in capacities with the PA Forward Initiative. Shaw library was her first job after graduation.
Since coming to Clearfield County Library, she said she has been familiarizing herself with how things operate here and getting to know the staff. The manager of Curwensville’s Library is Graeme Bogey, but the employees work for the county library, and this includes the Bookmobile.
“This is an opportunity to expand programs and membership and the visibility of the Bookmobile,” she said.
One thing discussed is the runs made by the Bookmobile. She said they would like to draw up a schedule, so that people know exactly when the Bookmobile will be in their community. For example, it would be scheduled to visit one town every first Monday, etc.
She would also like to start having programming on the stops, such as technology training and available WiFi, so that people can download or upload things for work or school, and even programs for children. All of this is long range, she said, but they are things she and the staff are thinking about and hoping to implement.
Collins said they are also planning to keep Curwensville Library a vital part of the community and possibly expand programs there in the future. One way to make the library more relevant to today’s consumers is social media, and Collins is in the process of developing a Facebook page for the Bookmobile, which should be online soon.
“Stop by the library and see what’s going on,” she encourages people. In addition to books, the library offers other services, including children and adult programming, computer usage, book sales and more. And Collins looks forward to meeting more people in the community and serving their needs.