Library director candidates share their vision

October 11, 2017 at 12:08a.m.

AUSTINTOWN

Four candidates vying to be the next executive director of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County discussed how they plan to build on the library system’s successes and move the system into the future.

“I will continue with the goals and objectives laid out in My Library 2020,” the strategic plan created by Heidi Daniel, the PLYMC’s former executive director, said Michelle Alleman, director of the McKinley Memorial Library in Niles.

Daniel resigned in July to lead the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore. Acting as interim executive director is Susan G. Merriman, the PLYMC’s former finance director.

Alleman was among the four finalists who spoke during a 90-minute forum Tuesday evening at the library’s Austintown branch about their visions and priorities for leading the system.

The other candidates are Patricia Crosby, assistant director of the library system in Pickens County, S.C.; Aimee Fifarek, deputy director of information technology and digital initiatives for the Phoenix Public Library system; and Maria Gebhardt, manager of integrated marketing communication and social media with the Broward County public schools in Florida, who also worked for about a decade in that county’s library system.

Alleman said she intends to “look to new community partners and strengthen existing ones,” work closely with staff to help the library system enhance its community outreach and introduce emerging technologies.

Crosby said her main focuses would be providing excellent customer service as well as greater community connectivity, such as enhanced partnerships and collaboration with other library systems for sharing resources.

Working closely with area high schools to advocate for continued literacy, which leads to further success in college and beyond, would be a top priority for Fifarek. Others include promoting greater computer fluency and leading the efforts to renovate the main branch on Wick Avenue and consolidate the PLYMC’s Brownlee Woods and Struthers branches, she explained.

Gebhardt said her goals would include partnering with more businesses in the area, seeking feedback on identifying problems and finding solutions and engaging more with all shareholders.

The PLYMC’S board of directors is to interview the candidates today, though no final decision is expected yet, said Janet S. Loew, public- relations director.