April 13, 2022

Message from:  Heather Sharpe, Director, Bureau of Library Development

As I’m sure many of you know, Beth Bisbano recently retired from the Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL). Beth was essential to the work of OCL as the State Data Coordinator (SDC) and Library Development Advisor for more than 15 years. While I only worked in-person with Beth for a few months before the shutdown in March 2020, I will always remember our lively conversations about the intricacies and uniqueness of Pennsylvania’s public libraries. As I know many of you have, I relied on her expertise and extensive historical knowledge. I am indebted to Beth for holding things together in State Aid through the monumental challenges of the past few years.

Additionally, I’m pleased to share that Amy Geisinger has stepped into the role of the SDC following Beth’s retirement. She and Beth worked together over the past few months to prepare for a smooth transition. The SDC is responsible for Pennsylvania’s annual report to collect information regarding state-level statutory requirements and report to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for the national Public Libraries Survey (PLS).

Amy has been with the Bureau of Library Development for about 7 months as the Advisory Services Library Development Advisor and hit the ground running with many improvement projects. I’m confident she will approach her new position with the same enthusiasm and precision. Amy has graciously agreed to continue with her District assignments and other projects until we are able to transition them to others or have a replacement for her position.

I hope you will join me in extending congratulations to Amy and support her as she gets comfortable with her new responsibilities.