As her track record clearly indicates, Melissa Hawk truly loves libraries.

That bodes well for the Lehighton Area Memorial Library, which recently hired Hawk as its new library director.

Hawk, who has worked in libraries in five counties over the past 25 years, began in her newest position Oct. 2.

Before that, she most recently served as library director at the Brandywine Community Library in Topton.

“I’m hoping to bring some of what I learned there and bring it here,” Hawk said. “It’s an opportunity to take things that I’ve learned throughout the years, and I can bring that here and see what Lehighton needs, wants.”

Back to her roots

For Hawk, the chance to work closer to home was a huge selling point.

“I am excited to be back home to share what I have learned and to hear what the community wants from its library,” said Hawk, of Nesquehoning.

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Hawk said she’s excited by the passion the library’s board has shown.

“The library’s board was looking to really expand our footprint, outreach into the community,” she said. “Right now, we have some dedicated, enthusiastic board members who wanted to bring someone in to do that.”

Hawk said libraries have become gathering places, maker spaces, learning centers and more.

“We do provide books and films that entertain, instruct, enlighten,” she said. “We provided needed access to computers and other technology. We can also inspire and enable people to work together or individually to create solutions and opportunities for themselves, their families and their community.”

Hawk added, “We can do this by encouraging curiosity and creativity and providing the tools, place and path to achieve personal and community goals.”

“The tools can be anything from books to technology to actual hand tools,” she said. “These projects can take place at the library, out in the community, or in the comfort of your own home.”

Future goals

Hawk said the library intends to update its website to make it more user-friendly, add new events and programs, and expand its hours, physical space and outreach.

Additionally, she said the library plans to relaunch its email newsletter; offer one-on-one computer help by the end of this month, have a teen group/advisory board by the end of the year; and offer a summer learning program that includes science technology engineering art mathematics (STEAM).

Hawk said the hope is to also have a library on wheels or pop-up library beginning next year. She said it would be a service that brings the library’s collection, services, programs and more to people who cannot visit the library, and may include visits to assisted living and nursing homes, day cares and preschools, organizations, community events and private homes.

“There are so many things a library can be for a community, and every community has different needs,” she said. “Over the next few months, I will be going out into the community to meet people and listen to what they want or need from the Lehighton library.”

Hawk added that she will reach out to groups, clubs, organizations, councils, schools, businesses and individuals, and that anyone who has an idea or suggestion should call, email, stop in or invite her to come to them.

She said they can also sign up for the library’s email newsletter, and check out its website and Facebook page to follow its progress and contribute their ideas.

“We will work around time, space and funding constraints by writing grants, seeking volunteers and partners, and being creative and innovative,” Hawk said.

For more information, email liblehtn@ptd.net or visit lehightonlibrary.com.