For Jarrod Yuskauskas, becoming Tamaqua Public Library’s newest board member is a celebration of coming full circle.

Yuskauskas, of New Ringgold, who is a professional actor, director and educator, brings to the table an array of talent and expertise.

A Tamaqua Area High School graduate, he earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the Alabama Shakespeare Festival/University of Alabama’s Professional Actor Training Program, and his Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from DeSales University.

He’s served as adjunct faculty for Muhlenberg College and Lafayette College’s theatre programs.

His work includes performances with the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, BRAT Productions, the Bucks County Playhouse, Media Theatre, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and the Civic Theatre of Allentown.

He served for 12 years as director of theatre arts at Moravian Academy, Bethlehem.

He’s also a licensed real estate agent with the Vince Boyle Team at RE/MAX Real Estate.

“Some of my first and most formative educational memories are Miss Towle’s Story Hour,” he said about his experience with Tamaqua library. “That was the beginning of what has become a lifelong love of libraries.”

He even weaves library visits into vacations.

“But the Tamaqua Public Library was there for me as a resource in every phase of my life as a reader, including tracking down several of Shakespeare’s plays to read for the first time,” he said.

“In short, this library in particular holds a very special place in my heart. Seeing the breath of programming they now offer, beyond being a primary source for acquiring the written word, I am ecstatic to see this place I love offering more and more reasons for people to visit. It is truly becoming a hub for the community. My hope is that I can roll my love of this place into serving it and helping it grow and reach more people in the community,” Yuskauskas said.

Yuskauskas joins board members Micah Gursky, Jerilyn Bockorick DiCarlo, Melanie Dillman, Sarah Allesch, Hannah Miller, Jodi Kellner, Lisa Mace, Suzanne Stianche, Ben Turrano, and Chris Parker.

The library, at 30 S. Railroad St., Tamaqua, offers a rich variety of programs for everyone from very young children through adults, a vast array of books, computer access, and exciting events.

Visit the library’s Facebook page for the latest news.