Office of Commonwealth Libraries
Glenn R. Miller, Deputy Secretary & Commissioner for Libraries

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

I’m very excited to announce that Heather Sharpe has accepted the position of Division Manager for Subsidies and Grants in the Office of Commonwealth Libraries’ (OCL) Bureau of Library Development (BLD).  As Division Manager, Heather will lead and oversee the administration of funding to support local libraries through the Public Library Subsidy, the Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund, and the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA.)   Heather will join our team in early August.

Heather’s move to BLD is yet another positive indication of change here at the Office of Commonwealth Libraries.  Over the past seven months we’ve hired two excellent leader-librarians: Sue Banks as Director of the Bureau of Library Development; and Sarah Greene as Director of the Bureau of State Library.  We’ve filled about 10 other para-professional and professional positions either as promotions within the Commonwealth or as new hires (in many instances to fill vacancies due to retirements.)  We also are currently searching for a new Rare Collections Librarian and soon will be announcing searches for two other professional positions: a Cataloger to support our growing digitization unit and a Library Advisor for school-age services.

The fresh energy and perspectives of these and other newer staff members, combined with the experience and knowledge of our dedicated senior staff, will further empower us to re-examine our existing practices and re-shape them to meet current and future needs.

Sharpe’s Career

Heather brings great qualifications and experience to her new position.  She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Lancaster Public Library (LPL). She started work at LPL over 10 years ago as a business reference librarian and later served as the community relations coordinator and branch operations supervisor.

Before pursuing her career as a librarian, she worked for more than eight years in the private sector in marketing and research.

Notably, she also served in the United States Marine Corps as a field radio operator where she was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant, received the Marine of the Year award from her unit, and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

From 2013-2015, she volunteered as a Certified Mentor with SCORE Lancaster/Lebanon where she provided free and confidential business advice to entrepreneurs. She currently serves on the board of the Lancaster-Lebanon Literacy Council.

Education

Heather holds a BA in English from Kutztown University and an MLIS from Drexel University.

Personal Background

Heather was born in Lancaster, PA and currently lives in Millersville, PA with her son Dane and partner Robert. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities (hiking, biking, kayaking), spending time with friends and family, and watching professional boxing, the Phillies, and the Eagles. Of course, she loves reading, and her favorite author is Cormac McCarthy.

BLD Background
BLD’s mission is to strengthen and expand the role of all types of libraries to connect Pennsylvanians with the information and resources they need for education, enrichment, and advancement.  As manager of BLD’s Division of Grants and Subsidies, Heather will supervise two full-time professional librarians and three program-related staff, and be responsible for $65.6 million in state and federal funds which provide critical support for:

• Basic operating costs at more than 600 public libraries
• Access to online resources as well as the means for sharing print and digital resources;
• Innovative programs such as open educational resources, digitization, early learning, open source integrated library systems, library technologies, etc.; and,
• Library advisory services and continuing education for library workers and board members.

The Future…

With Sue Banks, Sarah Greene, and now Heather Sharpe positioned as new leaders, my confidence continues to grow that OCL’s future – and that of libraries all across Pennsylvania – holds great promise.  With some exciting projects and programs underway, and opportunities not yet imagined over the horizon, the future looks bright indeed.

Please join me in welcoming Heather Sharpe to the Office of Commonwealth Libraries.

Glenn

Glenn R. Miller | Deputy Secretary & Commissioner for Libraries
Pennsylvania Department of Education | Office of Commonwealth Libraries
Room 200 Forum Building
607 South Drive | Harrisburg, PA  17120-0600
Phone:  717-783-2646  | www.statelibrary.pa.gov
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This communication is issued on the Deputy Secretary’s behalf by Jonelle Darr (jodarr@pa.gov; 717-783-5725)