Library Board Announces New Director

WHAT: Board of Trustees Announces New Library Director

WHO: Andrea Berstler

WHEN: Starting January 2, 2012

WHERE: Wicomico Public Library

SALISBURY, MD – December 2, 2011 – The Board of Trustees of Wicomico Public Library announced a new director has been chosen. Andrea Berstler, a Philadelphia native who works as Branch Manager at the Henrietta Hankin Branch of the Chester County Library in Chester Springs, PA, was unanimously chosen by the board on December 1. Berstler is slated to take over January 2, 2012.

Berstler, who attended Lancaster Bible College for her undergraduate degree and received her Master of Library Science (MLS), Summa Cum Laude, at Kutztown University, previously served as Director of the Village Library of Morgantown, PA. She also holds certifications as both a teacher and professional librarian with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

"Ms. Berstler is a proven community leader, with over 16 years experience in the library and education profession," said Board of Trustees president Valerie Murphy. "Her specific areas of expertise include library marketing, outreach initiatives and services, and cultivating community partners beneficial to the library's mission."

Since 2008, Andrea has been a member of the board for the Association for Rural & Small Libraries, an American Libraries Association affiliate organization. Having served as Secretary, Treasurer and Chair of the Conference Committee twice, she is the current Vice-President/President Elect. She also represents the ARSL as a member of the ALA Roundtable for Rural, Native and Tribal Libraries of All Kinds. She has presented workshops on strategic planning for libraries at the local, state and national levels.

In charge of the day-to-day operation of the library system, under the general direction and control of the Library Board of Trustees, the Director is responsible for budgeting and financial management, fundraising, long range planning, facilities management and service delivery.