Library’s board sees changes

The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., has announced two changes to its board of trustees.

On Nov. 16, the board accepted the resignation of Trisha Gibbons Marty, who was named trustee emeritus. Marty was appointed by city council and served for 12 years. She held the leadership position of secretary and was a member of the facilities committee.

"The James V. Brown Library has been (and remains) the best library system in the commonwealth, bar-none," Marty said in her resignation letter. "We are so fortunate to have this incredible asset -- operated by a staff of smart, kind and dedicated people -- in our community, and I will continue to be an advocate for its mission."

On Dec. 21, the board announced that Brooke M. Beiter, Ph.D., was appointed by city council to fill Marty's vacancy.

"Dr. Beiter has lived in the city of Williamsport for over 10 years," said Dr. Timothy Bowers, chair of the nominating committee of the James V. Brown Library board of trustees. "Her family has deep roots in the community through her own connections as the BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 assistant executive director and her family's use of library and school services through the years. Beiter is a well-connected and respected leader in Williamsport who will continue to serve the people of the city in this new role."

Beiter has a long history in education, which began as an English teacher and high school assistant principal at Loyalsock Township School District. She then moved onto BLaST Intermediate Unit, where she has been employed since 2017 and is the assistant executive director. She has a bachelor's degree from Shippensburg University, a master's degree in educational leadership with K-12 principal certification from Wilkes University, and a Ph.D in instructional management and leadership from Robert Morris University.

Beiter has served as a member of the Junior League of Williamsport, a board member of the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation, a board member of the Lycoming County United Way and a board member of the YWCA Northcentral PA.

"The James V. Brown Library is an incredibly relevant and accessible resource for the greater Williamsport area," Beiter said. "Being named to the board of trustees is a great honor, and I am committed to ensuring the library continues to be a hub for learning, growth, and opportunity, right here in the heart of our city."

The James V. Brown Library is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. To place a hold, visit www.jvbrown.edu or call 570-326-0536 during the library's operating hours. Walk-in passport services are available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.