The Vandergrift Public Library has a new full-time director.

Vandergrift resident Sarah Buzzard, 28, began her new role Tuesday.

Buzzard holds a master’s degree in information and library sciences from Clarion University.

She replaces Vanessa Groholski who served as director for a decade.

Groholski’s last day as director was Aug. 2. She said her decision to quit her position to spend more time with her family was a difficult one.

“Know that my dedication to my position as director will continue as we transition to new leadership,” Groholski wrote in a farewell letter to library patrons. “I leave the library with great confidence in the staff, knowing they are capable of overcoming any hurdles that may come up.”

Groholski added that she will remain in the area and looks forward to enjoying the library as a patron.

“This library has been a great home for me for the past 10 years. I thank you for being a big part of that and my life,” Groholski wrote.

Buzzard joins three other library staff members: Beth Caporali, circulation desk assistant; Carol Lewecki, intralibrary loans coordinator and circulation desk manager; and Kelsey Lege, children’s programming coordinator.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review Vandergrift Public Library director Sarah Buzzard (right) talks with employees Kelsey Lege (left), children’s programming coordinator, and Beth Caporali, circulation desk assistant.  

Buzzard previously worked as a librarian and library director at New Florence Community Library in Westmoreland County and the Apollo Memorial Library.

“My mom was really excited to have me work here. When I finished my degree, she wanted me to work here,” Buzzard said. “I’m happy to be coming into my hometown library.”

Stepping into her new role, Buzzard said her main goal is to make the library an open, inviting and safe place for all.

“I’m hopeful in these post-covid times we can get people back indoors to use all of our free, available services,” Buzzard said.

The free services include computer and internet access, seasonal tax volunteers and various children’s programming.

Buzzard is a self-proclaimed bookworm and is looking to expand some of the current programs. The Book Club and the Writer’s Group are of particular interest.

“I’m an avid reader, and I would like to see an additional adult book club,” Buzzard said.

Buzzard graduated from Kiski Area High School in 2012. She is the daughter of Bill Rearigh of Bethel Township and Cherie Rearigh of Vandergrift.

“I spent my entire senior year volunteering in the library at Kiski,” Buzzard said. “I helped with the new coffee shop and helped Mr. Swanson, the librarian at the time. I didn’t notice it at the time. It wasn’t until I met a friend majoring in library science. It was like a light bulb went off.”

Earlier this year, Buzzard married her husband, Bob, in a destination wedding in Las Vegas.

When she’s not at the library, Buzzard enjoys writing poetry, building puzzles and playing Animal Crossing.

She has published three poetry collections.

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