The Bucks County Free Library (BCFL) system will welcome a new CEO this summer.
The Bucks County Free Library Board of Directors voted last week to appoint Dana Barber, a veteran library professional and Levittown native, as the new CEO. Barber will officially start her role on July 15.
Barber’s career in libraries spans more than 25 years, with the last decade spent as the director of the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library in Bristol Borough.
Library officials said her leadership has earned her recognition, including the 2023 Certificate of Merit from the Pennsylvania Library Association for her leadership skills.
“I’m looking forward to working with the dedicated team at BCFL to continue to enhance library services and foster meaningful relationships with patrons and partners,” Barber said.
Outgoing Bucks County Free Library CEO Martina Kominiarek, who has led the library system for over 20 years, expressed her confidence in Barber’s ability to move forward the library’s mission.
“With Dana at the helm, I’m confident we’ll continue to thrive and innovate, serving our communities in even more dynamic and impactful ways,” Kominiarek said.
In a statement, the Bucks County Free Library system praised Barber’s commitment to expanding library programs, education, and access for all community members.
“Her core library values are rooted in the ideals of free access, diversity, literacy, and lifelong learning for all community members,” the library system said in a statement.
The Grundy Library said said in a statement: “We wish Dana all the best as she embarks on this new endeavor. The Grundy Foundation and the entire Bristol Borough community will miss her dearly; but, we look forward to seeing what wonderful things she will accomplish as the CEO of the Bucks County Free Library.”
Barber began her career in 1998 as a reference assistant and has been instrumental in growing the Grundy Library’s local partnerships and services while serving as its leader.
“Our libraries are vibrant community hubs providing access to high quality information, essential support and education, and equitable spaces,” Barber stated. “They truly are for everyone.”
Her colleagues at the Grundy Library spoke highly of Barber’s leadership and character.
Peg, a long-time colleague, praised Barber for her intelligence and leadership.
“Her enthusiasm for providing all-inclusive and far-reaching library services has made an unforgettable impact. Her light never dims when it comes to library life, and I feel privileged for having had the opportunity to share this with her.”
Barbara, a librarian at Grundy, said: “One memory I have of Dana is when I started graduate school virtually at the University of Pittsburgh. She was already taking her grad courses at Rutgers. Needless to say, quite a bit of time had passed since I was in school, but when I saw my first semester syllabus, I was overwhelmed. She gave me words of encouragement and a few tips on how to manage the academic load. I’ll be forever grateful.”
Nick, a colleague at the Grundy Library and member of the Historic Bristol Day Committee, praised Barber.
“She has always been supportive, helpful, and cooperative to the Committee regarding what the Grundy Library plans for this annual event,” he said.
The Bucks County Free Library system, which was founded in 1956, and makes seven branches in Bensalem Township, Doylestown Township, Langhorne Borough, Bristol Township, Perkasie Borough, Quakertown Borough, and Lower Makefield Township.
In addition to the Bucks County Free Library locations, it has a number of member libraries, including the Grundy Library. The other member libraries are: Fallsington Library, Free Library of New Hope and Solebury, Free Library of Northampton Township, Morrisville Free Library, Pipersville Free Library, Riegelsville Public Library, Southampton Free Library, Township Library of Lower Southampton, Village Library of Wrightstown, and Warminster Township Free Library.
