MUNCY – Breaking news for the Muncy Library was announced last week when a new director was hired to oversee a new capital campaign according to Evelyn Derrick, President of the Board of Trustees. Victoria Thompson Hess, a native of Muncy, has been appointed by the library’s Board of Directors.

“Vicky is going to be in charge of administration services for the Muncy Public Library,” Derrick said. Her first day was Thursday, September 1. Thompson-Hess comes with great experience, as she was the children’s programming coordinator for 11 years at the James V. Brown Library. She previously worked at the Muncy Library part time for 22 years while also working as an artist in her Muncy studio. She started in 1981 soon after the arson fire that started in the children’s wing. She then went to the James V. Brown Library in Williamsport in 2000 to work full time.

Along with creating more programs for the Muncy Library, Hess’s mission is to do more outreach in the Muncy community as the library is getting ready for a new capital campaign so they may acquire a larger building. The current location at 108 S. Main Street is owned by the Borough of Muncy, and the library has occupied it since 1970. The building itself dates back to 1821. Long ago the building was a hat factory occupied by three maiden lady sisters. A complete history is available on the website at www.muncylibrary.com.

“The building is now too small for what we plan to do,” Hess said. “We have a vision of being a bigger facility with more room for activities. This will be a safe, family-friendly place with something for everyone.”

Laurie Cressman will now be in charge of acquisition and compliance, building collections and submitting reports according to Derrick. Other board of trustee officers are Diane Schmeck, Vice-President; Mary Ann Way, Secretary; and Daniel Doughton, Treasurer. Judy Ruth, Michael McAleer and Lynn Reitz are also board of trustee members.

In other news the Muncy Public Library had a record breaking summer! 228 children and teens signed up for the Summer Reading Program- One World, Many Stories, and 125 children finished the program by returning their reading sheets and collecting their prizes. The adult winner was Susan Tillotson who won a gift certificate that was donated by Haywood’s.

Toddler Tales returns on Wed. Sept. 21 and Sept. 28 for ages one to three and a half, so bring them for a fun time. The little ones love it! Call 546-5014 to sign up.