Kinnelon Public Library Trustees Announce Selection of Sam O. Pharo as Library Director

KINNELON, N.J. - April 30, 2013 - PRLog -- KINNELON, NJ -- The Trustees of the Kinnelon Public Library announce the selection of Sam O. Pharo as the new director of the Kinnelon Public Library. Mr. Pharo succeeds Barbara Owens who retired as of December 31, 2012; he will start on July 1, 2013.

Most recently, Mr. Pharo was director of the Boonton Holmes Public Library in Boonton where, in addition to the efficient running of the library, he was responsible for overseeing extensive renovations and drafted grant applications, one of which led to a $246,360 award from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust. He has worked as a librarian in the Boston Public Library in Boston, Massachusetts, providing reference and information services, volunteer oversight, collection management, and various computer support services to a very large and diverse patron population, as a reference assistant at the Wheelock College Library, also in Boston, and as a librarian in New Jersey. Mr. Pharo brings to the Kinnelon Public Library extensive technology experience in mobile applications, social media, and other electronic resources to bring value-added services to library patrons, and several software programs—including JerseyCat, SirsiDynix, and M.A.I.N.

A graduate of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Mr. Pharo earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the School of Communication, Information and Library Studies, also at Rutgers University.

“Among the many essential skills Sam Pharo brings to his role as director are web design, reference service, library management, and an infectious dedication to the information needs of residents and visitors,” says Kinnelon Public Library Board of Trustees President Anne Hermanowski Vosatka. “He will be a fantastic addition to our Library in Kinnelon, bringing contagious energy, out-of-the-box creativity, dynamic technological dexterity, and passion for the profession.”

Kinnelon Borough Mayor Robert Collins adds, "The Library Board of Trustees has maintained close communication with the Borough throughout the search for a new director. I was impressed with the thoroughness and professionalism of the search process. The library is such an essential center of our borough and I am pleased that the Kinnelon Public Library is turning the page to an exciting new chapter of its growth and prominence in our community."

Kinnelon School District Superintendent Diane DiGiuseppe also welcomes Mr. Pharo. "Our school district is very fortunate to be gaining such an enthusiastic and experienced partner in the new public library director. His leadership will help forge and solidify important partnerships between our Kinnelon educational system and our public library."

The selection of Mr. Pharo concludes a three-month search conducted with the collaboration of ProLibra Associates in Summit, New Jersey—the premier search firm exclusively specializing in library staff placements—and numerous rounds of interviews conducted by a special hiring committee comprising the Board of Trustees’ personnel subcommittee and additional community leaders including Ron Leavesley, President of both the Friends of the Kinnelon Public Library and Chairman of the Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL), Diane DiGiuseppe, Kinnelon Public Schools Superintendent, and Virginia Bussey, retired KPL circulation staff member.

“The Board looks forward to working with Mr. Pharo to make our library an even more valuable addition to the Kinnelon community,” added Vosatka.

###
About the Kinnelon Public Library:

The Kinnelon Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of Kinnelon, New Jersey and beyond. With 18 computers total on both the first and second floors dedicated to public use, and free Internet access, the library offers many programs for both adults and children as well as free materials, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars. Founded in 1963, the Kinnelon Public Library is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013.

For more information, visit http://KinnelonLibrary.org.