It is a beautiful library. It is light and airy, and I could tell that it was a very community-oriented place just from when you first walk in," said Faith Dopirak, the new director of Parkesburg Free Library when describing her first visit to the library, adding, "The staff was all very friendly."

Dopirak replaces long-time library director Tom Knecht, who retired in 2023. After interviewing with the library board, she was named director in August. "I was the children's librarian at the Oxford Library until 2019. I was there for two years," she explained. "In between there and here, I was a stay-at-home mom for a few years."

A graduate of Avon Grove High School, Dopirak received a degree in fashion design and English from Albright College. She earned a master's degree in library and information science from Clarion University, now known as PennWest Clarion.

Dopirak said that she plans to continue the library's successful programming and add new activities as well. The library currently offers a Chess Club on Tuesdays, with groups that meet at 12:30 p.m. and at 4:15 p.m.; Story Hour, which is offered on Wednesdays at 10 a.m.; Kids Craft & Story Time, offered on Thursdays at noon; a Mystery Book Club, which meets on the third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m.; and a knitting club, which meets on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.

"There are really great programs here. The Chess Club is very well attended on Tuesdays, and we have a knitting group and a Mystery Book Club that has been well attended for many years," said Dopirak. "I have started a new story time. There was already story time on Wednesdays that was put together in conjunction with the (Octorara) Primary Learning Center. I do the story time on Thursdays now. As a previous children's librarian, I could jump right into the children's programming."

She said that the Chess Club is one of the library's most popular programs. "Our Chess Club is for all ages. There are children as young as 8 or 9 and adults in their 70s and 80s. It is a wide-reaching program for us," said Dopirak, noting that chess boards are provided. "The older people are teaching the younger children how to play. That is the best way to learn is from people who have been playing for a long time."

"It's very popular with the homeschooling groups," she added. "The homeschool families come, and the parents will congregate and have conversations while their children are playing."

Dopirak said that she wants people to be aware that the library is more than a place to borrow books. "I am trying to add as much programming as possible because it is a great way to get people into the library who might not otherwise (visit)," she noted.

The library also offers a community garden, and free produce is offered throughout the summer on the library's sharing table courtesy of the Parkesburg Borough Council. "The table was filled with peppers and tomatoes. It is a wonderful resource," Dopirak said.

The library also has a book nook where patrons can purchase books and other materials for a nominal fee. A Little Free Library, where people can take a book or leave a book, is also located in front of the library building.

The next scheduled event at Parkesburg Free Library will be a free Medicare seminar, "Beyond the Basics," which will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. Registration is required by signing up at the library circulation desk, calling 610-857-5165 or sending a message on the library's Facebook page. The registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 8.

"I am (planning) to do a bunch of holiday-centered programs in November and December," noted Dopirak.

She said that she has enjoyed meeting residents of Parkesburg and surrounding communities. "The first couple of weeks I was here, everyone was saying they were glad there is a new director (after a hiatus) and 'Glad you are here.' It was very welcoming," she said, adding that she is able to offer programming, which not all library directors have an opportunity to do. "Being able to do programs ... that really helps me get in with the patrons and meet everyone and learn more about the community itself. It is a beneficial part of this job."

The Parkesburg Free Library is located at 105 West St., Parkesburg. Hours and days of operation are Mondays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about library activities, visit www.parkesburglibrary.org or search for "Parkesburg Free Library" on Facebook. Those with questions may email Fdopirak@ccls.org.