The Township of Derry recently welcomed Alison Trautmann as the new director of the Hershey Public Library.

Trautmann has worked in libraries across Pennsylvania for eight years. She comes to the Hershey Public Library from the Berks County Public Libraries, where she was the outreach services coordinator. Prior to holding that position, she served as the youth services director at the Cleve J. Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill.

"My greatest passion is connecting people with the resources they need for learning and living full, enriched lives. I'm looking forward to bringing that excitement to the Hershey Public Library and the residents of Derry Township," said Trautmann. "The Hershey Public Library is a fantastic resource for its community, and I'm honored to be entrusted with a leading role in its future success."

"On behalf of the township administration, we are happy to welcome Alison as our newest department manager. I look forward to working with Alison," said Christopher S. Christman, township manager.

Derry Township Board of Supervisors chairman Chris Abruzzo added, "The Board of Supervisors is pleased to welcome Alison to our community as library director. We are confident that all of our library stakeholders will enjoy working with Alison, as we work together to deliver the best and most accessible library services possible for our residents."

Trautmann received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Marywood University and a master's degree in library and information science from the University of Pittsburgh.

She currently lives in Stowe in Montgomery County and plans to relocate to the Hershey area in the near future.

The library, 701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey, will offer several special events to the community in November. For details and registration, call 717-533-6555 or visit http://www.hersheylibrary.org and select the Events Calendar.

The Edible Book Contest will take place from 12:30 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6. Candidates who would like to enter this year's contest must preregister. Categories include 12 and under; teen, for those ages 13 to 17; adult, for people age 18 and over; and groups. Prizes will be awarded. Entries must be dropped off at the library on Nov. 6 between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. For questions, contact Aly Tran at atran@derrytownship.org.

Tap Live! will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 2 to 3 p.m. The virtual children's program combines dance and music with storytelling for an interactive and rhythmic performance sharing the traditions and history of the American art form of tap dance. Tap Live! will be presented by Quynn Johnson, a graduate of Howard University and native of Flint, Mich., as well as an award-winning performing, teaching artist, and author.

Thirsty Radish will present "The Art of Coziness: Food, Holistic Strategies, and Seasonal Tips for a Cozier Life" from 2 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 13. The virtual program for teens and adults will offer practical tips to support comfort and happiness at home. Participants will explore cooking ideas, home decor approaches, and lifestyle strategies geared toward creating a warm, joy-filled environment filled with simple pleasures. This class will be presented by Vanessa Young, who is the founder of Thirsty Radish, a cooking instructor, a writer, and an educator. To learn more, visit http://www.thirstyradish.com.