After 26 years of lending her expertise and passion to the Grundy Library, including a decade as director, Dana Barber is ending one chapter and beginning another as the newly-appointed CEO of Bucks County Free Library, which boasts seven branches in Bensalem, Langhorne and surrounding areas.
Barber was appointed as BCFL’s new CEO by the board of directors at its June 17 meeting. She’s taking the place of outgoing CEO Martina Kominiarek, who has served in this capacity for more than 20 years. Kominiarek is happy to leave the library system in good hands: “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.”
Last Friday marked Barber’s final day at Grundy, with her tenure at BCFL starting three days later. For her, it’s a bittersweet transition as she looks back fondly at the past 26 years, and ahead with excitement over this next endeavor.
“As I close out my final days at Grundy, I’m naturally filled with mixed emotions,” Barber told The Times. “But I could not be more excited to join the Bucks County Free Library. Already, I have experienced a warm welcome from BCFL board, staff and community members. I am confident that working together, we will continue to build and strengthen our local libraries.”
Barber’s love for libraries dates to her childhood, when she would frequent both Grundy and the Levittown branch of BCFL, both of which would someday hold much significance in her career.
“I fondly recall the quiet exploration and thrill of selecting books from the shelves, as well as the library staff who were always happy to help. To this day, when I enter a library, I am reminded of that sense of wonder and excitement,” she said. “To me, libraries represent possibility. As places where public service and education converge, they signify free and equal access to information and resources for lifelong learning. My personal values and interests are closely aligned with library service. As a natural problem solver, I genuinely enjoy helping others. I think that’s why I was originally drawn to the field.”
Since joining the Grundy team in 1998, Barber has served in various capacities, including the development and implementation of library programs, presenting of technology classes, oversight of collection development, outreach and other library services, and, for the past 10 years, director, which saw her focus on creating strategic partnerships to enhance library services. In fact, in 2023, she received the Certificate of Merit from the Pennsylvania Library Association in recognition of her leadership skills.
“I am incredibly grateful for the satisfying and rewarding career I have had so far,” she said. “During my time at Grundy, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside a cadre of talented and creative colleagues, collaborate with community partners and develop long-lasting friendships. I am extremely proud of all I have achieved while working with the amazing team at Grundy, and I know I am fortunate to have had such a fulfilling experience.”
One of Barber’s fondest memories is from 2016, when Grundy celebrated its 50th anniversary with a “How-to” Festival, inviting the community to learn 50 things in honor of the momentous birthday. The library hosted a number of presenters, who instructed on how to make the perfect cup of coffee, fix a bicycle flat, tie a bowtie, plant a garden and dance the Bristol Stomp, among many others. More recently, Barber was overjoyed to see Grundy celebrate its grand reopening with GrundyFest, which was met with unprecedented support from the community, garnering more than 600 visitors.
Now, Barber is ready to lend her expertise in building strong library-community relationships to BCFL. Her short-term goals include immediately familiarizing herself with the staff and residents, establishing trust and credibility, and learning as much as she can about current operations to better inform decisions moving forward. Long-term, she intends to work with the board, staff and community to shape a future strategic direction for BCFL, and already has a few ideas for new library collections and services.
“You can be assured that the libraries will continue to innovate services, be accessible and inclusive community hubs of learning and culture, and work with our community partners to expand programming, outreach and lifelong learning initiatives,” she said. “We will remain committed to supporting all residents through the highest-quality library services.”
Another goal, she hopes to spread awareness about just how essential libraries are to residents of all ages.
“Few things in life are free, but libraries continue to deliver on that front. You can count on us to offer space and resources that connect you with knowledge, your community and the world,” she said. “You, your family and friends can visit the library and explore all that it has to offer without having to spend any money. Are you looking for information, a book, a movie, a news article, research tools, family history, homework help or a referral to another reliable source? We have that! Are you looking for a place to study, discover new ideas, meet like-minded individuals or just to stay cool in the summer? We have that, too! Are you looking for a wireless connection, online resources, technology or instruction on how to use tech tools? Look no further — the library ticks all those boxes and more.”
Barber invites locals to stop by their nearby BCFL branch this summer, or visit buckslib.org in the meantime to learn more about services, as well as how to volunteer and donate.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
