Library opens a new chapter
New director embraces technology
Erin Pierce, the new director of the C.C. Mellor Memorial Library in Edgewood, loves being able to walk to work from her home in Pittsburgh’s Park Place neighborhood.
“There’s a sense of community here and it is strong,” said Ms. Pierce, 47, who became the library’s new director in early March.
“I like people and I like books,” she said. “The library is available and it gets my geek happy.”
Ms. Pierce, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh library and information science program, had previously been the library’s interim director and its youth director. She has also been with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and was a librarian at Community College of Allegheny County.
She replaces Sally Bogie, who retired last year.
“The board of trustees had very big shoes to fill,” said Christine Probert, board chair, who added that the board retained a search firm.
“The candidate response was robust and the selection of Erin as our new leader is both an endorsement of the strength of both our library staff and the board's commitment to assuring C.C. Mellor Library’s relevance and leadership into the future,” Ms. Probert said in a statement.
In her new position, Ms. Pierce said she wants to ensure that the library staff is technology-savvy to help patrons. She also wants to make sure patrons have access to the latest technology offerings.
“We just added wireless hot spots that can be checked out, and we added wireless printing,” she said.
Ms. Pierce is also organizing a centennial celebration for the library, which turns 100 this year. The library moved into its current location, which it shares with the Edgewood Club, in 1918, she said.
In addition to Edgewood, C.C. Mellor Memorial Library serves Churchill, Wilkins, Braddock Hills and has a branch in Forest Hills. That branch will be moved to the new Forest Hills municipal building now under construction on Greensburg Pike, which is scheduled for completion in December.
“It's brand-new space and will increase usage at Forest Hills,” said Ms. Pierce, adding that the library is in the process of raising funds to buy furniture for its new location.
In her free time, Ms. Pierce, the mother of Maddy, 13, and Norman, 10, likes to go backpacking. She has done backpacking trips in the Rocky Mountains and in the Grand Canyon.