In a move that marks a new chapter for the Bradford County Library, officials introduced Brandy Kreisler as the new director after a prolonged period of controversy and uncertainty. Kreisler, who hails from Texas, was appointed on June 2 and confirmed by the commissioners on June 26.
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Brandy Kreisler brings a diverse background, including experience as a Cornell Law School librarian, a paralegal, and a caseworker in New York’s Chemung County. Despite her varied career, she affirms that libraries remain her “first, initial and biggest love.”
Transforming the Library into a Community Hub
The Bradford County Library has faced significant challenges over the past two years, particularly after a controversial meeting in August 2023 aimed at closing the library. The public, alongside the Friends of the Bradford County Library, rallied to keep its doors open.
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In November 2024, the commissioners dismissed Interim Director Rebecca Troup-Hodgdon for undisclosed “personnel reasons,” leaving the post vacant until Kreisler’s hiring. The library has also faced budgetary constraints, with funding reduced by 30% for 2025, although this was an improvement over a proposed 50% cut.
The Vision for the Future
Commissioner Doug McLinko has expressed a desire for a “destination library,” a vision he hopes Kreisler will realize. Although Kreisler does not use the same terminology, she plans to develop a strategic plan for the library, focusing on community needs and the library’s extensive collection.
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Kreisler emphasizes the importance of a community-oriented library, stating, “As a library, we are responsible for meeting them where they live, rather than expecting them to … fit themselves into our ideas [of what a community should want].” Her plan includes collaborating with local organizations and libraries to enhance BCL’s offerings.
Innovative Programs and Community Engagement
Under Kreisler’s leadership, BCL is launching new programs, including Thursday evening events designed to cater to diverse community interests. These initiatives will extend the library’s weekly hours and aim to attract a broader audience.
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Residents are invited to provide feedback on the library’s future direction via a survey. For more information on upcoming events, visit the library’s Facebook page.
Thursday evenings at BCL
Thursday evenings at the Bradford County Library will be chock full of events through the end of July:
• July 3: Summer reading of “Arlo Draws an Octopus” for the little ones.
• July 10: The Bradford County Conservation District will give a presentation titled “Libraries Love Lakes” on how people can get involved in taking care of the environment.
• July 17: Historian Kenneth Serfass will share the history of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th U.S. President and Commanding General of the Union Army. Serfass is a retired U.S. Marine who brings Grant to life as a “first-person impressionist.”
• July 24: Dr. Bob Hansen will present the history of chocolate and a tasting. He has sourced chocolate from various countries like Ecuador, Mexico and Belize. Hansen will talk about agriculture, forestry and how cacao is produced and sourced from farm to table, according to Kriesler.
• July 31: Nautical-themed movie night in keeping with the children’s book of the month: “Arlo Draws an Octopus.”
