Coplay Public Library has a new director. Pam Kopishke came to the library in March and was training with Sharon Dougherty, the previous director. Dougherty’s last day was Sept. 15.

Kopishke received a Bachelor of Science degree in education/library science from Kutztown University. For six years, she was the director of Bangor Public Library. While there, she coordinated GED outreach.

After taking time off, she was then a librarian in the Allentown School District, retiring after 18 years.

Kopishke said, as a director, she likes reaching out to the community. She particularly liked the work she did with helping individuals get their GED.

Kopishke hopes to expand the programs and events the library already has for both children and adults.

“Just getting the community involved in the library and being a service,” Kopishke said, is one of her greatest enjoyments of working in a library.

The library has a number of recurring programs open to the community. The crochet club meets 1-2 p.m. Wednesdays; preschool storytime is 10:30 a.m. twice a month Fridays; and movies are shown 1 p.m. Saturdays.

The library recently held a book and bake sale with a basket raffle in the beginning of October. Another sale will be held in the spring.

Coming up soon is the library’s annual holiday open house.

“We’ll have cookies, other treats and movies in the afternoon, and we’re looking to have something else, too,” Kopishke said.

Although no date has yet been set, the open house will be on a Saturday in the beginning of December. Other holiday events are in the works as well.

In January, staff will start planning for the 2024 summer reading program. It takes quite an effort and extended time to organize a big program like this, so the library starts at the beginning of the year.

“That was a big activity this summer for ages prekindergarten to all the way up to adults,” Kopishke said. “There were different levels they could complete for awards, and children received something out of a prize box every time they [completed a level].”

To view all the programs and events held at the library, you can pick up a copy of the calendar at the library, 49 S. Fifth St., or visit coplaypubliclibrary.org. The library is also active on Facebook, where these events, updates and fun facts are posted.

All these programs and events could not occur without the availability of and access to funding. One of the sources of money for operations is state aid.

“We’re also very grateful for Trexler grant funding for the last few years,” Kopishke said. “In the past, we were able to get new carpet in, new windows and new blinds.”

Kopishke added she is applying for another Trexler grant in the near future.

Other funds have allowed for the installation of a handicapped-accessible door, which was completed Nov. 4.

“That will help not only anyone with a handicap but also [parents] with a stroller. That’s a big help,” Kopishke said.

Kopishke said maintaining and working within a budget and navigating production of the library are a few of the challenges she faces as a director.

If you want to help the library, you can drop off gently used books and DVDs and publicize the great features the library offers. There is also a donation jar at the desk. In addition, the library will soon send out its fundraising letter to the community.

Opportunities and services an individual can utilize when walking into Coplay library are checking out books, DVDs, audio books and e-books. The library also has newspapers, magazines and travel brochures, computers with Internet and copying and faxing.

Additionally, the library has passes to Reading Public Museum, Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, America on Wheels and Pearl S. Buck International Museum. Most of these services require a library card, which is free and easy, Kopishke said.

Coplay library’s slogan is “a small library with big ideas.”

Kopishke said she is happy to be at a small, community-minded library. In fact, she thinks that’s what makes Coplay Public Library special.

“I think because it’s a small-town community library and most of the community know each other,” she said.

Kopishke welcomes all to come and see what the library can do for you.