A familiar face at the Bridgeport Public Library recently started a new, exciting role with us. If you have attended any adult program in the past few years, you will have met her. Angela Spatafore, our former Adult Services Coordinator, who was responsible for all adult programming and events at the library, is our new Community Engagement Manager! 

 

Angela Spatafore is a Fairmont native and a 2016 graduate of Fairmont State University. She has worked in libraries since 2015 in both public and academic settings. In 2021, she joined the Bridgeport Public Library team as the Adult Services Coordinator. As of December 2024, she was promoted to the role of Community Engagement Manager. She now lives in Bridgeport with her husband and enjoys spending time developing new creative skills including crocheting, knitting, drawing, and, most recently, playing the Appalachian dulcimer.

 

Angela will be heavily involved in all programming, marketing, and outreach activities within the library. She will work to grow community partnerships, facilitate new outreach opportunities, oversee volunteers, and work with her staff to provide exciting programs and events for all ages. We are looking forward to what Angela has in store for us! I spoke with Angela about her goals in her new position, and this is what she had to say:

 

“Since coming to Bridgeport, enriching the lives of our patrons has been one of my top priorities. I came here shortly after the library reopened after the pandemic. We were just starting to build back our in-person programming, so I had a blank slate regarding programming for adults. Now, after three years, I have witnessed people come together and connect in our programs, and I love being able to tell people outside of the library about all the unique events and services the library offers for all ages.

 

"During and even after the pandemic lockdown, I think a lot of people were craving human connection and socialization, and the library is a place that offers people the opportunity to connect. All our events are free, so even if you are not great at a particular skill, just by showing up, you get to solve problems and socialize with a new group of people who might be in the same boat. While you may not see me leading events anymore, I plan on being an even more active member of the community, and I would love to hear what you would like to see at the library.

 

"One of my goals for this new position is to increase our presence outside of the library. You may have seen us out and about at events like Light Up Night and the Bridgeport Farmers Market. We also have a steady Home Delivery Service for those who cannot come to the library, and we will continue increasing our outreach efforts in these areas.”

 

Stop by and say hello to Angela the next time you’re at the library!

 

Editor's Note: Pictured is Angela Spatafore.