Kinnelon Public Library Gets New Director

The Kinnelon Public Library has a new director.

Library trustees on Tuesday announced the selection of Sam O. Pharo to succeed Barbara Owens, who retired at the end of 2012. Pharo starts the job July 1.

Pharo is the former director of the Boonton Holmes Public Library in Boonton. While running that library, the Rutgers University graduate oversaw extensive renovations and drafted grant applications, one of which led to a $246,360 award from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust.

Before that, he worked as a librarian in the Boston Public Library in Massachusetts, providing reference and information services, volunteer oversight, collection management and various computer support services. He was also a reference assistant at Boston's Wheelock College Library. Prior to that he was a librarian in New Jersey.

According to a library statement, Pharo brings extensive experience with technology, mobile applications and social media to the Kinnelon Library.

“Among the many essential skills Sam Pharo brings to his role as director are web design, reference service, library management, and an infectious dedication to the information needs of residents and visitors,” said Library Board of Trustees President Anne Hermanowski Vosatka. “He will be a fantastic addition to our library in Kinnelon, bringing contagious energy, out-of-the-box creativity, dynamic technological dexterity and passion for the profession.”

Kinnelon Borough Mayor Robert Collins agreed.

"I was impressed with the thoroughness and professionalism of the search process," he said. "The library is such an essential center of our borough and I am pleased that the Kinnelon Public Library is turning the page to an exciting new chapter of its growth and prominence in our community."

Kinnelon School District Superintendent Diane DiGiuseppe also offered a message of welcome to Pharo.

"Our school district is very fortunate to be gaining such an enthusiastic and experienced partner in the new public library director," said DiGiuseppe. "His leadership will help forge and solidify important partnerships between our Kinnelon educational system and our public library."

Pharo was found after a three-month search conducted with the collaboration of ProLibra Associates in Summit. There were also numerous rounds of interviews conducted by a special hiring committee made up of the Board of Trustees’ personnel subcommittee and community leaders including DiGiuseppe; Ron Leavesley, president of the Friends of the Kinnelon Public Library and chair of the Center for Lifelong Learning; and retired circulation staffer Virginia Bussey.