Mars library chief sees opportunity
MARS — Matching the growth in the Adams Township area with programs is the main goal of the new Mars Public Library director.
Vincent Gadrix, who started in late August, said because the library covers a rapidly growing area, the library's circulation and number of users has increased steadily during the past several years.
He said meeting the needs of library patrons of all ages is paramount.
“We just see such a potential for growth,” Gadrix said.
He is currently focusing on young families with children, who represent a large section of the library's demographic. Gadrix is working on increasing the lending options for children at the library, including books, DVDs, and electronic selections.
He also wants to add more story times at the Grand Avenue building, which added a new children's library four years ago.
“We see that the need in this area for library services is growing because of the growth in population, especially among young families,” Gadrix said.
The Mars Library booth at Adams Township Community Day last month was encouraging to Gadrix because so many people stopped to say they are already members.
“It was nice to be out there and see the enthusiasm from those folks who were not (from downtown Mars,)” Gadrix said.
The Mars area and its surrounding communities appeal to Gadrix, particularly because of the importance residents place on the library.
“I like this area,” Gadrix said. “I enjoy meeting the people, and I think they're enthusiastic about this library.”
Gadrix served as director of the Laughlin Memorial Library in Ambridge, Beaver County, for more than four years before coming to Mars. He also worked in the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system for 10 years before that.
He holds a bachelor of science and a master of library and information science degree from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from Duquesne University.
“I'm happy to be here,” Gadrix said of his new job. “I enjoy working with the staff and board of directors.”
