The Chester County Library Board of Trustees has promoted Jenna Persick as the next Library Director for Chester County Library and its Henrietta Hankin Branch. 

Persick’s appointment was made effective on Apr. 8, 2024. Mike Skay, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, stated, “We are thrilled to have Jenna take on the role of our new Library Director. Her vision for the future of our libraries aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing accessible resources, innovative programming, and fostering a welcoming environment for all members of our community. Jenna has been an exceedingly valuable member of the Chester County Library team since 2001. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and an unwavering commitment to advancing the role of libraries as vibrant community gathering places.”

Persick has worked at Chester County Library for 23 years in various positions, including as a Business Librarian in the Reference Department and as the Head of Technical Services since 2007. She has also worked at other public libraries, including the San Antonio Public Library’s central library, the Wilmington Library in Delaware, and the Memorial Library of Radnor Township. Joe Sherwood, Executive Director of Chester County Library System, praised Persick’s skills, knowledge, and expertise, which make her a tremendous asset and a perfect fit for the role. 

As the new Library Director, Persick will be responsible for executive leadership for approximately 140 staff between the two library locations. Her role will involve working closely with Chester County administration, community partners, county departments, and the Chester County Library System to leverage library programs and services to improve life outcomes for all residents in the area.  

Persick expressed her excitement about her new role and said, “I look forward to working with our staff to continue to provide quality library services and exploring new opportunities to engage with the community. I believe a strong library engages with its community to align services and resources with community needs. I would love our Libraries to become community hubs where residents can use our resources and spaces to educate, inform, and enrich their lives. I also hope everyone in the community has a library card to use our services in person and virtually.”

Persick encourages community members to utilize the abundance of information to be found at the library, including current bestsellers, books for research, digital magazines and newspapers, eBooks, and eAudiobooks, streaming video with our Kanopy Plus subscription, and many databases to help with research for business planning, schoolwork, or consumer study.

“We have staff ready to assist with business/career and technology questions,” said Persick. “We have Makerspaces at both libraries for our community makers to use, and we have over thirty museum passes to area museums that are free with your library card. Our Libraries continue to grow and are ready to help. Please stop by and see what we have to offer!”

Learn more at Chester County Library. Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries are dedicated to providing informational, educational, and cultural services to the residents of Chester County so that they may be lifelong learners.