Director Spotlight: Ben Hornfeck
South Fayette Township Library Director and Pittsburgh native, Ben Hornfeck, has been working in libraries for the past fifteen years. He began his career as an Elementary Librarian and worked in a school for six years before moving to the world of public libraries. Through a series of serendipitous events, he became library director after first starting in a part-time, summer position at South Fayette Township Library. We sat down with Ben to learn more about him and the library.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Getting to know and work with so many wonderful community members. Literature and libraries provide a rich, shared experience allowing us to connect with one another.
Any accomplishments that you’re most proud of?
This fall will be our 5th annual Beer for Books fundraiser. Beyond fundraising, it really is an exciting community event. I am so appreciative of how it has grown and evolved over the years thanks to the support of the community and the hard work of our library staff and volunteers.
Any favorite events or memories?
The library celebrated our 25th Anniversary in 2019 with a full day celebration of entertainment, activities, and community. The staff, board, Friends of the Library, and volunteers worked in tandem, and the community response was extremely rewarding.
What would you want someone who is new to the township to know about the library?
The library is here! We may be small, but we have lots to offer and are always happy to have new and familiar faces visit and sign up for a library card.
What do you think is the most important thing that the library does?
Providing access to information. The library, information, and resources it provides are consistently available for free to all who need them, which only becomes more important in modern society.
What makes South Fayette Township Library unique?
Hopefully, our patrons agree that South Fayette Township Library has a unique charm. Our cozy space has helped create a camaraderie within the library that extends to all of those who visit our library.
South Fayette Township Library and Bridgeville Public Library recently decided the contract for management they have shared since 2013 will conclude at the end of the year. How do you envision Bridgeville and South Fayette working together after the contract ends?
The strength and success of the contract is thanks to all the dedicated people on the staff, board, and Friends who work together to better our communities. South Fayette and Bridgeville have a special bond thanks to our shared history and overlapping communities. Those relationships will continue as we continue to share resources and create programs; we all benefit from helping one another.
What do you see in the future for the library?
We will continue to find ways to grow the library, serving as an important space for people to gather for education, entertainment, and recreation (hopefully this will include an expanded, upgraded facility!). At the same time, we will continue to extend our reach by finding more ways to offer library services throughout the community and embracing innovative technologies.
What is your favorite book or author?
I’m a sucker for a good dog book, Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog by John Grogan is a particular favorite. Holes by Louis Sachar is a childhood favorite that I still recommend to families.