This library story features a happy homecoming.

Former Strasburg-Heisler librarian Jennifer "JJ" Landis has returned as the branch's director, officially beginning her new post Jan. 1.

Landis came back a few weeks earlier to work with her predecessor, Kristin Fernitz. Fernitz, who served as director for 17 years, is still working at the library to ease the transition.

Landis had previously worked at the Strasburg-Heisler Library for about a decade as the children's librarian before accepting a job in the propane industry in 2021. When the library needed a new director, it seemed like an ideal fit.

"When I knew they needed someone, I was very interested in applying," Landis said. "I felt like lightning struck me and I thought, 'Of course I want this job.'"

The first several weeks have gone as well as she had hoped. "Coming back here felt like coming home," said Landis. "Many of the same staff are here, and it's been so welcoming from staff members, board members, and patrons that I know. It's been easy to feel welcomed, but there's still a learning curve."

Landis said she does not plan to institute any big changes because none are necessary. "My goal is to keep things moving in the direction they're moving," she said. "We currently have good momentum. We have lots of community support, wonderful programs set up, and my goal is to keep it moving in that direction. I don't have any plans to make any big additions or changes because the ship is sailing smoothly."

The director says the library must continue to work on increasing public awareness. "Always a goal is more community involvement," said Landis. "I want people in the community to be aware of what we have to offer and to realize that we're here. We have eight pre-K programs a week, lots of programs for adults, and the materials we circulate. I don't know if everyone in the Strasburg community quite realizes what we have."

That creates a domino effect. "With that public awareness comes more users of the library, which brings in more donations, which we need to survive," Landis said.

"We want to get out in the community as much as possible," said Landis. "Continue to partner with local businesses like we do for our summer reading kickoff and be known at school board meetings and borough council meetings."

Landis is already a fixture in the community, having lived in Lampeter for 24 years. After earning a teaching degree, Landis got a library and information science master's degree from Drexel University in 2011 and was in that program when she volunteered at the Strasburg-Heisler Library.

"When I was in education, I did spend time in an elementary school library and that got me interested in school libraries," said Landis. "Reading, writing, and teaching all culminates with the library. I am passionate about freedom of information and access for everybody, and that everybody in the community is welcome, those kinds of ideals. Those are my passions, and public libraries are the perfect fit for that."

The Strasburg-Heisler Library is located at 143 Precision Ave. Hours are Mondays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Landis says the library has two major events over the next two months. Throughout February and March, the library will be collecting underwear that will be donated to LS Together. The fifth annual event is known as "Drop Your Drawers," a nod to the children's book character Captain Underpants.

Adult Trivia Night will be held Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. Space is limited.

For more information or to register for activities, visit http://www.strasburglibrary.org or call 717-687-8969.