New Downingtown Library Director

The Downingtown Library Board of Directors has unanimously approved Jasmine Smith as Downingtown Library’s Director. Her first day is February 19, 2024. With deep expertise as a reference and instruction librarian for Alvernia University, Jasmine Smith also knows Chester County well, having served as a Chester County Historical Society librarian. Her strengths include librarianship (collection development and assisting others with research) and the necessary Director experience as well as supervisory and administrative skills to be a Library Director in the Chester County Library System. She excels in technology (with a special interest in generative AI) and both grant writing and execution of awarded projects. Her BA (summa cum laude) is from Ursinus College, and her MALIS is from the University of Arizona, School of Information, where she also earned a Graduate Certificate in Archives and Preservation. Ms. Smith is excited not only to lead the Downingtown Library
but also to connect with the Library’s staff and the community. Patrons are encouraged to introduce themselves to the Library’s new Director.
“We were thrilled with the high caliber of candidates who responded to our Director search, and we are confident that Jasmine Smith will lead the Downingtown Library with thoughtfulness and innovation,” said Board of Director President, Francine Dague. By the end of 2023, the Library had more than 10,000 card holders. As we continue to expand, Ms. Smith will be instrumental in implementing new initiatives,
enhancing existing programs, and ensuring that the library remains a welcoming space.”

THE DOWNINGTOWN LIBRARY. Ms. Smith will uphold Downingtown Library’s mission “to ensure that every resident of the greater Downingtown Area has access to exceptional opportunities to read, learn, create, connect, and contribute to a better quality of life.” Located next to Kerr Park in the Borough of Downingtown, the Library is a unique and well-loved resource, made possible by the care of an
invested community. The Library plays a crucial role in fostering literacy, supporting life-long education, and providing space for cultural enrichment. First established in 1829 as a private collection for member families, today the Downingtown Library Company serves more than 43,000 residents from the Borough of Downingtown as well as its surrounding communities of Caln, East Brandywine, East Caln, Uwchlan, Wallace, and West Bradford Townships. The library provides activities including book clubs, story times, and educational programs
and circulates over 175,000 items per year. This year, the Downingtown Library offered more than 50
reading programs, and the Summer Reading Program attracted nearly 900 registrations.