Amanda Bajdo, new director at the Falconer Public Library.

FALCONER – A new director has been appointed for the Falconer Public Library after the recent retirement announcement of long-time director Laurie Becker.

With the library continuing to be a centralized location to bring together members of the community, this new leadership hopes to keep drawing in more people with the library’s offerings.

Amanda Bajdo was appointed as the new director, and detailed the close connection that she has long had with the village. Bajdo recalled attending middle school in Falconer, as well as frequently visiting the public library during this time. Bajdo noted that libraries in general had always been a big part of her life, allowing her so much reading access and even later access to the internet for some of the first times. As a result of this long time love for libraries, Bajdo began her career at the Warren Public Library in Warren, Pa., as the teen services specialist. After a recently completed renovation, Bajdo stated that her job was to get a space for tweens running that would inspire more youth to come by the library. This led to Bajdo eventually opening the teen space in 2023.

After the time in Warren, Bajdo would move onto the Myers Memorial Library in Frewsburg. There Bajdo would serve as the library assistant, and would also hold a heavy focus on increasing teen engagement with the library. Shortly after this time is when Bajdo would begin taking interest in the role of the Falconer library director.

“I am just blown away at the amazing family environment here, and all the great things we have for the elementary and younger,” said Bajdo. “I’m just blown away at how kind and compassionate each person here is for this community.”

While having just stepped into her new role, Bajdo said she is already eager to find ways to increase the overall community engagement, and specifically the engagement from the teen populations. Bajdo noted that many communities remain in a constant search for ways to better engage teens, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Bajdo stated that so many youth and teens continue to struggle as a result of the social isolation of the pandemic. Bajdo hopes that, through an increase in events and activities, the library can continuously attract more teens from the surrounding area.

Bajdo also noted the potential that libraries have to build networking connections for young people. Bajdo stated that she had previously written letters of recommendation for students interested in the military, National Honor Society, college, scholarships, and so much more. The possibilities are endless for who somebody could meet at a local public library, and Bajdo hopes to see more community members continuing to visit the library.