The University Heights branch of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library welcomed its new branch manager, Sara Phillips, on November 16, after Aurora Martinez, the branch’s previous manager, accepted the position of director of the Morley Library in Painesville. Phillips comes to University Heights from the East Cleveland Public Library, where she served as the public services manager. .
Phillips started her library career in September of 2006 at Heights Libraries, as a reference substitute and then part-time library associate. received her MLIS from Kent State University, and is actively involved in committees of the American Library Association and the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System, as well as the Ohio Library Council’s North Chapter Action Council.
“These are exciting times for University Heights, since we’ll be renovating the branch starting in 2016,” says Heights Libraries Director, Nancy Levin. “We need a branch manager who is flexible and can handle logistics, among many other aspects of this extensive project.”
Phillips says that the coming renovation is part of what attracted her to the job. She saw the branch manager position to be an exciting opportunity to be involved in a renovation project and to help ensure that the physical library building meets the needs of the University Heights community.
“I also fondly remembered my time as a library associate in the Heights Libraries system, so when I saw that the position was open, it seemed natural for me to apply,” says Phillips. “I have always liked the customer-centered service model employed by Heights Libraries and it aligns with my own views on customer service. I’m happy to be part of a system that places so much value on the customer.”
One of Phillips’ greatest strengths is community building. In her previous position at East Cleveland Public Library she worked with numerous community partners, including the Cleveland Clinic, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Legal Aid Society, and the Cleveland Foodbank.
“I also look forward to working with the University Heights branch staff members to continue the branch’s existing programs and implement new programs. With the staff’s help, I hope to make the University Heights branch a must-visit destination for University Heights residents of all ages,” she says.
