Watch Presentation Here: https://youtu.be/qmkxUOTFhss

Mechanicsburg, PA (September 30, 2025) – Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of their members, as well as those community volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the 2025 New Professional Librarian of the Year was awarded to Jessica Serenti.

Despite only having received her master’s degree in 2024, Jessica has been making great contributions to the Scranton Public Library utilizing her background in information technology. She originated an outreach program which added 100 laptops as circulating items to the collection. This initiative helped close equity gaps in internet access across northeastern Pennsylvania. Jessica’s other recent projects have significantly modernized the library’s infrastructure, including migrating the library’s internal systems to Microsoft OneDrive, purchasing new databases, and upgrading phone services.

Jessica’s impact goes beyond her technical skills. She is a dedicated educator, eagerly sharing her expertise with others. She provides thorough, patient guidance to patrons on how to use digital resources and conducts workshops on how to use the library’s laptops. For staff, she developed and delivered training sessions that provide a strong foundation in using new resources like NoveList. Her ability to make learning fun, using personal touches and dashes of humor, keeps everyone engaged and smiling.

Jessica’s work embodies a strong dedication to librarianship and to building a space where others can learn. Her new initiatives have helped countless people, and her actions demonstrate not only excellence in her work but also tremendous promise for future endeavors. We look forward to watching her continue to grow in her role.

Jessica’s impact is undeniable, and her work is a testament to the future of librarianship. It is for her inspiring contributions in such a short time as a professional librarian that the Pennsylvania Library Association honors Jessica Serrenti with the 2025 New Professional Librarian Award.

“Congratulations to our 2025 award winners! They remind us of what’s possible when passion and service come together,” said Karla Trout, 2025 Pennsylvania Library Association President. “I’m so proud of their accomplishments and deeply grateful for their willingness to share their time and talents so generously. I invite all Pennsylvania Library Association members to join me in the celebration of their success.”

“Working in libraries can be both extremely challenging with limited funds as well as profoundly meaningful when we see the joy of readers and patrons valuing library services.” said Pennsylvania Library Association Executive Director Christi Buker. “The Pennsylvania Library Association brings together the library community for advancement of both individuals and libraries. These awards bring important attention to outstanding individuals who make a positive impact both in their individual libraries, and across the state. Our 2025 award winners are top-notch professionals that are highly deserving of this recognition. We hope everyone will join us in congratulating them!”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations submitted in late summer and selects winners for a series of categories.

Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state's oldest professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups. PaLA represents more than 1,300 personal, institutional, and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special and school libraries throughout the commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg with the state legislature and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and continuing education for librarians.

For a listing of previous award winners, click here. For more information about the work of the Pennsylvania Library Association, visit www.palibraries.org.

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