Centre County Library Director Receives Distinguished Service Award

The Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) recently recognized Denise Sticha, executive director of the Centre County Library and Historical Museum, with the organization’s Distinguished Service Award.

Each year, PaLA honors the service of their members and community volunteers who go above and beyond to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth. A committee composed of association members reviews the nominations and selects winners for several categories. 

Sticha has invested her time and talent in service to both the association and to the profession throughout her career, according to PaLA. She currently serves as secretary/treasurer of the association’s Juniata-Conemaugh Chapter.

She has volunteered on numerous conference committees and has spoken on many topics, including a 2022 presentation on developing advocacy groups. 

From 2011 to 2013, she was an at-large member of PaLA’s Board of Directors and went on to serve as 1st vice president in 2018 and president in 2019.

Sticha has provided leadership on PaLA’s PA Forward Steering Committee to help libraries connect their programs to community needs, and is a mentor to the “Leading Thru Challenges” PaLA Academy of Leadership Studies. 

She is also active in the Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries (PCBL), where she shares her experiences and knowledge for the benefit of others in the profession. 

“The Pennsylvania Library Association is able to do what we do thanks to the unwavering efforts of our volunteers and our members,” Christi Buker, PaLA executive director, said in a news release. “These awards are just our small way of shining a light on what all librarians, library staff, and our volunteers do to continue promoting the value libraries bring to communities they serve. We are thankful for their support and engagement and are honored to be able to recognize their efforts.”

Sticha has led the Centre County Library, which includes four locations, since 2018.

Founded in 1901, PaLA is the state’s oldest professional library organization and 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 on legislative matters in Harrisburg and provides opportunities for professional development and continuing education for librarians.