Scranton librarian receives recognition from state association

Oct. 17—Michele Legate stepped into the role of Pennsylvania Library Association president in 2020 with plans to push for more funding at the state level.

Three months in, the district consultant for the Northeast Library District needed to shift focus to keeping libraries afloat in the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This is something that basically no one alive has dealt with. No one knows how to do this," Legate said. "How do we continue to serve our patrons while our doors are closed? And luckily, libraries are really good at adapting. Libraries have been around for thousands of years, and to the chagrin of many people who keep saying, 'Why are libraries still here?', we are, and we are still important."

The Scranton resident's dedication earned her a Certificate of Merit from the association, which annually honors members who go above and beyond their call of duty. PaLA awards Certificates of Merit to those who have made outstanding contributions over the last five years, according to a news release.

Legate, 41, has worked with libraries in Lackawanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Pike and Susquehanna counties in her role with the Northeast Library District since 2013. She previously served as a reference librarian at Scranton Public Library, also known as the Albright Memorial Library.

She lives in the Hill section with her husband, Jerry Kastreva.

Legate said that in 2003, Pennsylvania libraries received astronomical cuts in state funding. With this funding regained by around 10% in the fiscal year 2019 to 2020, she planned to use her term as association president to advocate for additional increases, even working with a lobbying firm.

When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered businesses in March 2020, Legate turned her attention to helping libraries navigate everything from offering curbside pickup to reopening, all while following ever-changing health and safety protocols.

The association held weekly Zoom forums for participants from libraries across the state to ask questions. She also helped move PaLA's annual conference — which accounts for about one third of its annual funding — to a virtual format.

"It was nothing I ever dreamed in my life that I would be dealing with, and I don't think any of us did," she said.

Legate doesn't want the pandemic to define her presidency, but said it made her realize how much of a support system libraries have in one another. Outside of the pandemic response, the PaLA made an ad hoc committee for diversity, equity and inclusion into a standing committee during her presidency.

Working in libraries wasn't Legate's original plan.

After graduating from Scranton High School, she majored in political science at Kutztown University. She comes from a family of readers, and her mother suggested she pursue a library career. Eventually, Legate realized her mother was right.

After building homes with Habitat for Humanity and living in Texas for a time, she returned home to work for the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.

While working full time for the NRCI and part time at Scranton Public Library, she worked toward a master's degree in information and library science from Clarion University. Eventually, she secured a full-time position with the library.

"I grew up coming to this library. I am honored and privileged to work with some people who checked books out to me when I was little," she said.

Outside of work, Legate volunteers as a wish granter with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She also remains involved with Leadership Lackawanna after graduating from its Core Program in 2015 and teaches library management online with Northampton Community College.

Scranton Public Library CEO Scott Thomas said it wasn't surprising to see Legate receive this recognition, especially after she led the PaLA and its members through the pandemic.

"It was well deserved," he said. "It's almost a tradition in Lackawanna County for statewide involvement, and we're always very proud of that, and certainly what Michele accomplished is part of that."

Contact the writer: bwilliams@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5365; @BWilliamsTT on Twitter.