Haverford Township Free Library Names Maryanne Olson New Director
We are pleased to announce Maryanne Olson as the Haverford Township Free Library's new Director. This appointment comes following an extensive nationwide search conducted in collaboration with Bradbury Miller Associates. Ms. Olson brings rich experience in library and non-profit leadership, having most recently served as the Manager of the Ridgewood Branch of the Queens Public Library in New York. Her work there reflects a dedication to meeting the diverse needs of the community and a commitment to the professional development and well-being of her staff. Prior to her work in library administration, Ms. Olson held positions in grantmaking at private foundations and theater production and management. She holds a B.A. in Theater & Dance and English from Dickinson College, an M.F.A. in Dramaturgy from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and an M.L.I.S. in Library Science from San Jose State University.
“I’m thrilled to join Haverford Township Free Library at this critical moment in its history,” says Ms. Olson. “The innovative building renovation centering community provides new opportunities to rethink programming that meets the needs of both new and existing customers while staying rooted in the library’s core purpose to provide free knowledge, literature, and resources. I’m particularly excited to work with the HTFL staff to support and expand on the great work that they are already doing to meet the needs of the Haverford Township community.”
We are grateful to the HTFL Board of Trustees Search Committee Margaret Fox-Tully, Phil Goldsmith, Alyce Callison, former trustee Deirdre Cryor and Township Commissioner Sherry Forste-Grupp for guiding this search for a Director to lead the library into its next chapter. “Maryanne's experience, skills, creativity, and leadership are a perfect match for the HTFL as we move into an exciting future. The Board of Trustees looks forward to welcoming her to our community and working with her and the staff to serve Haverford Township,” says Margaret Fox-Tully, Board President.
Ms. Olson will begin her new role on November 17. Welcome Maryanne!
HTFL is also grateful to Susan Sternberg who has served as Interim Director of the Library since May 2025. Her energy and leadership throughout the Library’s reopening and months that followed has made a lasting impact at HTFL.
