Clare Franek, a librarian with 10 years experience in the Monroe County Library System, is the new director of the Community Free Library in Holley. Most recently employed at Genesee Community College, Franek has also worked for the Hamlin, Seymour and Ogden libraries in Monroe County.

Franek earned her undergraduate degree in history from the University of Connecticut and her master's of library science from the University of Kentucky. As the Community Free Library director, Franek will be responsible for book selection and deselection, programs, functions, budget preparation, and all the "usual functions" of a librarian including assisting patrons.

"I enjoy new experiences and challenges," said Franek, who took up her post in Holley on August 23. "There’s a very experienced staff here that has made the transition easy."

Franek isn’t a stranger to Holley – she lived in the village for six years in the 1980s and already a few patrons have recognized her. "This is a close-knit community and the people are very friendly," she noted.

One of Franek’s first new projects will be to teach an Internet class to interested patrons. The class will be offered on Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m. The library has only been on-line since August 13. Class size is limited to four people so registration is required. The class is free and open to anyone who is a card holder.

Franek will continue the preschool story time program and is interested in doing something for kids at the middle school level. "I’d like to reach out to the school and complement what is being done there."

Literacy is also high on Franek’s list of interests. She served on Monroe County’s Literacy Advisory Committee for five years and plans to get involved in the Literacy Volunteer program that holds classes at the library.