A familiar face to library patrons will take on a new role at the Cranberry Public Library beginning next week.

Melissa Rice has worked as a clerk in the library’s children’s department since November 2021. She will replace outgoing children’s librarian Glynnis Flores, whose final day will be Friday.

Prior to joining the library, Rice worked at three different Barnes & Noble stores — in Chicago, Mississippi and Cranberry — over a period of 10 years. She plans to apply her lifelong love of books and reading to her new position.

"I have fallen in love with the Cranberry Public Library, and I'm excited for this opportunity to engage and grow with our patrons," Rice said in a statement.

In addition to the new children’s librarian, the library has promoted longtime teen services librarian Janae Smith-Callihan to head of youth services.

“We’re grateful to Glynnis for more than three years of service, and we wish her well in her future endeavors,” library director Leslie Pallotta said. “We’re fortunate to have continuity with Janae and Melissa. Our children’s department is in very capable hands, and I’m confident we will continue providing the excellent youth services resources and programs our community expects.”

Cranberry Public Library’s “Oceans of Possibilities” summer reading program will conclude on Saturday. The summer reading program featured more than 820 registrants and more than 2,500 program attendees.

“We expect to take August to prepare for our fall children’s programming slate and acclimate Melissa to her new position,” Pallotta said. “We’re excited to resume children’s programs in September.”