Sara Lauren Purifoy is Library Director of Cressman Library and specializes in the creation and management of literacy programs for students and adults.
Sara oversees the vision for the Library’s collection and educational services, valuing equity, empowerment, and expanded access in student learning for research abilities and information literacy.
Prior to Cressman Library, Sara supervised patron information services and a robust schedule of literacy programs and classes for the Easton community as the Adult Services Coordinator at Easton Area Public Library.
Sara was also previously the Instructional Services Librarian at Taylor Memorial Library, Centenary University, where she managed the Information Literacy Program and worked with faculty and students to help guide learners in searching databases, using information technologies, and cultivating life-long learning habits. In her last six months at Centenary, she held the position of Interim Co-Director.
Sara has additional experience at a range of organizations within the field of librarianship including Westminster College, Duquesne University, Cranberry Public Library, Cleveland Law Library, Allegheny County Jail, and the Carnegie Museum of Art. She presented at the NJAL Conference (VALE) on her work with instructional assessment and outreach in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Sara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English from Gettysburg College and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh.
She likes birds, cashew cheese, and speculative fiction.