(WHTM)– The Shapiro Administration announced the appointment of a new State Librarian of Pennsylvania on Friday.

According to the Shapiro Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe announced that Heather Sharpe will be the state’s new Deputy Secretary of the Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL) and State Librarian effective May 30.

This comes as the current Deputy Secretary and State Librarian, Susan Banks, retires.

“One of the enduring truths of leadership is that every ending also creates space for a new beginning. Growth, therefore, depends on both honoring those who have carried important work forward and welcoming those who will build upon it in new ways,” said Secretary Rowe. “As we celebrate Susan’s career and retirement, we also look ahead with excitement and confidence as the next chapter of leadership begins for the Office of Commonwealth Libraries.”

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

The Shapiro Administration said that Sharpe has served as Director of the Bureau of Library Development since 2021 and has provided executive leadership for statewide library development, funding, and advisory services in the role.

Sharpe is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps with a Master of Science in Library and Information from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Arts in English/Professional writing from Kutztown University.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.