Photo by Jessica N. Rex Warren Library’s New Library Director, Sara Edmiston is pictured here in her favorite room of the library, the Jefferson Room. A portrait of Eliza Isabella Henry, the wife of Francis Henry of Warren, Pennsylvania, is known for his significant contributions to the city's history and development. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the town and its early infrastructure. His legacy is preserved in the historical markers and records that document the early years of Warren.

This article is part of the “Meet Your Neighbor Monday” series, highlighting the stories of individuals who make Warren County a special place to live. Today it is running in our weekend paper. If you have a suggestion for a person to profile, email jrex@timesobserver.com

When Warren county native Sara Edmiston left the area, she never imagined that one day she would come home and be the Warren Public Library’s director.

Edmiston grew up in Tiona and is a class of 1999 graduate from Sheffield High School. Edmiston never imagined she would work in a library. During her undergraduate studies from the State University at Fredonia in New York state, she thought she might be a writer after getting her bachelor’s degree in English. Edmiston never wished to teach but possibly work for magazines. It was her mother who pointed out to her that Edmiston always had a book in her hand and won all the accelerated reader programs, and after her mother’s suggestion to look into library science, Edmiston went on to earn her Master’s degree in Library Science from Clarion University.

She has not looked back since.

The next twenty or so years she found herself working in the Adams County Library in Gettysburg, Pa. It is where she thought she would spend the rest of her career but she remarked that she is happy to be back home especially, at a time as this with the current growth of Warren.

She prefers the quiet life of Warren County compared to the metropolitan surroundings and tourism of Gettysburg.

Loving what she did there as the Public Services Director in Gettysburg, Edmiston oversaw the programming for all ages. When she took on the job here in Warren in May 2025, there were noticeable differences in the library compared to when she grew up using and enjoying it. First of all, the teen space, which is Warren Library’s newest space on the lower level, is phenomenal. Many students access the space daily after school as well as other times. Edmiston is glad to see that there is a lot more programming these days, for all ages. There are 23 people on staff at the library and the department librarians and specialists all work together to bring the programming to the community. The lower level also has the Jefferson Room which actually used to be a smoking room for men only when the library first opened over 150 years ago. It is Edmiston’s favorite room because a fireplace gives it a cozy feeling. It also houses the book collection of Mr. Chase Putnam, who is a big supporter of the library. Besides the teen room, there is also a podcast whisper room. Anyone can contact the teen services specialist in order to reserve the room.

There is so much to know about this wonderful library, so for newcomers or those unaware, here is a brief overview of what is housed in the beautifully historical and architectural legacy of Warren.

The first floor is where fiction, the children’s library, movies, and magazines are located. Across from the circulation desk is the Book Seller by the Friends of the Library. This group of volunteers is the main fundraising arm of the library. Donation days are run several times per month, which feeds the seller. They manage the donated books, games and DVDs. Any items not sold there are sold at an online bookstore called thriftbooks.com where Warren Library receives a portion of those proceeds. The Beckley room is a small group room available for use (A form for reservations for the meeting rooms can be found online).

On the second floor, you will find the adult reference room where many have come to utilize the microfilm and search genealogy. In addition, there is a tea library located there, for the public to sample different teas to take home. In the spring and summer, a seed library is available. That floor also has a quiet room for use by anyone as well.

Finally, on the 3rd floor are meeting rooms, offices and the Wetmore Gallery with its primary purpose to enrich the Warren Public Library experience of the Community. It welcomes gallery exhibits that create an historical, cultural and educational environment within the Library. Special consideration will be given to works of art produced by local artists and also exhibits by community groups and organizations. Also on that floor is the Slater Room which is the largest of the three public meeting rooms available for reserving.

Edmiston believes that what she can bring to this library is an outside perspective all while knowing this community from her history growing up here. She has been able to bring all the years of experience and plug it into what is happening in Warren. The library is a place where everyone is welcome, anyone can use its many resources, and important to Edmiston, is that it is an accessible place for all.

Edmiston said that she has to remind her friends that working in a library is not about reading all day! There is library code to be followed, adhered to, and reported to the state. Outside of work, her hobbies not only include reading but exploring recipes in her kitchen and her weekends consist of re-exploring the county and enjoying both old and new parts.

Edmiston is excited to be part of the annual fundraiser on January 31, 2026. Books, Brews and Blues will be a fun time featuring live bands, food, drink and a variety of games on all the floors of the library. All proceeds support programming for the next year.