Library Minuteman: Ready to help at a moment’s notice
Trending
MIFFLINTOWN -- As America celebrates 250 years in 2026, reflections of history are certain to be part of the ceremonies. From Founding Fathers and gallant heroes to average citizens and townspeople, the nation was forged from the ground up.
Not to be forgotten are the keepers of the books, the town librarians, whose steadfast approach has, for centuries, protected our words, ideas and accomplishments in the journals that line the library shelves.
Libraries, of course, like everything else, have changed drastically in 250 years. Society itself and technology have changed what we read and how we read it. But, after all this time, some things remain the same: the love of books and the written word.
Since 2015, Vince Giordano has been the director of the Juniata County Library in Mifflintown. From every angle, it seems to be a perfect match.
"Helping people find things is a passion of mine," Giordano said. "I’m good with technology, so using it at a library is a great fit."
Giordano seemed to have the library in mind from the start. He grew up in Flourtown Pa., in Montgomery County, attending Springfield Township High School. He earned a Bachelor’s in history and secondary education at Shippensburg University before receiving his Master’s in library information science at the University of Pittsburgh.
Serving as library director in 2026 takes more than knowledge of books and the Dewey Decimal System and being able to shush noisy patrons. A review of Giordano's weekly Sentinel column reveals a number of services offered by the library, including internet access, printing services from personal devices, a music library and other forms of entertainment. You can also apply for a passport. Books come in all forms, including audiobooks and eBooks. He oversees it all along with fundraising to help keep services available.
"I strongly believe in public service and public institutions," Giordano said. "Having worked in several public libraries, I’ve seen firsthand how they provide trustworthy content that is informative to everyone. Libraries protect our freedom to read and the ability to gather and discuss ideas."
He's been at it for 11 years at the JCL, finding a new home to pursue his calling. A community can mean everything.
"Having grown up in the Philadelphia suburbs, I appreciate the slower pace of life in Mifflin and Juniata counties," Giordano said. "Little to no traffic, affordable cost of living and being close to my in-laws are meaningful to me."
Devoted to his family and his work, Giordano enjoys the open space afforded by a rural lifestyle. Though he was raised closer to a large metropolitan area, he makes the connection between the people and the community in central Pennsylvania. He looks to the years ahead in a positive frame of mind.
"Americans are hopeful and optimistic," he said. "Despite America’s problems, if you're ambitious and hard-working, there is a future for you here. Also, the country is full of natural beauty. Having grown up in Boy Scouts, I camped a lot and continue to enjoy the great outdoors."
While Giordano enjoys the great outdoors, he enjoys his job as well, and he is committed to providing services to the public. Whatever library improvements and modernizations need to be made, Giordano will see to them. Patrons of the Juniata County Library can rest assured, access to the written word and the latest information will remain at their disposal in a constantly-changing world.
"A patriot is someone who loves, supports, and is devoted to their country, often willing to defend it, stemming from the Greek word “patris” (fatherland)," Giordano said. "To me, it signifies a strong attachment to a nation’s land, people, history, and values, demonstrated through acts such as public service, informed citizenship, upholding the law and protecting freedoms."
Freedoms such as access to information. A freedom never overlooked or taken for granted by Vince Giordano.