Catherine Bittle, a literacy advocate with 15 years of experience in the field of Library Sciences, is the new director of Delaware County Libraries (DCL), the agency that supports 26 member libraries throughout Delco.

Bittle replaces David Belanger, who retired in May after 20 years of service as the director of DCL.

Delaware County Councilman Dave White, the council’s liaison to DCL, hosted a luncheon for the staff at library services to welcome Bittle to her post on the campus of Fair Acres in Middletown.

Bittle was previously the director of Ridley Township Public Library for eight years and the Children’s Services Librarian at Ridley for five years.

In 2013, she was selected to attend the Pennsylvania Library Association’s Academy of Leadership Studies. She is also a recipient of the Laura Bush Growing New Librarians grant.

“I would like to inspire residents to see their local libraries as the hearts of the community, and to utilize all of the wonderful programs, events, and services that Delaware County libraries offer,” Bittle said.

Bittle is a graduate of Ridley High School, Widener University (where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration), and Clarion University (where she earned a Master’s Degree in library sciences).

“We have one of the richest, most active library systems in the state, and we are pleased that Catherine Bittle is going to bring her knowledge and passion for books to our library system,” said White. “She is creative and has strong leadership skills, and she will make a great partner to our wonderful libraries throughout the county.”

Bittle and her husband Mark live in Morton with their son Sean. When it comes to books, her favorite subject matter is historical fiction.

Earlier this year, DCL launched a new website that gives residents a countywide view of all that their libraries offer.