Faces of the Valley: Julia Strzesieski returns to her roots for role at Harrison library

Julia Strzesieski graduated from Highlands in 1979 and hit the road for California.

She graduated from San Francisco State University and spent 42 years building an award-winning marketing career with a focus on sustainability efforts.

Now, the 61-year-old is back in Harrison in hopes of using her experience to bolster a new role, that of adult event coordinator for the Community Library of Allegheny Valley.

“I think I bring a cultural perspective, and I think I have a good background in community service,” she said.

“I understand the value of bringing people together and what an important resource the library is.”

Community Library of Allegheny Valley is along Broadview Boulevard in Harrison. It serves residents of Brackenridge, Tarentum, Harrison, Fawn, East Deer and Frazer with a catalog of more than 75,000 books, CDs, movies and other items.

Programs for all ages include story times, book clubs, STEM classes, knitting, genealogy and computer lessons.

Strzesieski’s role will be to implement exciting and engaging programs to draw adults to the facility.

“The library can have an important role in educating people,” she said.

Suzy Ruskin, library director, said she is “very excited to have Julia step into the programming role.”

Citing Strzesieski’s enthusiasm and strong background in marketing, Ruskin said Strzesieski is familiar with the community, which is an added bonus.

“I am sure she will plan wonderful and interesting programs that will continue the library’s mission of lifelong learning,” Ruskin said.

In addition to the existing tech tutoring sessions, craft classes and book clubs, Strzesieski is eyeing topics that align with her passion for environmental advocacy.

During her time on the West Coast, Strzesieski spearheaded a green initiative that culminated with 24% of all consumer take-back products recycled across San Francisco.

She earned Green Business Certifications for her former hardware chain employer, partnering with the San Francisco Department of Environment to meet stringent requirements for recycling, water and energy efficiency, and training.

“California, I would argue, is on the leading edge of the recycling movement,” Strzesieski said. “I would like to expand our efforts here.”

She also plans to coordinate with the nonprofit Allegheny Land Trust to offer programs on birding, planting and other nature-related topics.

Before any of that can happen, Strzesieski is busy launching the 25th anniversary of the library quilt show.

A much-anticipated event, the crafting competition draws up to 30 entries each year. Bright blankets are displayed throughout the book stacks and hung from ceiling beams in the large main space of the library.

Winter attendance typically spikes with so many people stopping in to view the elaborate creations.

Since covid, entries have been made available both online and in-person for voting, which runs through February. Winners will be announced March 1.

Strzesieski sees quilting as one of the earliest forms of upcycling, traditionally using fabric remnants for functionality and art.

After four decades away from home, Strzesieski is thrilled to be settled back among family and friends.

“My mom (Helen Strzesieski) is still here, and that was a big factor,” she said.

The pandemic led a lot of people to reevaluate what’s important, including her, Strzesieski said.

With old friends still in the neighborhood, Strzesieski said, “it seems like everyone has a connection.

“Natrona Heights is a place that’s easy to acclimate to. In some ways, I feel like I never left.”

She credits her mother’s long history of volunteerism with her desire to be active in the community.

“Seeing my mom and her volunteer work with Natrona Come Together is where I get my public service drive,” she said. “I appreciate our community resources and want to share the value.”