Bellevue Spotlight Series: Erin Thompson
Bellevue Forward’s Spotlight Series proudly continues by honoring Erin Thompson, the Youth Services Coordinator at Andrew Bayne Memorial Library. For over the past 2 years, Erin has been a driving force behind youth education and engagement in the Bellevue community. A 2011 graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with a Master of Arts in Teaching, Erin brings her expertise in Elementary Education to life through her innovative library programs and community outreach. She also gives back as President of the Bellevue Elementary PTO and through her work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western PA.
Erin’s contributions to the community have not gone unnoticed. Mrs. Bernauer, Elementary Library Specialist at Bellevue Elementary, says, “Miss Erin is a familiar and smiling face at Bellevue Elementary. She arrives with bundles of books to share with grades PreK-3, and we work together presenting the PA Children’s Choice Award books. The students look forward to her visits, and she has been a warm and welcome addition to our team. Erin is a dedicated librarian and has helped many students enjoy both the school library and our community library at Bayne. It is always a pleasure to work with Miss Erin.”
Erin’s ability to make learning engaging and fun has had a lasting impact on Bellevue’s youngest learners. Eileen Maiette, a kindergarten teacher at Bellevue Elementary, adds, “Our kindergarten students love going to Bayne Library once a month. Miss Erin reads a great selection of books, we sing songs, do crafts, and even play with robots and STEM toys. She also makes sure our families can easily access library resources by sending library card applications home with students. Erin’s love for reading and learning inspires all the children she works with. Bellevue is so lucky to have such a passionate educator in our community.”
Jennifer Pease, a Bellevue Forward’s Spotlight Series committee member, highlights Erin’s larger impact: “Erin is more than just an excellent librarian—she’s a true community connector. She has a special way of bringing families and children together, creating a bridge between the library and the wider community. Her work with the children’s programs has created lasting memories for so many families, and her dedication is unparalleled.”
Carrie Lane, Youth Services Director for the Allegheny County Library Association, emphasizes Erin’s broader influence: “An important part of working in a library is understanding the needs of the community, and Erin not only does a great job with that, but she excels at it – meeting patrons where they are, whether that is in the park or the school; recognizing the interests and availability of families in Bellevue; and providing opportunities that match the feedback she receives. In her tenure at Bayne, I have seen her expand programming and outreach, create community partnerships, and build a love of learning and reading in the lives of so many young people. She is an asset to the Bellevue community, Northgate School District, and the Andrew Bayne Memorial Library.”
Erika McAfee, Board Chair of the Friends of Bayne Library, underscores just how integral Erin has become: “I’ve known Erin since our kids were in preschool. In that time, I’ve seen her embrace her role and go to work daily with a passion for reaching families and helping local youth. I’m thankful that Bellevue is made up of enthusiastic folks like Erin.”
As the second honoree in Bellevue Forward’s Spotlight Series, Erin Thompson exemplifies the community-focused spirit Bellevue celebrates. Her commitment to enriching the lives of children and families is an inspiration, and her work at Bayne Library is a shining example of the positive impact local leaders can have.
To learn more about her work at Bayne Library, visit the library or check out its website. Additionally, if you’d like to support her work, you can donate to the Friends of Bayne Library.
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The poster design and illustration created by Point Park University student Rebecca Bivona will be displayed throughout Bellevue to celebrate her achievement. Erin’s story is a testament to the strong community ties that Bellevue Forward seeks to celebrate and support through this series.
