The Ohio Library Council (OLC) continues its tradition of honoring the best and brightest individuals and organizations in the Ohio library community through its Awards and Honors program. During a year like no other, the following honorees have demonstrated outstanding leadership and remarkable dedication to providing exceptional library service to their communities despite the pandemic.
| Hall of Fame Librarian: |
| Tim Kambitsch, Retired Director, Dayton Metro Library |
| Librarian of the Year |
| James Hill, Director, Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library |
| Service Excellence Award: |
| Doug Stout, Licking County Library |
| Ohio Friends of the Library Recognition Award: |
| Friends of the Medina County District Library |
| Trustee/Board of Trustees Award of Achievement: |
| Dr. Garalynn Tomas, Trustee, Lorain Public Library |
| John Philip Outreach and Community Engagement Award: |
| David Siders, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library |
| Diana Vescelius Emerging Leader Award: |
| Sondra Presley, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library |
| Citizen of the Year Award: |
| Terry Fouts, Engineer, Office of Information Technology, Ohio Department of Administrative Services |
| Library Innovation Award: |
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ALL Ohio Public Libraries and Library Staff
Library Innovation Award Certificate (PDF)
Download the certificate, fill in the name of your library and print! |
“During the pandemic, Ohio’s public libraries made it their mission to keep people connected, not just to the library, but to school, work and one another,” said OLC Chair of the Board, Cheryl Kuonen. “Library staff quickly improvised and expanded services in unprecedented ways. The OLC Board of Directors and Awards & Honors Committee wanted to acknowledge the innovative work of all Ohio libraries and their employees over the past year. The Library Innovation Award celebrates their incredible work, resiliency, and dedication to serving their communities.”
Award winners will be recognized during a special ceremony and luncheon on Wed., Oct. 13 during the 2021 Convention and Expo at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus. All members are invited to attend the Awards and Honors Luncheon. Registration information is available at conventionexpo.olc.org.
“OLC is honored to celebrate the achievements of these professionals, who are exemplary leaders and advocates, and whose contributions have advanced the mission of public libraries and improved the quality of life for millions of Ohioans,” said OLC Executive Director, Michelle Francis. “As we navigate the challenges of this pandemic, now more than ever, we need to recognize the vast contributions of Ohio’s public library employees and volunteers. My hope is that when members look back on these awards, they will see how the pandemic showed Ohio’s public libraries at their very best.”
More information about each award winner is available on the OLC website.
