State Library of Ohio

Yesterday, State Librarian Mandy Knapp and Director of Operations and Technology John Stewart (SEO) visited Marietta College. They toured Legacy Library and met with Director of the Library, Associate Professor Angela Burdiss.

Last week, State Senator Casey Weinstein joined State Librarian Mandy Knapp for visits to Cuyahoga Falls City Schools and the Hudson Library & Historical Society.

At Cuyahoga Falls City Schools, they met with Media Specialist Karen Gedeon and Director of Technology and Security Ryan Huch. At Hudson Library & Historical Society, they met with Director E. Leslie Polott.

We appreciate State Senator Casey Weinstein taking the time to visit Ohio libraries and thank our hosts at each location for welcoming Senator Weinstein and Mandy Knapp and sharing the value of their libraries to those they serve.

Please join us in congratulating Jarrett Bates on his promotion to Librarian 1 in our Research and Catalog Services Department. Jarrett now leads Interlibrary Loan (ILL) operations, supports the Talking Book Program, and provides reference and user assistance to state employees, government officials, and library patrons. Read more... https://library.ohio.gov/jarrett-bates-promoted

May is Older Americans Month — and here in Ohio, we also proudly celebrate Older Ohioans Month.

This year’s theme is Champion Your Health.

We’re excited to share that the Ohio Department of Aging has launched the Ohio Aging Compass: a new, easy-to-navigate platform designed to help older adults, families, and caregivers find trusted aging resources all in one place.

Let’s take this month to honor older Ohioans, champion healthy aging, and continue making Ohio the best place to age in the nation!

Start exploring: Compass.Aging.Ohio.gov

We are excited to participate as an exhibitor at the 2026 Ohio Public Health Conference in Columbus. Talking Book Program Supervisor Angelyn Hellman and Adult Services Library Consultant Katy Hite are meeting public health professionals and sharing information about State Library resources, including our Services for the Blind and Print Disabled which we provide in collaboration with National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
Ohio Department of Health
Ohio Department of Health

Yesterday, State Librarian Mandy Knapp traveled to Greene County to visit the Cedarville University Centennial Library in Cedarville and the Greene County Public Library in Xenia. Together, these visits highlight how different types of libraries serve their communities. Whether on a college campus or in the middle of a town, Ohio’s libraries are places where people come to learn, connect, and find new opportunities. Thank you to everyone who welcomed and spent time with Mandy during her visits.

Photo L to R: Julie Deardorff, Director of Library Collection Services at Cedarville University Centennial Library; Mandy Knapp, State Librarian of Ohio; Joshua Michael, Dean of Library Services; and Kirsten Setzkorn, Director of Library Public Services.

We're excited to announce that the State Library is entering an exciting new chapter, continuing our legacy of innovation to better serve Ohioans today and for generations to come.

WE'RE MOVING!
• Our staff offices are relocating to the heart of Columbus (35 E. Chestnut St.)
• Our invaluable collections are moving to a state-of-the-art archival facility in Gahanna (1831 Deffenbaugh Ct.)

These moves are all about modernization—enhancing services, protecting our collections, improving work-spaces, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

To support this major transition, the State Library will close its Columbus location at the end of the business day on April 14, 2026.

Read more at https://library.ohio.gov/slo-moving-news

We are thrilled to announce Library Leadership Ohio (LLO) 2026. This exemplary leadership program has a rich history spanning nearly 30 years and includes hundreds of alumni in a variety of roles within libraries throughout Ohio and beyond.

In partnership with OhioNet, LLO 2026 will provide participants with the opportunity to:
• Refine skills
• Reflect on leadership values and goals
• Build a supportive professional network

Topics covered will include:
• Analyzing personal strengths
• Evaluating leadership styles and values
• Setting individual goals for leadership development
• Engaging in peer mentorship
• Fostering well-being
• Developing skills to thrive in today’s dynamic library landscape

Applications for the program will open Wednesday, February 18. A one-hour virtual information session about Library Leadership Ohio will be held on February 23 at 3:30 pm EST. Learn more at https://library.ohio.gov/llo2026