Director’s Desk: Libraries as Community Hubs

I have always valued the sense of community that emerges whenever library folks gather. Whether it was working as a library student employee in college, engaging with professional library associations throughout my career, or visiting my local public library to check out materials and attend events… community and connection has been a running theme.  

Now, as I visit member libraries via my role at OhioNet, I continuously add new “home” libraries to my list. After an official visit for work, I often find myself a regular at libraries all over Ohio. I return to attend library events, check out collections, participate in reading challenges….and sometimes I’m even put to work as in the photo below! 

Indeed, libraries are a community hub for anyone to make new friends and feel a sense of belonging. Earlier this month I participated in the Needlework Network group at Meigs County District Public Library in Pomeroy, OH. This tight-knit group meets every week to work on projects and chat. The group has enabled participants to foster long-time friendships and create a welcoming environment for new friends. I look forward to becoming a regular!  

I’m excited to continue this sense of community and belonging in our work at OhioNet. I’m looking forward to seeing colleagues at the Communications and Outreach Summit this month; I’m excited to read about how Lisa Gallagher at Barnesville Exempted Village School District Library is fostering a sense of belonging in this month’s Member Spotlight; and I can’t wait to be in community with attendees at Library Leadership Ohio and the Ohio Library Employee Institute later this summer.  

I hope to see you at an OhioNet or library event soon. Long live libraries!

Sincerely,
Katy B. Mathuews, Executive Director & CEO