JACQUELYN K. O'BRIEN APPOINTED New State Library Board Member

Ohio Libraries, Winter 2005 by Byrnes, Jane

The State Board of Education appointed Jacquelyn K. O'Brien to the State Library of Ohio's Board of Trustees at its December meeting. O'Brien was sworn in to a five-year term at the State Library Board Retreat on February 3, 2005. She is filling the seat vacated by Carl J. Stich, Jr. of Cincinnati, who leaves the board after serving two five-year terms.

"We are pleased to have Jackie join the Board," said State Librarian Jo Budler. "She will bring a special expertise to the board as we continue to provide outreach to state government and the legislature. We also look forward to having her share her insights into the budgetary process."

A former state representative from Cincinnati, O'Brien brings considerable public service experience to the position. She served eight terms in the Ohio House of Representatives and served on a variety of committees including the Local Government and Townships committee and the Finance and Appropriations Committee. She was also instrumental in forming the first Anderson Township Library Committee in Hamilton County over 24 years ago and has remained involved with the group, currently serving as its President.

O'Brien has been inducted into the National Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, was named Anderson Township Citizen of the Year in 2001, and has received numerous awards including the Council of PTA Services to Children Award and the Ohio AMVETS Legislative Award.

The State Library Board is responsible for the State Library of Ohio and a statewide program of development and coordination of library services. The Board administers a grant program to distribute the Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds appropriated for the state; designates depository libraries for both the federal and state documents depository programs; and determines public library boundaries.

BY JANE BYRNES PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, THE STATE LIBRARY OF OHIO

Jane Byrnes is Public Information Officer for the State Library of Ohio. She can be contacted at (614) 644-6875 or jbyrnes@sloma.state.oh.us.