First of all, I want to thank dynamic director Jennifer Thompson for taking time out of her extremely busy schedule to meet with me, discuss library issues and give me a thorough tour of the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library (C&RPL).  This library system has the main branch, a Carnegie library on Paint St. in Chillicothe, and 6 branches located in strategic places throughout Ross County.  I visited the main branch, which has gone through several innovative remodels during the 20th century.  The last remodel opened up the library stacks yet still maintained the original feeling of the Carnegie architecture.  I love the atmosphere in this library! 
The biggest issue at hand when I visited the library was the Nov. 6th election.  The library had a levy on the ballot, whose funds were to be used to expand the very crowded main library, connect it to the old central school the library had purchased and create more room for staff and patrons, including large meeting rooms.  I am truly sorry to report that the levy didn’t pass.

Jennifer brought up some other interesting issues that are facing libraries.  Baby boomer library staff is retiring, and this is creating a new era in library management and staffing.  C&RCPL has recently gained four new managers in the last six months because of retirement.  New young management staff brings transition due to this cultural change and brings about new bonds and perspectives.  It also brings to the forefront the need for substantial workshops aimed at new library managers.  Another issue she noted is the need for library management to partner with each other and with OLC to do political lobbying on behalf of libraries.  I think this is a great idea!  I encourage everyone who is reading this to comment on their experience or opinions on the issues that Jennifer has raised.