Carroll said she knew it was “pretty monumental” that Bean would be shelving his career with the library, but she was hopeful at the opportunity to serve a much larger district. The Middletown Public Library system is more than three times larger, serving about 180,000 patrons with branches in Middletown, Trenton and West Chester Twp.
“I am really excited about it and really honored that they have the confidence in me to do this job,” she said.
Officials said Carroll will begin March 7. Bean will work with Carroll for a short period of time to assure “a smooth leadership transition” before his retirement starts March 25.
While Carroll said she has only 15 years experience in library management, her career as “a booky” began when she was 16 years old as an employee at a Cincinnati library branch. Her mother and sister also are retired librarians.
As the shift continues for how public libraries will fit into the modern world, Carroll said she’s confident the local librarian still serves a vital role by relaying information.
As a reference librarian at the Chicago Public Library — one of the largest library systems in the U.S. — she said “the library was Google.” While computers have quickened that process, Carroll said libraries fill a niche by offering free access and assistance in navigating the information overload.
Jim VonderHaar, president of the Middletown Library Board of Trustees, said Carroll’s “astute grasp of the challenges and opportunities facing Ohio public libraries will contribute to her success in leading the Middletown, Trenton, and West Chester libraries forward.”
And for her, she said, nothing beats the feeling of having the right book in your hands.
“I get a charge every once in a while when I can help people find the information they need,” Carroll said. “You can see the difference you make in a life when you recommend a good book.”
The Franklin-Springboro Public Library board is still formulating a process for filling Carroll’s position, officials said.
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