Kutline: Longtime library patron and volunteer Julie Hood (L), of Welcome, greets Arlene Radden, the outgoing director of the Holmes County District Public Library. A special reception was held Jan. 22 for the public, board members, and current and former staff to pay tribute to Radden, who retired at the end of January.
SUMMARY: Arlene Radden retired at the end of January, after serving 30 years in the public sector in libraries. The now-former director of the Holmes County District Public Library, Radden was recognized by the public, coworkers and library board members at a Jan. 22.
Its an unfair stereotype to call librarians meek, stern or say that they just walk around shushing patrons. The underlying theme to the tenure of Arlene Radden, the now-retired director of the Holmes County Public Library, seemed to be passion. More staff, patrons and board members used the theme of her underlying passion for quality service, even in difficult financial times, than any other descriptor. Radden was honored Jan. 22, at the Central Library in Millersburg for her years of service to Holmes County. With her combined service in other systems, including Medina County, where it all began as a youngster, Radden has 30 years of service. Her last official day was Jan. 28.
Bill Martino was hired by the library board to replace Radden, who was director in Holmes County for 13 years, but on Jan. 22, it was all about the work Radden has done in good times and bad. When she first took over, the library had moved into a new and somewhat controversial setting, had closed two branches, and saw its bookmobile use rise and unprecedented wear and tear on the new building, already growing too small for the number of patrons using it.
Over time, Radden would have to deal with severely decreased funding from the state and failed levies placed on the ballots to try to recoup funding. As her tenure ended, the library board voted to close branches in Killbuck, Winesburg, Berlin and Walnut Creek, and open a new East branch, as well as renaming the main library the Central Library. Radden would have to make cuts in staff size, materials purchased and hours of operation. Her job was not an enviable one. Yet she handled it with quiet grace and a desire to never stop serving the public.
Kathy Kelly has served on the library board of trustees four years. Arlene has never lost sight of what a public library means to a community, Kelly said, adding Radden would remind that to her board and staff. Kelly noted Radden led with creativity, commitment, and example.
During the recent hard economic times and shrinking budget, while seeing a rise in services used, Kelly said, when times are tough, you move ahead, discussing and planning as much as possible, and she felt Radden exemplified those ideals.
Former board member Edie Witner said, I was always impressed with Arlenes passion, and who wouldnt want to be a part of that team?
Mona Emery has worked as an administrative assistant to Radden for about four years. I appreciated all of her hard work and dedication. We are pleased for her that she can enjoy this time in her life, Emery said, a sentiment echoed by other staff.
Chris Bower has served on the library board for three years, and said Radden is a really valiant leader. She is so passionate about keeping quality services in our community, despite tough financial times. Bower added, shes found a way to keep us steadily growing. Shes done well by the community and were sad to see her leave.
As for Radden, she said shell spend time travelling, playing golf, visiting friends and family, and will remain in the Holmes County community. Radden has served as president of the Millersburg Rotary Club, served on the Holmes County Prevention Coalition, and other community activities. For her, its always been about service as she described her career highlight in Holmes County. Working directly with the patrons here, and the progress made with the library with technology, and a high quality of services during tough financial times are favorite parts of her tenure.
For the Holmes County Public Library District, as it moves into a new decade and faces more challenges, the groundwork laid by Radden will be a cornerstone of the future.
