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DELAWARE — The future of Delaware County’s libraries — from how they’re funded to how their spaces evolve — is decided by a seven-member board of trustees.
Their decisions shape funding in the annual budget, who is in charge of the libraries’ day-to-day operations, the code of conduct for guests and more.
Trustees also make decisions related to large-scale projects, such as the construction and building plans of the Liberty Branch Library— the county’s newest library, which opened three years ago.
Now, the district is contracting with an architect to create a master plan for the libraries, envisioning how the libraries can better utilize their space in alignment with community needs, Library Communications Manager Nicole Fowles said.
The architect will present those recommendations to the board later this summer. The trustees will then determine a project timeline and how to allocate funding.
“It’s a little hand in hand,” Fowles said.
“The board needs to know, ‘Why are we asking for this increase in this line item?’ And we [the executive director and staff] say, ‘Because this was a levy promise and our taxpayers voted for it overwhelmingly.’ Then they say, ‘OK, that makes sense,’ and they approve it.”
Who are the trustees?
What makes someone a good fit to serve as a library trustee?
“It depends on the objectives of the appointing body, and the needs of the library,” Fowles said.
Appointments are often made with specific expertise in mind, helping ensure the board reflects a wide range of perspectives.
“They do take a look at the makeup of our board and the expertise that sits on it so that we have a wide breadth of expertise represented,” Fowles said.
Lori Kipfer, a retired teacher from the Olentangy School District, was appointed in 2022 because of her enthusiasm for education and library services, Fowles said.
Aaron E. Kenter, a litigator, represents a legal perspective.
Stacey Neff — the newest trustee — has a background in data analysis.
“That really helps us get into the nitty-gritty of our strategic plan and our strategic initiatives and using data to direct those decisions,” Fowles said.
Lisa Kraft brings financial knowledge through her work as Berlin Township’s fiscal officer.
Reginald Ike, board president, has background in information technology.
Connie Skinner is a farmer and Brown Township trustee.
“She’s a great representative of the more rural community that we serve, that needs library resources for internet and connectivity and different things like that,” Fowles said.
Skinner said her own experience with libraries shaped her interest in serving on the board.
“If you grew up in the library, or your kids grow up in the library, like mine did, then being a trustee is a good way to give back to the library and your community,” Skinner said.
Lastly, Scott Tiede, senior pastor at Delaware Bible Church, also brought a background in architecture. However, he submitted his resignation last month due to an upcoming move.
His term will end early on April 30, creating a vacancy on the board before its scheduled expiration on Dec. 31.
How does someone become a trustee?
The Delaware County Commissioners or the sitting administrative judge of the Delaware County judges appoint library trustees to their positions.
The commissioners appoint four of the members, while the judge appoints the remaining three, rotating between appointments typically each year.
In the past, the structure has resulted in one new trustee joining the board annually, Fowles said. However, that may change due to recent changes at the state level.
Previously, trustees served seven-year terms. Under the 2025 biennial budget, terms were shortened to four years.
However, conflicting language in the law has created uncertainty, with different sections referencing one-, four- and seven-year terms. The library is awaiting guidance.
“The appointee who most recently began her term on January 1 of this year, we were like: ‘Welcome. You will be with us anywhere from one to seven years,’” she said.
The commissioners will post the current trustee opening on the county website, where interested parties can submit applications and undergo an interview process.
The administrative judge will follow a similar process, posting the job through various court announcement channels.
Fowles said Judges Marianne Hemmeter and Randall Fuller will appoint Tiede’s replacement.
They seek to fill that position immediately, with applications being accepted until 11:59 p.m. on April 14 through the application portal.
Interested individual must be a registered voter within the library district or Delaware County, according to a city press release.
For any questions regarding the application procedure, contact Kristin Schultz,
General Division Court Administrator, at 740-833-2554 or kschultz@co.delaware.oh.us.
