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Editor, News-Register:
In a few short weeks, Dottie Thomas, director of the Ohio County Public Library, will vacate her current professional post and enter retirement. Being one who is exceptionally competent, but not wont to blow her own horn, Ms. Thomas departs quietly but leaves the legacy of a library with strong ties to the local community, commitment to outstanding public services, dedication to exploration and promotion of our community's heritage, custodian of important and noteworthy artifacts, and promoter of information and knowledge.
Physically, the library just looks better. Interior spaces have been refreshed, modernized, and repurposed resulting in a facility that is pleasant to visit and comfortable enough to want to stay for a while. A remodeled and more user-friendly Wheeling Room (concentrating on local history) is the envy of libraries around the state.
During Dottie's 25-year directorship (which began in 1997), the library entered the digital information age and has consistently provided physical access to computers and digital access to data. The website is easier to use and provides up-to-the-minute progress reports on library programs and services. A renewed commitment to programming means that community members from pre-school to retirement are routinely served with offerings that are informative, innovative, fun, and thought-provoking.
Long before the challenges of a pandemic, the library was providing direct services to homebound patrons, visiting local schools/classrooms, and actively participating in and promoting literacy services. Under Dottie's leadership, the Wheeling newspapers were the first in West Virginia to be digitized -- a successful program that has been emulated by several of her professional colleagues.
Ms. Thomas has effectively utilized library staff to provide a wide range of services with a blend of professional librarians and ably prepared staff members. The emphasis is always focused on customer service as the primary objective. As a result, library users are routinely served in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner. For those who don't particularly wish to physically visit the library, it's now possible to read books, listen to authors, and find information without ever leaving home. These innovations were effected during Dottie's directorship.
So many more examples could be enumerated to illustrate the strong legacy and the vibrant library that Dottie Thomas leaves to her successor. For a quarter-century of dedication, innovation, progress, success, and achievement, Ohio County residents owe Dottie Thomas their heartfelt thanks and gratitude. The road has not always been easy, but she has demonstrated what good works can be accomplished by a skilled and talented library/information professional.
Dottie, we thank you for your enduring personal commitment to the Ohio County Public Library and wish you well as you enter your new phase of life!
Dr. Charles A. Julian, PhD
Wheeling