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The Ohio County Public Library's Board of Trustees has a tall task over the coming months in finding a replacement for Director Dottie Thomas who is retiring from her post on Dec. 31.
For the past 25 years, Thomas has led the library through major changes both in the technology offered and how the public utilizes the facility.
When she started in 1997, the internet was an unknown term to many. Today, Thomas oversees an operation that features a small bank of computers available to the public to use for general web surfing, email and other functions. Books also now can be downloaded from the library and read on digital devices. And Wheeling's history -- in words and in photo collections donated by area families -- can be accessed through the library's website.
The library's children's programs have blossomed over the past two-plus decades, and its meetings rooms -- at least pre-COVID-19 -- always were booked for events. Thomas and her staff have worked hard to enhance the library's role as a community center, where people could gather and learn more about an interesting topic and families could visit to introduce their children to a love of books.
What's interesting with Thomas is that she didn't initially pursue a career as a librarian. After receiving degrees at the former West Liberty State College, she worked briefly at the Ohio County Public Library as a children's specialist, and then received her master's degree in library science. After stops in Weirton and Pittsburg, Kansas, she returned to Wheeling on Jan. 1, 1997.
"… I never dreamed of a career in libraries until the opportunity became open. I love that the library gave me an opportunity for a career, and it has been a great career," Thomas said.
"I have loved it. I have loved this library. Anyone who visits libraries in West Virginia knows we have the best in state."
Indeed. Whether you're 3 years old or 83 years old, Thomas and her staff have worked hard to ensure the Ohio County Public Library has something to offer. Her leadership over the past 25 years is noteworthy, and her absence come January will surely be felt.