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Nickel Books and Hidden Libraries: Front Royal’s Tabard Inn Library
While researching Samuels Public Library’s past, I uncovered Front Royal’s forgotten Tabard Inn Library: a 1903 book exchange hidden inside Trout & Turner’s drugstore, connecting local history to a national network of nickel books and circulating libraries. Read More
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Repealing Chapter 7: Administrative Housekeeping
On February 17, 2026, the Board repealed Chapter 7, which created a County Library Board in 2024. I supported repeal, noting the board had not functioned as an active body and that inactive governance structures create confusion rather than clarity. Read More
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Cuyahoga County Public Library: Appearance in Board Packet
Provided a $103.94 contribution to support general operations at the Beachwood Library during a period of public controversy, joining community donors to affirm access to information, sustain services, and demonstrate support for inclusive, resilient, public library resources in Ohio communities. Read More
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A Beacon of Pride: Completing the Lighthouse Speech
I returned to the podium to conclude my message on civic pride, describing the library as a “beacon of light.” I challenged the Board to move beyond being merely “affordable” to becoming a county that is truly livable and lovable. Read More
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A Brother’s Stand for a Flooded Community and Its Libraries
After a flood and looming library closures, Lewis Moten traveled to speak for his sister’s community, exposing how a lack of transparency fuels fear. What followed was a rare moment of civic pressure that forced trustees to publicly keep libraries open. Read More
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The Lighthouse in the Storm: Civic Pride and the Library’s Future
I shared a personal reflection on civic pride, referencing Jeff Siegler’s “Hard to Love.” I spoke on how prioritizing finance over value has harmed our community and choked up while addressing the painful human cost of the library’s political storm. Read More
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Echoes of the Past
Colleen Snyder’s Echoes of the Past traced Samuels Public Library’s story through oral history and archival research, debuting publicly during a Q&A forum before being shared again at the revived Silver Tea and in a later public presentation. Read More
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The Power of the Report: When Data Outshines the “PhD”
Speaking near midnight at a marathon public hearing, I went off-script to challenge a flawed county report. Using rigorous data analysis, I exposed “cherry-picked” findings, earning public praise from community leaders for providing the transparency the official report lacked. Read More
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More Than a “Bag of Rocks”: Resilience, Data, and the Library’s Future
Returning for the second library forum, I shared the “human” side of my journey—from overcoming childhood learning disabilities to managing high-level government contracts. I addressed the “bag of rocks” comments with a record of service, philanthropy, and technical expertise. Read More
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Patterns and Pages: Introducing Myself to the Samuels Community
In December 2024, I stood before the community to introduce myself as a new Library Trustee. I shared my background in IT and data analysis—though my nerves got the best of me when I accidentally said I joined in 2013! Read More