[OPLINLIST] Former State Librarian Beverly Cain passes

[Tamra Hess]

So sorry to read this news.  Beverly will be missed by the library
community.  Thank you for letting us know.

*Tamra Hess, Director*
East Palestine Memorial Public Library
309 North Market Street
East Palestine, OH 44413
330-426-3778 (phone)
330-426-4950 (fax)


On Tue, Nov 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM marshams--- via OPLINLIST <
oplinlist at lists.oplin.org> wrote:

> It is with heavy hearts that we announce that former State Librarian
> Beverly Cain died today following a recent medical emergency and subsequent
> end-of-life care. Beverly is remembered for her unwavering commitment to
> service, dedication to mentoring library professionals, and passion for the
> role of libraries in providing access for all. She was an inspirational
> role model that led with compassion and grace and fostered agency with a
> steadfast determination that everyone reaches their highest potential.
>
>
>
> “Beverly was an amazing mentor to myself and to many of the library
> leaders of today,” expressed State Librarian Mandy Knapp. “Her selfless
> devotion to bringing information and excellent library service to the
> people of Ohio is an enduring legacy. I ask you to honor her by being a
> little kinder to one another today.”
>
>
>
> In 2020, Beverly retired after 33 years of library service in Ohio,
> including ten years as Agency Director and State Librarian of Ohio. She
> returned to service as Interim State Librarian in late April 2024 through
> early January 2025.
>
>
>
> While serving as State Librarian, Beverly led both innovative and
> needs-based initiatives and positioned the State Library as a leader and
> exemplary partner in collaborations with Ohio’s libraries and library
> organizations. She implemented a strategic plan with a vision of a Smarter
> Ohio, focusing on improving access to collections and use of meeting rooms
> for state government employees, growing statewide library resource sharing
> and collaboration, and using federal IMLS funds for special Ohio Library
> Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants to encourage collection
> development of books by award winning Ohio authors and illustrators and
> assist libraries to join an existing library consortium.
>
>
>
> As State Librarian, Beverly made over 100 visits to libraries throughout
> Ohio where she met with library managers and staff, toured their
> facilities, and then wrote summaries of her visits. These summaries were
> posted with photos on the State Library website and recently compiled in a
> booklet titled A Collection of State Librarian Beverly Cain's Visits to
> Ohio Libraries available to read as an online magazine
> <https://indd.adobe.com/view/9d7a92c6-0ef1-4d7e-adc0-1404d921be24> and as
> a PDF
> <https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/v1763478314/library.ohio.gov/other/State-Librarian-BeverlyCain-LibraryVisits2010-2020.pdf>
> .
>
>
>
> Beverly’s retirement coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic
> when the State Library and most state and local government entities had
> closed their facilities. It would be another two years before a small
> reception honoring her retirement was held in conjunction with a State
> Library Board resolution to recognize her contributions from ten years of
> service.
>
>
>
> Beverly served as Interim Director throughout the search process,
> appointment, and start date of Agency Director and State Librarian Mandy
> Knapp. Significant changes had occurred in state government, library
> operations, and technology usage following her retirement. Nevertheless,
> Beverly transitioned back into her former leadership role with ease,
> confidence, and poise. She quickly re-established connections with her
> previous staff and built positive relationships with team members who
> joined after her retirement. Although this time her role as the State
> Library's leader was temporary, Beverly was adept at recognizing when
> decisive changes were needed and understood the importance of planning for
> transitions that extended beyond her tenure.
>
>
>
> “Beverly Cain was a steadfast leader and advocate for Ohio’s libraries,
> remarked State Library Board President Drew Wichterman. “Her legacy of
> service and innovation will continue to benefit communities across the
> state for years to come.”
>
>
>
> Prior to her appointment as State Librarian in 2010, Beverly was the
> Director of the Portsmouth Public Library System, Branch Manager at the
> Upper Arlington Public Library Lane Road Branch, and Reference Librarian
> and then as a Manager of Reference and Adult Services at the Medina County
> District Library.
>
>
>
> Beverly Cain earned a Master of Public Administration degree in 2009 and a
> Master of Library Science degree in 1986 from Kent State University. She
> also held a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Akron.
>
>
>
> ###
>
>
>
>
>
> [image: A picture containing text Description automatically generated]
>
>
>
> *Marsha McDevitt-Stredney*
>
> *Director, Marketing & Communications*
>
> State Library of Ohio
>
> 274 E. 1st Avenue
>
> Columbus, OH 43201
>
> Tel: 614.644.6875
>
> marshams at library.ohio.gov
>
> library.ohio.gov
>
>
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