[SEO-Members] Former State Librarian Beverly Cain passes

[marshams at library.ohio.gov]

[cid:image002.jpg at 01DC58A1.BA370860]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.

###


[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<mailto:marshams at library.ohio.gov>
library.ohio.gov<https://library.ohio.gov/>

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.oplin.org/pipermail/seo-members/attachments/20251118/2b0f26ea/attachment-0001.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 159311 bytes
Desc: image001.jpg
URL: <http://lists.oplin.org/pipermail/seo-members/attachments/20251118/2b0f26ea/attachment-0002.jpg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image003.png
Type: image/png
Size: 18127 bytes
Desc: image003.png
URL: <http://lists.oplin.org/pipermail/seo-members/attachments/20251118/2b0f26ea/attachment-0001.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image002.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 45231 bytes
Desc: image002.jpg
URL: <http://lists.oplin.org/pipermail/seo-members/attachments/20251118/2b0f26ea/attachment-0003.jpg>