Established in 1924
The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation was established in 1924 to oversee the construction of the Wagnalls Memorial and its operations as a library, museum of art, auditorium, and community center. After Mabel Wagnalls passing, the board received her estate and began administering the scholarship fund. The Board of Directors continue today as a 501c3 organization fulfilling the same purposes.
Our Strategic Plan
The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation contracted with Krile Communications in 2021-2022 to create a strategic plan to guide the Foundation in the care of the Wagnalls Memorial from June 2022 through May 2025. The process also included renewing our vision and mission for Wagnalls.
Our Vision
A community that is thriving through high quality educational and cultural experiences.
Our Mission
To continue building upon the Wagnalls legacy by serving as a hub of opportunities to foster community unity,
diversity and appreciation through arts, culture and educational programs and services.
Evaluation of First Year, 2022-23
Our Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall consist of not more than fifteen (15) or less than seven (7) Directors.
At least one (1) of the Directors shall be a resident of the Village of Lithopolis and at least three (3) of the Directors shall be residents of Bloom Township in Fairfield County, Ohio.
At all times the majority of Directors serving on the Board of Directors shall be residents of Fairfield County, Ohio.
The term of office for each elected Director shall be for three (3) years commencing on the first day of May following his or her election, except for those Directors elected to fill a vacancy on the Board whose terms shall commence upon election.
Each Director is elected to serve at least one three-year term after which time said Director may be reelected to another three-year term if the Director agrees to serve.
A Director who has served two full three-year terms may be reelected to a further term based on the needs of the Board and with Board approval.
Persons chosen to serve as members of the Board of Directors shall have demonstrated an interest in promoting The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation ’s Mission Statement and Vision.
Jeffrey Cotner, Board Chair Retired Firefighter/Paramedic with Bloom Twp. Fire Department, Realtor with RE/MAX OneKatherine Graham, Past Chair Bloom Carroll Elementary School Teacher, Committee Chair of BSA Troops 241 and 7241 Bloom Township Resident Steven Bauers, Co-Vice Chair Financial Advisor, Bauers Financial Group Paul Roepcke, Co-Vice Chair Retired School Administrator Bloom Township Resident Ron Fridley, Vice Chair Retired, Nationwide Insurance Facility Operations, John Bitler Retired, Wagnalls Memorial Foundation Cynthia Boles, Professor of Instruction/Interdisciplinary Healthcare Lithopolis Resident Rocky Gaal Retired Artchitect Bloom Township Resident Dylan Knecht Realtor/Owner, RE/MAX APEX Lithopolis Resident Mark Rickrich Program Manager, Ohio EPA Katie Spang Quality Assurance & Training, OPERS Bloom Township Resident Craig Vandervoort Attorney, Sitterley, Vandervoort& Nixon, Ltd. |
Deb Silvia, Executive Director
Meetings
The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation Board serves as the governing board of the Wagnalls Memorial. With the Library receiving Public Library Funds, the board is required by law to hold open meetings for transparency and oversight. The Board also appreciates this time to keep in touch with our community.
Meetings are held at 6:30 pm in the Community Building, 122 South Columbus St..
The following are meetings scheduled for 2024.
January 22, February 26, March 25, April 22, June 24, July 22, August 26, September 23, October 28 and December 2.
The 2024 annual meeting is set for Monday, May 20 at 6:30 pm in the Loft above the Library.
A Board Retreat is set for Wednesday, October 9 from 9 am to 3 pm in the Loft above the Library.
The Board will have a planning meeting on Monday, November 18 from 6:30-8:30 pm in Community Building.