Story posted Wednesday, August 26, 2009
New Director Chosen At Indian Trails
The Indian Trails Public Library District Board of Trustees recently announced that Thomas C. Simiele will become the library's new director, effective Monday, Sept. 14.
Simiele comes to Indian Trails after serving as deputy director of the Euclid Public Library in Euclid, Ohio, with prior experience as the director of Bristol Public Library and Museum in Bristolville, Ohio.
He has also held posts as a reference librarian at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and as business manager of the Maple Heights City School District, in Maple Heights, Ohio.
Simiele has also practiced law for over 23 years, both in private practice specializing in real property tax, construction and public sector law, as well as general counsel for the Cleveland City School District.
Simiele holds a bachelor's degree in history from Borromeo College in Wickliffe, Ohio, a doctorate degree from Case Western Reserve University, and a Master of Library & Information Sciences degree from Kent State University. He is a member of Beta Phi Mu, the national honor society for librarians.
At the Bristol Public Library and Museum, he received grant funding for a mobile computer lab and acquired and installed a new Integrated Library System (ILS) system. He enhanced relationships with the school district and established a rotating collection for local Amish Schools.
While at the Euclid Public Library, Simiele actively sought grant funding for solar and wind powered energy sources for the library, and has been in the process of developing a large photo - volactic solar array in a joint venture with the library and the city. He also spearheaded new programs for teens including the planning for a new teen center.
He is currently serving on the Action Council of the Management and Administration Division of the Ohio Library Council and is presently editing a portion of the Ohio Library Administrators Management Guide.
"I respect the past, but build the future on its foundations," said Simiele. "My goal is to not only celebrate our past successes, but to increase the quality and the number of services our library provides to all in our community."
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