Centerville, OH – After 38 years of committed service to public libraries, Cynthia Klinck, Director of Washington-Centerville Public Library, announced her retirement effective February 28, 2009, at this month’s Library Board of Trustees meeting. Ms. Klinck has served as Director for the past 30 years, since 1978.  Through Ms. Klinck’s vision, Washington-Centerville Public Library has grown from a small suburban library to a #1 nationally ranked mid-sized library providing excitement, enlightenment and entertainment to almost 70,000 cardholders.

Over the past 30 years, Klinck has worked passionately to grow the Library into the progressive organization citizens know today. Under her leadership, the Library grew from one small library and a branch, with a staff of 7 and a budget of only $660,000, to today’s 2 full-service libraries with 150 employees and an annual budget of $7.2 million. “Cindi is truly the founder of the Library as we know it. Her visionary, patron-centered, yet business-like approach to growing the organization has certainly produced a great community resource,” says Richard Carr, Library Board of Trustees President.

Klinck has worked diligently to ensure the community had libraries of sufficient size, as well as collections, programs and services that exceeded the expectations of the public. As a result, citizens enjoy more than 380,000 books, movies, music and videogames for pleasure and research; and more than 60 value-added library programs and services – many of which can be accessed through an online library at www.wclibrary.info.  “Cindi has really made the Library the heart and soul of this community. Our high quality library system embodies our community’s commitment to education and learning,” says Mr. Carr.

Library usage reflects the impact of Ms. Klinck’s work.  During her tenure, check out of library materials has grown from a mere 250,000 to more than 2.2 million – a 754% increase, making Washington-Centerville Public Library the 12^th busiest in Ohio. “The honor has been mine to grow the Library, but that success is shared with a supportive community of citizens who love their library, a very talented staff and a dedicated Board of Trustees,” comments Ms. Klinck.

Ms. Klinck’s contributions extend outside the local library as well. She actively participated in state library associations in Kentucky and Ohio, including serving in several leadership roles with the Ohio Library Council. Ms. Klinck has also volunteered countless hours to improve other community organizations like the South Metro Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Hithergreen Center. In 2005, she was recognized for her professional and personal contributions as one of Dayton’s Top Ten Women.

Ms. Klinck looks forward to the next chapter of her life and believes the Library is well-positioned to accomplish great things. “I’ve always been interested in planning for the future, whether it is new library buildings, service opportunities or organizational design. Now, I’m looking forward to my personal future. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished at the Library. I leave behind a talented group of library staff and management that are sure to continue the long tradition of outstanding library service,” comments Ms. Klinck.

Prior to joining Washington-Centerville Public Library, Ms. Klinck was Director of Paul Sawyier Public Library in Frankfort, Kentucky. She and her husband, Andrew, plan to stay in the Centerville area. The Library Board of Trustees plans to hire an interim Director, who will serve while a nationwide search is conducted for a successor.

For more information on the Washington-Centerville Public Library visit www.wclibrary.info.