CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Drew Wichterman, Director of the Pickaway County Library, has been recognized as an Equity Champion by the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) for his dedicated efforts to ensure libraries remain accessible to all. The award was presented during ARSL’s annual meeting in Springfield, Massachusetts.
This national recognition highlights Wichterman’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility within library services. To date, he has successfully written and secured over $200,000 in grants aimed at supporting small and rural communities. Notable projects include the Guiding Ohio Online initiative funded through LSTA at both Tipp City and Pickaway County libraries. Additionally, his collaboration with the Dayton Literary Peace Prize’s Student Author Series has brought valuable programming to these communities and generated significant grant funding.
Wichterman’s advocacy extends beyond grant writing. He is actively involved in the Ohio Library Council’s conference planning leadership team, where he has pushed for greater accessibility for both attendees and presenters. His library recently submitted a grant application for the ALA/ARSL Accessibility grant, aimed at enhancing accessibility at the Pickaway County Library.
In the nomination, colleagues praised Wichterman’s professionalism and commitment to the field. He is an active member of several organizations, including the American Library Association and the Public Library Association, and serves on the Advisory Council for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. His expertise in community engagement, accessibility, and intellectual freedom has made him a sought-after presenter at both state and national conferences.
Peer nominations highlighted Wichterman’s passion for fostering inclusive communities, stating, “His dedication opens doors for people of all socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives. He champions intellectual freedom and upholds the principles of librarianship with unwavering ethics and empathy.”
Wichterman has spent 75% of his career in small or rural libraries, previously serving at Tipp City Public Library before joining Pickaway County in August 2023. He holds a Master’s in Library Information Science from Kent State University and is certified as a Public Librarian by the Ohio Library Council.
Other awards presented at the ARSL annual meeting included the Solo Librarian of the Year awarded to Lucretia Calonder of Altoona Public Library in Kansas, the Innovative Service Award to Waynesboro Public Library in Virginia for its “Community in Motion” initiative, and the Distinguished Service Award to Loly Gomez of Upper Skagit Library in Washington. The Round Valley Branch of the Mendocino County Library in California also received the Library Journal Best Small Library in America award.
The ARSL remains committed to representing and supporting rural and small libraries, emphasizing accessibility, responsive service, and the core values of intellectual freedom and professionalism.
