The main role of Michael Limer, Director of Guernsey County District Public Library, is to administer the library according to the policies and directives of the library’s Board of Trustees. That includes many things such as the management of staff and facilities, developing services and collections, working with the Fiscal Officer to ensure financial stability, and representing the library to the public.
Michael grew up in West Virginia. In 1975, the Clarksburg-Harrison County Public Library opened up a new building. The following year, he visited for the first time with his kindergarten class. For years he kept that first library card until it got lost in a move. Michael still wishes he had that first library connection.
Michael recalled, “A lot of people working in libraries always knew that is where they wanted to be while others luck into it. I am one of the latter.” After graduating from college, Michael hadn’t found the career he wanted. He first had a job reading electric meters. When he got laid off, he was looking for a way to pay the rent and ended by having a part-time job at Subway and one at the library as a shelver.
It wasn’t long before Michael was a full-time circulation clerk followed by working the reference desk. The library was pleased with his work and offered to help him get his Masters in Library Science. He had found his career. Before coming to Guernsey County, Michael served as library director at Ada Public Library and Kaubisch Memorial Public Library in Fostoria.
In 2018, Michael became Director of the Guernsey County Library. Day by day he works on collection of the best material available. One of his favorite things is making sure the community has the material it wants and needs.
Helping library visitors directly is also something he enjoys. As Michael thought back, he mentioned, “Those one-on-one interactions where you get to help someone find what they need, were really the sparks for me to think this is something I wanted to do.”
At the Guernsey County Libraries, he likes working with the library staff and the Board to bring about positive things for our community. The complete renovation of the Byesville Branch and the addition of a Bookmobile have been two major improvements since he arrived. The team at the library has been able to deliver these improvements, and to create better programming throughout the year.
Michael also enjoys reading for relaxation. When home, two dogs, two cars, and one son at college tend to keep him and his wife busy.
His community involvement has made the library more visible as he and his staff are frequently found at many community events. Michael recently remarked, “From great programs and new services to our work with our many community partners, I am thrilled with how we reach out to serve the public, both within our walls and throughout the county.”
