ADMINISTRATION
Michelle McMorrow Ramsell
Director
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with concentrations in English Journalism and a Master of Library and Information Science, both from Kent State University. Michelle distinctly remembers her first trip to the Tuscarawas County Public Library as a child when she got her first library card and checked out a book to teach her dog how to do tricks. Michelle is a member of the American Library Association and an active member of the Ohio Library Council. What Michelle likes most about being a librarian is the opportunity to connect with the people and the communities the library serves. Michelle is active with the downtown New Philadelphia business organization, Leadership Tuscarawas Board, Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition, and Women’s Success Series planning committee. Beyond reading, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband exploring backroads in their convertible or riding trails on their bikes, spoiling her two Golden Retrievers, buying books (or anything really) for her granddaughter, and spending time cooking in her kitchen.
Brian Herzog
Assistant Director
Originally growing up in Sandusky, Brian attended the University of Dayton and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing, with concentrations in Philosophy and Psychology. After working in the business world designing websites and living in Maine for a few years, Brian decided to switch careers and went to Kent State University to earn a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science. This was followed by working 15+ years at a library in Massachusetts, before returning to Ohio to be closer to family. When reading, Brian enjoys offbeat and absurdist fiction in print, and history and science as audiobooks. Outside the library, Brian enjoys exploring (whether by car or by foot), making and repairing things, and is an amateur competitive marksman.
Nikki Stoldt
Fiscal Officer
Nikki holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Business, and Economics from Muskingum University. Her favorite book is Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. Nikki is an active member of the Ohio Library Council, Ohio Library Fiscal Officer Association, and GFOA. Nikki enjoys budgeting and forecasting for the library and has been impressed by how passionate the library staff is about books, children, service, and education. Outside of the library, Nikki is the Auditor for the City of Dover and serves on the Dover City Schools financial task force. She enjoys baking and is very active in Dover athletics due to having four children who love sports.
Kathy Long
Deputy Fiscal Officer
Kathy holds an Associate of Applied Business in Accounting Technology from Kent State University. Her favorite book is Flag of Our Fathers by James Bradley. Kathy enjoys her role at the library and especially enjoys working alongside such a professional, helpful, and friendly staff. She is an active member of the Ohio Library Council and the Ohio Library Fiscal Officer Association. Outside of the library, Kathy is heavily involved with her church and serves as their treasurer. She enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and going to the beach at Hilton Head Island.
Megann Hohman
HR Specialist
Megann holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with concentrations in Business Management and Health Administration from Muskingum University. She loves working at the library and being able to connect with all different types of people in an environment that celebrates knowledge and diversity. While it is hard for her to choose Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll is the book she has loved the longest. Outside of the library, Megann likes to cook, garden, hike, travel, explore the community, and spend time with her loved ones ( especially her fur babies).
Cara Randall
Support Services Manager
Cara works closely with the Cargo, Facilities, and Technical Services teams at the library and loves connecting library visitors with new gadgets from the Library of Things. Cara believes that a library card is a power tool for lifelong learning, and she uses her card to learn something new daily. Cara earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and her Master of Library and Information Science from San Jose State University. She is currently a Certified Public Librarian with the Ohio Library Council. Cara enjoys both non-fiction and fiction written for all ages and especially loves listening to audiobooks while knitting. When she is not at the library, she is most likely surrounded by her sheep.
Larry Ritchie
IT Manager
Larry attended Kent State University and holds degrees in both Education and Computer Information Systems. His favorite book is Will to Die by Joe Pulizzi. What Larry likes most about working in libraries is that there is never a dull moment. He enjoys getting to do different kinds of work and always being able to learn something new. In his free time, Larry enjoys weightlifting, karate, reading, and classic rock music.
Mary Smrek
Children's Services Manager
Mary holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education, specifically Integrated Language Arts, from Youngstown State University and a Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University. The book that began her love of reading is Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. Since then she has enjoyed works by fantasy writers including Tamora Pierce and Sarah J. Maas. What Mary loves most about working in libraries is helping people and finding the right books for reluctant readers. She is an active member of the Ohio Library Council. Outside of the Library, Mary enjoys music, theater, dancing, and of course reading.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Leigh Burnham
Technology Training Coordinator
Leigh received her Bachelor of Arts in History from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Master of Arts in Public History from Wright State University. Her favorite author is L.M. Montgomery. While she loves all of Montgomery's work, her life-long favorite is the Anne of Green Gables series. (She has even traveled to Prince Edward Island to experience the places Montgomery wrote about.) Leigh enjoys being able to share her love of reading and everything the library has to offer the community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, traveling, and doing anything crafty.
Megan Kovalaske-Grimm
Public Relations Associate
Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from the University of Dayton. Megan enjoys informing the community of the wonderful programs and events the library has to offer. Her favorite book is The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Megan is an active member of the Art on the Alley Committee and the Ohio Library Council, serves on the board of the Tuscarawas County United Soccer Association, and is a past member of the Leaders of Tomorrow Committee. When not at the library, Megan enjoys attending soccer games, spending time with her family, traveling the United States, and rehabbing old furniture.
Emily Price
Public Relations Associate
Emily Price graduated from The University of Akron with a Bachelor of Arts in English and minors in Creative Writing, Public Relations, Converged Media Studies, and News. Emily is passionate about poetry and mental health awareness. During her time at UA, she led an edition for The Buchtelite called “Use Your Voice” which highlighted the collective experience of adversity and triumph from the student body. Emily is overjoyed to return to be able to work for the Tuscarawas County Public Library System and continue building her communication skills. During her free time, Emily enjoys writing, listening to podcasts, and baking. Her favorite book is a poetry collection by Emily Corwin, Marble Orchard.
SUPERVISORS
Lacy Bartley
Mobile Services Supervisor
Lacy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies with a Concentration in Performance from Kent State University. She is an active member of the Ohio Library Council and her favorite book is Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit. Lacy's favorite thing about working for the library is being surrounded by diverse books and getting to interact with wonderful people. Outside of the library, Lacy loves writing, theatre, and acting. She hopes to one day publish a children's book for her daughter to discover in her local library.
Emily Crilley
Strasburg Branch Supervisor
Emily loves serving the adults and children of the Strasburg community. Leading storytime, encouraging kids to have a passion for reading, and facilitating book discussions are a few of the many things she enjoys about her job. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis is her favorite book series. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a Master of Library and Information Science, both from Kent State University. When not at the library, she enjoys teaching, traveling, and playing board games with friends and family.
Melissa Dean
Technical Services Supervisor
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Ohio Northern University. Her favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It is no coincidence that her daughter is named Harper. What Melissa loves most about working at the library is the great staff and selecting new titles for our customers to enjoy. Melissa is an active member of the Ohio Library Council. She volunteers for the Quaker PTO and serves as Vice President of the Quaker Ladies. Outside of the library, Melissa enjoys watching her two children play sports, hiking our local trails, biking, and playing board games.
Tabitha Johnson
Tusky Branch Supervisor
Tabitha holds an Associate of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Kent State University. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Kentucky. Her favorite books are the Harry Potter Series and mystery thrillers. Tabitha serves on the board of T4C, is the social media coordinator for the Indian Valley Music Boosters, and is a member of the Gnadenhutten Fireworks Festival Committee. What Tabitha loves most about working at the Tusky Branch is the shared comradery that is built amongst staff and customers. Tabitha takes great pride in getting to know her customers and treating everyone with kindness and respect so all feel welcome. When she's not working, Tabitha enjoys spending time with her family, taking vacations, obsessing about Walt Disney World, and being outdoors.
Laura Russell
Sugarcreek Branch Supervisor
Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science from Malone University and a Master of Science in Adapted Physical Activity from Slippery Rock University. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction from Kent State University. Laura’s favorite books are cozy mysteries, thrillers, and historical fiction. Her favorite authors include Amanda Flower and Julie Anne Lindsey. What Laura enjoys most about working at the library is sharing her love of books with the community. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and exploring National Parks, as well as spending time with her husband and their dog, Willow. Laura is currently working on writing her first cozy mystery manuscript.
Courtney Wallace
Bolivar Branch Supervisor
Courtney earned a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Earth Science from Moravian College. Her favorite thing about working at the library is making connections with adults, teens, and kids. Courtney’s favorite author is Robin Jones Gunn and she loves all things Marvel, Star Wars, and Harry Potter, and is a loyal Hufflepuff. In her free time, Courtney enjoys singing, photography, and traveling.