(From the Ohio Library Council)

The Ohio Library Council (OLC) is proud to announce Kristy Szkudlarek, Read for Life Coordinator at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, as the recipient of the 2025 Service Excellence Award. This statewide award honors library employees who provide exceptional service and create meaningful, lasting impacts within their communities.

Szkudlarek has led the library’s Read for Life (RFL) program since 2014, demonstrating unwavering dedication to literacy and lifelong learning. Under her leadership, the program has more than doubled in size, reflecting her strategic growth and deep community engagement. Her efforts have created a lasting impact in Hancock County, particularly through her adaptability and compassion in serving vulnerable and diverse populations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Szkudlarek moved swiftly to transition the RFL program online, ensuring that adult learners could continue their education and literacy support without interruption. As the region saw an increase in migrant populations, she proactively expanded volunteer recruitment and training to meet evolving community needs. In 2023, she launched the innovative Language for Life program—offering 16-week sessions that support non-native English speakers on their journey to fluency.

In addition to her work with Read for Life, Szkudlarek has also served as the library’s Social Media Coordinator for the past five years, strengthening the library’s digital presence and outreach efforts.

“Kristy Szkudlarek exemplifies what the Service Excellence Award is all about,” said Michelle Francis, Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council. “With empathy, creativity, and resilience, she connects with people where they’re at, changes lives and makes the library an even stronger part of the community.”

Szkudlarek will be formally recognized during a special ceremony at the OLC Convention and Expo on November 19 at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland.