Mary Ludlum retires after 32 years

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Grandview Heights Public Library Director Mary Ludlum, who has worked at the Library for 32 years, retires on August 31, 2013.

Ludlum leaves an outstanding legacy of commitment to public service, community involvement, and progressive leadership.

Under her leadership as Director the past five years, the Grandview Library has been ranked a five-star public library every year, even as the Library experienced major service reductions due to unprecedented state funding cuts. For the past two years, the Library has been recognized as the best public library of its size in America.

Ludlum has fostered the Library’s unique identity as a welcoming community gathering place with friendly, personalized service while expanding its tradition of offering the newest technologies and methodologies.

During her tenure at the Library, Ludlum has helped:

  • Establish the popular Music on the Lawn summer outdoor concert series.
  • Create a tradition of providing a large events calendar for all ages.
  • Lead seven Library levy campaigns.
  • Cultivate the Friends of the Grandview Library, which provides regular financial support to the Library.
  • Grow the Grandview Library Foundation Board’s Endowment Fund to nearly $1 million.
  • Create and execute the annual Lazy Daze of Summer Festival.
  • Form the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Arts Council (born of community collaboration from the Lazy Daze of Summer Festival).
  • Advance the Central Library Consortium, which now includes 11 public libraries.
  • Continue to introduce new technologies, from implementing an online catalog to being the first Ohio library to offer free music downloads to keep.
  • Navigate the Library through major service reductions due to unprecedented state funding cuts (2009).
  • Conduct massive building projects, from a major building addition (1988-9) to renovations like The Basement, The Study Commons, and several new areas in Youth Services.

Ludlum began working at the Grandview Library in 1981. She has served as Young Adult Librarian, Program Coordinator, Public Relations Manager, Assistant Director, and Director. Previously, she worked in libraries at Capital University, Otterbein College, and the University of Michigan.

Ludlum is a lifelong member of the American Library Association and the Ohio Library Council. She is also a longtime Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry volunteer and Atonement Lutheran Church member.

The Grandview Library enjoys a special reputation locally and nationally thanks to Ludlum’s guidance, passion, and commitment to serving the community.

The Library and the community extend our appreciation for Mary’s dedication and service and wish her all the best in her retirement. She is succeeded by Ryan McDonnell, who assumes the directorship on September 1, 2013.

The public is invited to a retirement reception on Thursday, August 29, from 4-7 pm, in the Library’s Meeting Room. Join us in honoring Mary and her many wonderful years at the Grandview Library.

The Grandview Library Foundation welcomes giving to the Library’s Endowment Fund for those wishing to honor Mary’s retirement with a gift!