Established in 1924
The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation was established in 1924 to oversee the construction of the Wagnalls Memorial and its operations as a library, museum of art, auditorium, and community center. After Mabel Wagnalls passing, the board received her estate and began administering the scholarship fund. The Board of Directors continue today as a 501c3 organization fulfilling the same purposes.
Our Strategic Plan
The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation contracted with Krile Communications in 2021-2022 to create a strategic plan to guide the Foundation in the care of the Wagnalls Memorial from June 2022 through May 2025. The process also included renewing our vision and mission for Wagnalls.
Our Vision
A community that is thriving through high quality educational and cultural experiences.
Our Mission
To continue building upon the Wagnalls legacy by serving as a hub of opportunities to foster community unity,
diversity and appreciation through arts, culture and educational programs and services.
Annual Reports
The Board of Directors annually share information about the foundation and library activities of the previous year by the annual meeting in May. The annual meeting is open to the public. We encourage comments or concerns to be shared with the Chair of our Board of Directors, the Executive Director, or Library Manager. The Foundation Board's next annual meeting is Monday, May 19, 2025, at 6:30 pm in the Library.
Our Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall consist of not more than fifteen (15) or less than seven (7) Directors.
At least one (1) of the Directors shall be a resident of the Village of Lithopolis and at least three (3) of the Directors shall be residents of Bloom Township in Fairfield County, Ohio.
At all times the majority of Directors serving on the Board of Directors shall be residents of Fairfield County, Ohio.
The term of office for each elected Director shall be for three (3) years commencing on the first day of May following his or her election, except for those Directors elected to fill a vacancy on the Board whose terms shall commence upon election.
Each Director is elected to serve at least one three-year term after which time said Director may be reelected to another three-year term if the Director agrees to serve.
A Director who has served two full three-year terms may be reelected to a further term based on the needs of the Board and with Board approval.
Persons chosen to serve as members of the Board of Directors shall have demonstrated an interest in promoting The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation ’s Mission Statement and Vision.
Board of Directors
Steven Bauers, Chair Financial Advisor, Bauers Financial Group
Jeffrey Cotner, Past Chair Retired Firefighter/Paramedic w/ BTFD, Realtor with RE/MAX One
Paul Roepcke, Chair Retired School Administrator Bloom Township Resident
John Bitler Retired, Wagnalls Memorial Foundation
Mark Rickrich Program Manager, Ohio EPA
Katie Spang Quality Assurance & Training, OPERS Bloom Township Resident
Craig Vandervoort Attorney, Sitterley, Vandervoort& Nixon, Ltd.
Debra Waites Business Management, Bloom Township Resident
Deb Silvia, Executive Director
Meetings
The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation Board serves as the governing board of the Wagnalls Memorial. With the Library receiving Public Library Funds, the board is required by law to hold open meetings for transparency and oversight. The Board also appreciates this time to keep in touch with our community.
Meetings are held at 6:30 pm in the Community Building, 122 South Columbus St..
The following are meetings scheduled for 2025.
January 27, February 24, March 24, April 28, June 23, July 28, August 25, September 29, October 27 and December 1.
The 2025 annual meeting is set for Monday, May 19 at 6:30 pm in the Library.