As public libraries realign their services to accommodate digital resources and the growing presence of AI-augmented research, many Americans mistakenly believe that these institutions are on their way out. Chris Wick, Director of the Clermont County Public Library, discussed how this misconception is far from the truth in the latest episode of Good Day Clermont!.
Stream the latest episode of “Good Day Clermont!”
Wick has worked in the library business for over 37 years, starting as a part-time book shelver after deciding a career in law wasn’t for her. After earning a master's degree in Library Sciences, she began serving as the Director of the Clermont County Public Library in 2002. Over the decades, Wick observed libraries take on new and exciting roles as technology and culture influenced how people interact with information.
“Libraries are about helping people,” Wick said. “As needs have shifted, so has the way we help people.”
Recent federal spending mandates threaten library funding across the United States. On March 14, 2025, the Department of Government Efficiency began cutting existing grants to organizations in California, Connecticut, and Washington in response to an Executive Order reducing the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Bob Pautke of "Good Day Clermont!" and librarian Chris Wick.
Despite funding for public libraries across the country experiencing setbacks, Wick says librarians' roles and responsibilities remain community-focused.
“What people really need out of libraries is that connection and interface,” she said. Still, many residents are unaware of the scope of services the Clermont Library provides. In the latest episode of Good Day Clermont! Wick discussed how the Clermont Library’s 2024 community survey demonstrated this lapse in public understanding.
“A lot of things people asked us for, we already provide,” Wick stated. The Clermont County Public Library isn’t just about stocking and distributing books. The library also provides:
Notary services
Free document scanning and faxing
Printing services
Virtual programs
Book clubs and meetups
Learning programs for all ages
Remote workspaces
Computer and WIFI access
Community events
Literacy preparation courses for youth
And more
While many people spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on private software and subscriptions, the library offers many of the same services for free. “We don’t have many ‘membership fees’, you can just come and walk through the door,” Wick said.
Stream the latest episode of “Good Day Clermont!”
Many businesses in Ohio experienced layoffs and hiring freezes in 2026. Wick spent some time discussing employment opportunities at the library that may help those seeking work.
While anyone can work at a library in a variety of roles, Wick says that people cannot call themselves librarians without first earning a master's degree in Library Science or an applicable degree in Information Science. Today, these programs look different from the courses Wick graduated from as a student.
Librarian Chris Wick and "Good Day Clermont!" host Bob Pautke on set.
“Library degrees are changing a lot because libraries are changing a lot,” Wick asserted. Students may learn to refine their digital bookkeeping, face-to-face communication, and reference research skills in these programs.
She reminded the listeners of Good Day Clermont! that no matter where their career takes them, they should take advantage of the opportunities they find and use them to their full potential. “I didn’t have a set path [to become Director], I started as a part-time shelver,” she said.
Wick plans to retire from her role as Director in late May. “I’ll miss the people,” she said. “The people here are really excellent; it’s a great team.” Her departure raises questions about who will be the next to direct the library and its many services, but Wick remains optimistic about its future.
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