Twinsburg Public Library Director Laura Leonard to Retire After 18 Years

Leonard shaped the library into a community hub through renovations, outreach and decades of dedicated service. Laura Leonard, who has led the Twinsburg Public Library (TPL) as director for 18 years, will retire on Oct. 31, 2026. The announcement came via a press release issued May 5. Leonard began her career at TPL as Teen Services Librarian in 1997, after serving as Adult and Teen Services Librarian at the Nordonia Hills branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library from 1994 to 1997. A Legacy Built at the Library During her tenure as Teen Librarian, Leonard launched two enduring TPL traditions: Coffee For A Cause and summer plays for teens. As director, she oversaw the library's Centennial celebration, three major renovations, the creation of a Tween area, Bookmobile purchases and Outreach Services, and the development of a Community Advocacy role within the Adult Learning and Information Services Department. Her focus centered on securing the library's place at the decision-making table in local government and civic life. "I have been blessed to serve as Director of my hometown library," Leonard said in the press release. "I am grateful for the unwavering support of my Board, staff, the school district, Twinsburg, Reminderville, and Twinsburg Township leaders, and the entire community." Leonard credited the Friends of the Twinsburg Library and the TPL Foundation for providing financial and professional support throughout her career. She also praised the ongoing support of Twinsburg School District residents. "The incoming director will inherit an exceptional, team-oriented staff and a Board that not only governs with dedication but rolls up their sleeves when needed — even behind the wheel of the Bookmobile," Leonard said. Education and Community Roots Leonard graduated from R.B. Chamberlin High School in 1986. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and French with a teaching certification from the University of Detroit in 1990, then a Master of Library Science from Kent State University in 1994. Beyond her library career, Leonard served as president of the Twinsburg Rotary Club and led its Interact Club in the mid-2000s. She remains an active parishioner at SS. Cosmas and Damian, and has served on the CLEVNET Directors Panel and the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System Board. Board Praises Her Leadership Suszanne Hawthorne-Clay, president of the TPL Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude for Leonard's contributions. "On behalf of the Twinsburg Public Library Trustees and on a personal level I would like to thank Laura for the outstanding service and vision she has provided to our organization, the communities we serve and our patrons," Hawthorne-Clay said. "Laura's leadership on the local and state level has elevated our library to be considered one of the best in Ohio." Search for New Director Underway The Library Board of Trustees has launched a search for Leonard's replacement, with the goal of having a new director in place by Oct. 1, 2026. The job posting is available on the TPL website, the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System site, and the Ohio Library Council website. Applicants may submit resumes and cover letters through the TPL employment portal or by mail to Mark Durbin, Director of the Search Committee, Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg, OH 44087. Photo credit: The Foundation of the Twinsburg Public Library Facebook Page. Want your business or community news featured on NEOhio.news? Email julie@spidercatmarketing.com