**Akron, OH —Pamela Hickson-Stevenson, Executive Director of Akron-Summit County Public Library (ASCPL), has announced her plans to retire in late 2025. HicksonStevenson's career has spanned more than 40 years in public library service. She joined ASCPL in 2006 as the Deputy Director and became the Executive Director in 2018.
The Board of Trustees has expressed deep gratitude for Hickson-Stevenson’s dedication and visionary leadership. “We are grateful for Pam’s unwavering commitment to enhancing Library services and fostering a love for reading and learning in our community,” stated John Frola, President of the Library Board of Trustees.
As the daughter of a preacher and a schoolteacher, education and a love for words and learning came to her naturally, as did a calling to public service. After studying English at the University of Mount Union, she continued on to graduate school for library science at Case Western Reserve University.
Before coming to ASCPL, Hickson-Stevenson served as the Director at Wadsworth Public Library, Wayne County Public Library, and Portage County District Library, respectively. From 2000 to 2015, she was an adjunct instructor of courses in library management and public libraries at the School of Information at Kent State University.
Under Hickson-Stevenson's leadership, ASCPL has grown in many ways, including successful navigation through the COVID-19 pandemic, expansion of programs and services, technology updates to meet the changing needs of customers, and, most recently, the passage of a $180 million bond issue on the May ballot, which will fund only the much-needed maintenance and improvement of Library facilities. “
This is the right time for a transition to a new Executive Director. There is much to be done with tackling the system’s capital needs and with preparing to be on the ballot in 2027 for the Library’s current operating levy,” stated Hickson-Stevenson. She also expressed profound appreciation for the Library Board of Trustees and employees. “I truly am grateful that the last stop of my career in public libraries has been at the AkronSummit County Public Library.”
The Library Board of Trustees will begin a search for a new director in the coming months.
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