CHILLICOTHE, OH — October 2026 — After nearly a decade of leadership and service to the Ross County community, James Hill will retire as Executive Director of the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library (CRCPL), effective October 30, 2026.
Hill joined CRCPL in February 2017 and has helped guide the library through a period of growth, expanded services, facility improvements, and increased community partnerships. During his tenure, the library has continued to evolve beyond traditional library services, finding new ways to connect residents with information, resources, and opportunities throughout Ross County.
Among the library’s accomplishments during Hill’s leadership are the expansion of outreach services, including the introduction of the Bee Mobile Library in 2022; the addition of 24/7 BookHive pickup lockers in underserved communities; the opening of a new Kingston Library; and significant improvements to library facilities. The library also expanded its
collection of nontraditional items, offering residents access to tools, technology, recreational equipment, and other resources.
Hill also helped lead CRCPL through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the library adapted its services to continue connecting residents with resources and information. In 2020, Ross County voters approved a continuing operating levy with 70% support, helping secure the library’s future and expand services.
In recognition of his leadership and contributions to librarianship, Hill was named Ohio’s Librarian of the Year by the Ohio Library Council in 2021.
“James has helped shape the library into an organization that continues to grow and respond to the changing needs of our community,” said Tamra Lowe, President of the CRCPL Board of Trustees. “From expanding access to library services throughout Ross County to building partnerships and investing in our facilities and staff, his leadership has made a lasting impact. We appreciate his years of service and wish him the very best in this next chapter.”
Reflecting on his time in Chillicothe, Hill expressed gratitude for the opportunities and relationships that have shaped his career. “I’m extremely thankful to the staff and Board of Trustees at CRCPL for giving me the latitude
to try new things,” Hill wrote in his September retirement announcement.
Library Leadership Transition
The CRCPL Board of Trustees has named Chief Fiscal Officer Cassie Schaaf Stout as Interim Director following Hill’s departure. Stout will oversee library operations and work with the library’s leadership team to ensure continuity of services during the transition.
The Board of Trustees will determine the next steps in the process of selecting permanent executive leadership. Throughout this transition, CRCPL remains committed to providing the same high-quality library services, programs, and resources to residents across Ross County.
“We are grateful for the dedicated staff and leadership team who continue to serve our community every day,” Lowe said. “We are confident in Cassie’s ability to provide steady leadership during this transition as the Board thoughtfully considers the library’s future.”
For more information about Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library, visit www.CRCPL.org.
