Ohio native and recent New York resident Beverly Arlequeeuw is excited to be back in the Buckeye state, after relocating her family to Logan County to serve as the new Logan County Libraries director.
“There is just something about Ohio libraries; they are wonderful,” she said from her new office at the Knowlton Library, 220 N. Main St., where she trained throughout the month of July with longtime director Judy Goodrich, who has retired after 52 years of service to the local library system.
“I lived in New York for the past 16 years, but prior to that, have lived all over Ohio. The support and funding for libraries here has always been terrific. I’m happy to be back.”
Arlequeeuw, who began her new role on July 1, grew up in the Fostoria area, and said her hometown and upbringing was not too different from Logan County.
“I grew up in a rural setting with eight siblings on a farm. Now, I’m looking forward to living closer to most of my siblings, instead of having a 10-hour drive to see everyone.
“It’s been fun getting to know a new area and we’re getting settled into our new home.
I’m enjoying getting to know the job and everyone here. We’re loving what Bellefontaine has to offer and we’re taking it all in.”
Last weekend, she also was able to share a favorite Buckeye tradition with her son, Aaron, and husband of 20 years, Bill, with a trip to the Ohio State Fair, where she previously performed as part of the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir as a senior in high school. Now her son will be a senior at Benjamin Logan High School this fall.
The new area resident, who previously served as the director of the Port Jervis Free Library in New York for 14 years, attended Tiffin University for her associate’s degree, and then received her bachelor’s degree in English from Kent State University, along with her master of library science degree from Kent State.
Prior to moving to New York when her husband, Bill, was offered a job there about 16 years ago, Arlequeeuw said she lived all over Ohio and worked in libraries in different locations, including in Toledo, Dayton and Portage County, specializing as a youth services librarian.
Upon their transition to New York, Arlequeeuw began working as the head of the children’s division at the Goshen Public Library in Goshen, N.Y. Then she accepted the director position with the Port Jervis Free Public Library.
Her family lived in the Port Jervis area during that time, which she said is a smaller community of about 20,000 people, but is located about 65 miles upstate from New York City, just a commuter train ride away.
Accepting the job with the Logan County Libraries and transitioning to the area was a process that took several months, considering the move involved. But it was one that was also aided by modern technology, the new director noted.
“We bought our house virtually, and were finally able to a walk-thru of it when we were here in April,” she said. “Thankfully, that all went very smoothly and I was able to meet with the library board at that time as well.”
She also noted that her husband is able to keep his job from New York, working remotely from their local home.
Training with Goodrich, who served as the Logan County Libraries director for 36 years, has been quite valuable for Arlequeeuw, who is grateful for all of the time that was spent to help her with a smooth transition.
Last fall, Goodrich was honored for her five decades of service with a surprise party hosted by the library board of trustees and staff and attended by many of her family members, friends, public officials and the community, as previously detailed in the Examiner. Goodrich began working at the library as a page while a student at Bellefontaine High School.
Her retirement was effective July 31.
“How do you say good-bye to something that has been a part of your life for so long?”
Goodrich said earlier this month. “Beverly knows that I am available for questions by phone, e-mail or text or even a visit when needed.
“I will always have the best interests and support for our library system.”
During the upcoming months, the new director is looking forward to getting to know all of the staff, the board of trustees and her patrons. She also wants to work closely with the five branch locations of the library to serve all of Logan County.
“The more I get to know about the community, the better I can help to meet the needs here. I’m looking forward to making connections here and getting involved.
“I hope to bring fresh ideas to the library, but before making any type of changes, I want to get settled here and get to know the staff and the board,” said the longtime librarian, who also is interested in joining the upcoming Leadership Logan County classes to be able to network with others and learn more about the area.
In addition to the enthusiasm for her new community, Arlequeeuw and her family look forward to taking their RV to some of the state parks in Ohio for outdoor camping adventures and also being able to gather with her family more often, including a sibling reunion planned for this weekend.