Ohio University Chillicothe to host Freedom of Information panel for Constitution Day

Ohio University Chillicothe invites the community to celebrate Constitution Day on Tuesday, Sept. 17, with a panel discussion entitled “Freedom of Information Past and Present in the Public Library,” at 4 p.m. in the Bennett Hall Auditorium.

Public libraries are on the frontlines of freedom of information issues, from the selection of materials in the collections to celebrations of cultural events like Pride Month and religious holidays. The panel will explore the historical role of libraries and the modern challenges posed by disinformation and social media.

The Nathaniel Massie Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will read the Preamble to the Constitution before the panel discussion commences and, per tradition, will ring bells to commemorate the signing of the Constitution by the delegates in 1787.

James Hill, executive director of the Chillicothe and Ross County Library, will moderate the discussion. Panelists include Erin Lyons, enrichment director, Jenn Slone, access director from the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library; and Drew Wichterman, director of Pickaway County Library.

Hill, MLIS, CPL, has worked in libraries for over 35 years. He is an active volunteer and serves as the chair of the United Way of Ross County. He is a member of the American Library Association and the Ohio Library Council, where he serves on the Government Relations Committee.

Lyons, MLIS, has over a decade of experience in public libraries. As an active member of the Public Library Association and the Ohio Library Council, she is dedicated to advancing the role of libraries in society. Her passion for youth development extends beyond the library walls. She serves on the 4-H Extension Advisory Committee and holds board positions in several youth sports organizations.

Slone, MLIS, is a champion for patron privacy, intellectual freedom, and equity, working to remove barriers to library access wherever possible. She has dedicated her more than 20 year career to community service, with the last 10 years in public libraries. She has served on the Ohio Library Council Board of Directors for the last six years.

Wichterman, MLIS, CPL, has worked in libraries for over a decade. He currently serves as a State Library of Ohio board member. He is a member of the American Library Association, the Advocacy Committee for the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, and the Ohio Library Council, where he is serving as the 2025 Convention and Expo Chair.