Vermilion's library names new director

VERMILION — Vermilion's new public library director wants to maintain the library as a center for the community.Joy Walk became the director of Ritter Public Library on April 9, taking the job as libraries across the country celebrated National Library Week. She had been serving as the acting director of the library since the end of last year.Walk said she isn't planning any immediate big changes."I think we need to continue to be a community center," Walk said."People may come in for a meeting, then stop to look at the art show and maybe run into a friend," Walk said. "They might also take home a book or a video, but our library is so much more than that. We're the center of the community."Ritter Public Library is part of CLEVNET, giving local patrons access to a large number of books, movies and music CDs as well as online items.She no stranger to Vermilion or its library.Before she returned in late 2018, Walk worked at Vermilion library in 2012 as an associate in the youth services department then worked for four years in adult services. She also has worked for Milan-Berlin Library District and the Seneca East Public Library.Walk went to Scotland in 2016 through Rotary Group Study Exchange, sponsored by Ritter and the local Rotary district.Walk has a master's degree in library science from Kent State University, where she also earned a bachelor's degree in English. She's a Youngstown native who was attracted to working in libraries because she enjoys research and likes to help people.Walk said she likes to read literary fiction and how Zadie Smith is one of her favorite authors.Joy Walk, the new director of Ritter Public Library in Vermilion.