Rep. Smith receives Ohio Library Council’s Andrew Carnegie Award

COLUMBUS, Ohio — State Representative Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell) yesterday received the Andrew Carnegie Award from the Ohio Library Council during the organization’s legislative luncheon.

The Andrew Carnegie Award is presented to a government official who has exhibited outstanding support of public libraries and their efforts to assure quality public library services to all Ohioans.

“It was an honor to receive the Carnegie Award from the Ohio Library Council and to spend some time with Debbie Saunders from the Gallia County Library, whose innovative programs are providing services like mobile Wi-Fi hotspots and educational opportunities to citizens young and old in Southeast Ohio,” said Smith.

Smith serves as the Chairman of the House Finance Committee and represents the 93rd House District, which includes Jackson and Gallia counties, as well as portions of Lawrence and Vinton counties.

The award is named after Andrew Carnegie, who spent much of his wealth on establishing thousands of public libraries in the United States, including 105 in Ohio.