October marks a major transition at the Syracuse Public Library as its executive director of almost 11 years, Kim Blaha, retires and Jon Gaskill steps into the role of helming the library.

Blaha became Syracuse Public Library’s executive director on Jan. 2, 2015. Previously, she had worked at eight different libraries in four different states, including in Illinois, Oregon, Wisconsin and Indiana. Libraries have served as a passion in Blaha’s life, and she received her master’s in library science in 1987.

“I loved most everything about (being a director),” Blaha stated. “The creativity and problem solving the job required were the best. I grew beyond anything I ever did before. The job required my whole self.”

During her tenure at the Syracuse Public Library, Blaha helped conclude its ongoing remodel that had started prior to her arrival. She would also beautify the library’s front landscaping, creating a more inviting entrance. In 2020, Blaha steered the library through the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19 shutdowns, during which the library pivoted to curbside pickups, ensuring patrons could still access materials while following social distancing mandates. Among her many accomplishments were the creation of the Community Roots outdoor space, for which Blaha had secured a grant; the addition of the Indiana Legal Kiosk; and helping direct feasibility studies for a new library building.

However, Blaha noted, “The most important thing to me was helping staff grow as people and become confident in themselves and in their work. Physical things like remodels and building projects are great and look good but helping the library serve the community and seeing people belong to something larger than themselves, learn and discover new things is the greatest thing I could have facilitated.”

Gaskill began his role as executive director on Oct. 13, bringing years of library experience. He noted, “I have been working in libraries for over 15 years and have been an administrator for about 10 of those years. I have done adult programming, taught computer classes, worked a reference desk, ordered materials, handled genealogy research and requests, worked the desk, messed around in makerspaces enough to be dangerous — I have been a director, assistant director.”

Gaskill participated in the Indiana Librarian Leadership Academy 2013 cohort and the ALA Leadership Institute. He has also successfully written many grants. Most recently, he served as the executive director of the Wabash Carnegie Public Library.

“I was drawn to be the director at Syracuse as I heard through the grapevine that Kim was retiring, and I was looking for an opportunity closer to home, so I took a leap of faith to apply and interview,” Gaskill said. “I was happy to work in Wabash, and they were happy with me, but this position just makes sense and allows me to make a difference in my community. I consider myself lucky to be able to work in my hometown.”

In his new position, Gaskill hopes to bring in more people to the library and expand access to library cards, focusing on children. His third goal is to increase circulation and participation in library programs.

“A reading community makes a huge difference in so many things, especially economically,” he said. “(It gives) people the opportunity to stick and stay, not just move away for big towns. I love Syracuse — it has heart, and people are so welcoming and kind. I want to foster that feeling.”

Gaskill resides near Lake Wawasee and Papakeechie Lake with his wife, Ali, two sons and a stepdaughter.

As for Blaha, she shared, “I look forward to being with my grandson and seeing him grow. Babies make you live in the moment. That’s refreshing!”

There’s nothing like a Halloween spent visiting the Syracuse Public Library.

We’re bringing back the Halloween Party from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, in our outdoor parking lot. Come for candy and delicious monster munch (trail mix) and stay for the dance party and games! Or come and go as you trick-or-treat through the neighborhood. (We understand! You need all the sweets!)

​This year, we’ll have a duck decorating contest, where children will decorate rubber duckies. Pick up ducks on or after Monday, Sept. 29, and return the finished ducks to the library by Oct. 24. The ducks will be judged in two separate age brackets — bigs (ages 7-12) and littles (0-6) — with prize baskets!

​Censorship Is So 1984 -- Read for Your Rights! With the escalation in attempts to ban books in libraries, schools, and bookstores around the country, George Orwell’s cautionary tale 1984 serves a prescient warning about the dangers of censorship. This year’s Banned Books Week theme reminds us that the right to read belongs to all of us, that censorship has no place in contemporary society, and that we must defend our rights. Banned Books Week will take place October 5 – 11, 2025.

“The 2025 theme of Banned Books Week serves as a reminder that censorship efforts persist to this day,” ALA President Cindy Hohl said. “We must always come together to stand up for the right to read.”
During National Library Week, ALA released the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024 list and the State of America’s Libraries report. The majority of book censorship attempts now originate from organized movements. Pressure groups and government entities that include elected officials, board members, and administrators initiated 72% of demands to censor books in school and public libraries. The 120 titles most frequently targeted for censorship during 2024 are all identified on partisan book rating sites, which provide tools for activists to demand the censorship of library books. 
Banned Books Week launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of book challenges in libraries, schools, and bookstores.