Syracuse Public Library Embarks On A Changing Of The Guard

Kim Blaha and Jon Gaskill stand in front of the Syracuse Public Library. Blaha is retiring from the library after almost 11 years serving as its executive director. Gaskill took over the role on Oct. 13.

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!”