Commissioners appoint Erin Brown to Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library board

Hamilton County commissioners on Sept. 11 approved a resolution appointing Erin Brown to the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library Board. The commissioners said Brown, who has been active in Forest Park, will provide a local perspective on library services and facilities.

Commissioner Denise Driehaus introduced the appointment and called the library board “a really important board,” noting the library’s role in social services at the main branch and in renovated neighborhood branches. Commissioners moved the resolution and confirmed the appointment by voice vote.

Erin Brown, who addressed the commissioners after the vote, described the Forest Park branch as a “multiuse facility” with multigenerational use, maker space resources used by small businesses and strong community engagement. She thanked Commissioner Alicia Rees for encouraging her to apply and said the appointment was “my way to give back” to a facility she said has had visible impact on her community.

Commissioners noted the newly opened Forest Park branch and praised library staff for the renovations. Commissioner Rees and Commissioner Summer O'Dumas both described the branch as an asset for children, seniors and local small businesses. The appointment was seconded and approved with no recorded opposition.

The commissioners said they expect the appointee to participate in countywide library discussions and help steward continued public use of branches and program spaces, but no start date for Brown’s service was given on the record.