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Campana served on the LPLS Board of Trustees since January 1998. He began his service by filling an unexpired term, and then serving two full terms. During his time, he took on several leadership roles including president, vice president and secretary.
He has met with state-elected officials and advocated for stable funding for public libraries. “My hope is that Lorain Public Library System will continue to grow. I’d like to see the state provide more funding to the library so it can do even more,” Campana said.
During his service, Campana helped secure the relocation of the South Lorain Branch and the North Ridgeville Branch into new, larger buildings, and a major renovation of the Columbia Branch. He calls these expansions some of the greatest LPLS accomplishments he was able to experience.
Another library milestone was reached when Campana became involved with implementing the Friends of the Lorain Public Library, Inc. that supports the Main Library in downtown Lorain, the South Lorain Branch and the Bookmobile. He helped the Lorain Friends with its charter, its tax-exempt status and its incorporation.
He said the Friends of the Library is a good way to attract new people to the library. Through its many book sales, the Lorain Friends are able to raise funds for many library programs. Friends even advocate for state library funding and participate in local library levy campaigns.
Over the past two decades, Campana has seen just how much the library can do and how much it can evolve. He’s seen the transition to automated services with the introduction of computers in the early ‘90s. He also witnessed the Library System join CLEVNET, another revolutionary move that allowed LPLS to provide more for its patrons.
Campana may be stepping down from the library board, but he will remain involved with LPLS.
Currently the treasurer of the Lorain Library Levy Committee and treasurer of the Friends of the Lorain Public Library, Inc., Campana said he would continue these two roles. He proudly notes that LPLS has evolved to provide so much more than books. It has excellent free resources and programming in education, technology and entertainment for children, teens and adults. “(LPLS) provides so many opportunities. It has something for everyone,” Campana said.
Campana said LPLS remains strong because of the overwhelming community support it has received throughout the years, its ability to adapt to changes, and its superior staff. “I think the reason (LPLS) is so successful is because it has a good management and library staff who are efficient and dedicated. They take pride in their work,” Campana said.
As for being a library board member, Campana said, “It’s been an opportunity to do something for the community.”
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