annual meeting and program

The Wooster Friends of the Library will honor Barry Romich, recipient of the 2025 Local Library Champion Award, during the annual meeting and program on Thursday, October 22, beginning beginning at 7 pm in the Wooster Public Library meeting room.

A native of Creston, OH, Romich earned a degree in engineering from Case Western Reserve University and later co-founded the Prentke-Romich Company, and he started The Romich Foundation which supports schools and non-profit organizations that promote STEM education in Wayne County.

Through his foundation, Romich has helped Wayne County libraries fund 3D printers, laser engravers, and other hardware for their Creation Stations. The Romich Foundation has also donated solar panels for the library bookmobile, and it was instrumental in the development of the Joyful Cafe in the Wooster Public Library.

In addition to his tech philanthropy, Romich Foundation has invested in serving the needs of disadvantaged individuals. Thanks to his generosity, the Wayne County Park District was able to construct an ADA-accessible pavilion at the Barnes Preserve in Wooster. The Cornerstone PlayLab received support to create an ADA compliant, safe play space for all youth, including those with disabilities.

The program will follow a brief meeting of the Wooster Friends of the Library. Refreshments will be available.