2026 Service Excellence Award

The Ohio Library Council has selected Steven Haynie, Branch Manager at Cuyahoga County Public Library, as the recipient of the 2026 Service Excellence Award. Through exceptional customer service and a deep commitment to community engagement, Haynie has built lasting partnerships that connect people with the resources, services, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Throughout his career, Haynie has demonstrated that outstanding library service extends far beyond the library's walls. By cultivating partnerships with healthcare providers, local governments, non-profits, schools, and community organizations, he has developed innovative programs that address some of the community's most pressing needs. His leadership helped launch a partnership with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank which has grown from a single mobile pantry to eight library branches, providing access to more than 1.2 million meals for families facing food insecurity. He also played a key role in developing Memory Café programming, creating welcoming spaces where individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers can find connection, support, and joy.

Haynie's commitment to service is equally evident in his work with youth and families. From entrepreneurship programs that connect young people with local business leaders to partnerships that place books in neighborhood barbershops, he continually finds creative ways to connect people with learning opportunities where they already live, work, and gather.

Within Cuyahoga County Public Library, Haynie is widely respected as a mentor and leader. Colleagues frequently seek Haynie's leadership during times of transition, recognizing his calm, thoughtful approach to building strong teams, supporting staff, and maintaining a welcoming, customer-focused library environment.
His ability to listen, combined with his genuine care for others, has earned the trust of colleagues, community partners, and residents alike, making him an invaluable leader within the organization and throughout the community.

The Service Excellence Award recognizes individuals who consistently go above and beyond in serving their libraries and communities. Through his compassion, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving others, Steven Haynie exemplifies the very best of public library service and the spirit of this award.

Haynie will be formally recognized during a special ceremony on October 21, 2026, at the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky as part of the Ohio Library Council's Convention and Expo.