Lisa Santucci celebrates 10 years as Library Director
The Tipp City Public Library (TCPL) is a staple in our beautiful hometown of Tipp City. There is something for everyone at the community gathering place, from books to Mahjong to paranormal activity sightings, Wi-Fi, support groups, story times, and more. When it comes to creating the safe space the public library provides, no one works harder than the library director, Lisa Santucci. After 10 years at TCPL, Lisa reflects on time well spent.
Before she was Library Lady, Vespa Lady, Book Bike, or Library Director, Lisa was the Assistant Dean for Instruction and Emerging Technologies at Miami University. Every Day for 22 years, Lisa commuted to the university and wore a pantsuit, a dress, a skirt, or some other professional outfit. She donned a briefcase and helped students and staff with research and collegiate issues. Now, in her funky T-shirts, jeans, or even occasional pajamas (when there’s an emergency), Lisa says this is the hardest she’s ever worked. She also believes it’s been the most rewarding experience she’s ever had in the workplace.
Lisa viewed the small-town library director gig as a retirement role that people took on as a small gig. Instead, Santucci buckled in and stayed along for the ride of one of Tipp City’s most valued and needed citizens. Every day, Santucci has a to-do list in hand, and without fail, every day she spends the majority of her time helping others. It sounds taxing, or even annoying, but it’s the part of the job that Lisa loves the most. She says, “I have the obligation to create the best library for the Tipp City community.” Lisa’s commitment to her obligation is evident in the library's transformation.
There’s an incredible number of activities happening each day at the library. There are always teens in the basement, meetings in the conference rooms, games, and book clubs in the afternoon. The library is a booming ecosystem, and there is no little man behind the curtain. There is only Lisa and her team.
Lisa cares deeply about her role and the library's role in the community. Ten years ago, she was only ever helping students in a stiff professional setting. Now, Lisa has her heart in every aspect of Tipp City. One of her favorites is “the alley.”
In 2016, Lisa attended a city meeting and doodled her perspective of Tipp City while taking notes. Soon after, she contacted a muralist, executed layouts, conversed with colleagues, and, in two years, created the beautiful artwork on the side of the library building and a small alley where people can enjoy lunch, read a book, or even watch a projected movie.
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