Maureen Lerch Honored for Building Community Through the Wayne College Library
Maureen Lerch, library director at The University of Akron Wayne College, received a 2026 EX[L] Community Engagement Champion Award earlier this year. Presented by UA’s EX[L] Center for Community Engaged Learning, the award recognizes individuals who champion the center’s mission and advance community engagement across the University. Nominated by UA Wayne Executive Director Dr. Heather Howley, Lerch was honored for her work in offering engaging events and activities on campus such as Fireside Readers and Loud in the Library — programs that bring students, employees and area residents together through learning, conversation and shared experiences.
Maureen Lerch, library director at The University of Akron Wayne College, received a 2026 EX[L] Community Engagement Champion Award earlier this year. Presented by UA’s EX[L] Center for Community Engaged Learning, the award recognizes individuals who champion the center’s mission and advance community engagement across the University. Nominated by UA Wayne Executive Director Dr. Heather Howley, Lerch was honored for her work in offering engaging events and activities on campus such as Fireside Readers and Loud in the Library — programs that bring students, employees and area residents together through learning, conversation and shared experiences.
Established in October 2005, Fireside Readers is a signature engagement program of the Wayne College Library that welcomes community members alongside Wayne College students, faculty and staff. Through monthly discussions, the group has cultivated a rich tradition of exploring memoirs, biographies and nonfiction works that inspire thoughtful conversation and personal growth. Since its inception, members have read more than 200 books. An open-door policy encourages new members and guests to attend, whether or not they have read or finished the month’s selection. “Maureen is an innovative librarian, and her work upholds the central mission of the University: to develop enlightened members of society. The Fireside Readers group is just one example of the many good works she has undertaken in her role,” Howley said.
Now in its third year, Loud in the Library was created to “build belonging into the student experience so everyone can see themselves at UA,” Lerch said. The series offers a wide range of activities, including game and trivia nights, Dungeons & Dragons, free movie screenings, murder mystery events, craft nights, Silent Book Club® and karaoke. Students make up most of the participants, but faculty, staff, friends, spouses, family members and community residents are always welcome. New additions this year include Cardboard & Cosplay Craft Week and Fashion Show, Treat Yo’Self Spa Night, and Cocoa & Canvas Paint Along.
Loud in the Library events take place throughout the library, including in the seminar room and UA Wayne’s community room. Through these programs, Lerch said, “students (and community members) tell us that they feel more engaged on campus, and many have formed new friendships.”
Lerch’s Community Engagement Champion Award is a fitting recognition of the welcoming culture she has helped create at UA Wayne. By transforming the library into a place for discovery, connection and belonging, she continues to strengthen relationships among the college and the wider community, one book, program and conversation at a time.
Maureen Lerch, library director at The University of Akron Wayne College, received a 2026 EX[L] Community Engagement Champion Award earlier this year. Presented by UA’s EX[L] C ...
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