Retired Westminster Library Director Promotes Arts, History & Culture

Lynn Wheeler moved to Carroll County when she was hired as the director of the county’s public library in 2004. It didn’t take her long to fall in love with the community and its people, and in the nearly two decades since, she has worked hard to support the local arts and culture scene, as well as preserve the history of the area.

Since retiring from the Carroll County Public Library in 2018, Wheeler has stayed deeply connected to and involved in the community. The library Director Emeritus serves as a board chair for the Historical Society of Carroll County and Carroll County Arts Council and Vice President of the GFWC Woman's Club of Westminster. She is an active member of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and the Finksburg Garden Committee. She was even recognized by Carroll Magazine as its 2022 Person of the Year.

We spoke with Wheeler about her legacy at the Carroll County Public Library, her current work with some prominent local organizations and what she loves most about being a part of the Westminster and Carroll County communities.

Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Patch: What are some of your proudest accomplishments from your 14 years as the Executive Director of the Carroll County Public Library?

Wheeler: I was the Executive Director of the Carroll County Public Library from 2004 to 2018. In great partnership with County government officials, Board members and staff, we accomplished many things, including the opening of the Finksburg Branch and the renovation of all other branches. We established Day for Booklovers and Battle of the Books, as well as the Friends of CCPL organization, and started the process of developing Exploration Commons. I was very honored that the Board gave me the recognition of Director Emeritus when I retired.

Patch: What is your involvement with the Carroll County Public Library today?

Wheeler: Today, I enjoy many author events at the library and volunteer on the Finksburg Branch Garden Committee. I was on the winning team for the first adult Battle of the Books competition, which was great fun! I’m also on the Finksburg Garden Committee at the Finksburg library. I ALWAYS learn a lot from the master gardeners who designed the gardens at the library.

Patch: In addition to being the board chair, you also chair the Program Committee at the Historical Society of Carroll County (HSCC). Can you tell us a bit more about your work with HSCC and what the organization does for the community?

Wheeler: The Historical Society Board operates three historic buildings, offers events throughout the year and publishes a history journal three times a year, in addition to a quarterly events/highlights newsletter. We have a top notch group of volunteers staffing the research library, which is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Events include a monthly Box Lunch Talk series (BLT), featuring speakers on a variety of topics of interest to the many history lovers in Carroll County. These talks are held at Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster and are all recorded and posted to HSCC’s YouTube Channel.

The July 2023 BLT featured Ken and Marty Hankins, who started Shiloh Pottery in Hampstead 50 years ago. Our August speaker will be Patricia Greenwald, who coordinated the restoration of three historic schoolhouses in Carroll and Howard Counties.

The Historical Society also holds an annual meeting. This year it will feature a speaker from the Maryland Center for History and Culture, highlighting the Jim Henson exhibit: Imagination Unlimited.

HSCC has a dynamic Executive Director, Jason Illari, who has been with the organization for 18 months. Under his leadership, the board approved a robust Strategic Plan. The Board also recently approved a new position, Director of Outreach and Events, and hired Laura Bankard, who brings a lot of skills, experience and energy to HSCC.

Patch: Among the many projects and organizations you’re involved in, your passion for the Carroll County Arts Council truly shines through. As the Council’s Gala Chair, what would you like the members of your community to know about CCAC?

Wheeler: Carroll County Arts Council offers a wide range of events at the Arts Center and in partnership with other organizations. There is something for everyone at the CCAC!

This year, the CCAC Board will be busy working with staff and the community to develop a new Strategic Plan. The Carroll County Arts Council Board also hired a new Executive Director within the past 18 months. Lynne Griffith hit the ground running to work with the community and staff to develop new and exciting events, from the superb Black American Film Festival and Sunday Classics, to outdoor family movies and the BrewHaHa comedy series. Numerous exhibits throughout the year feature awe-inspiring works of art.

Under Lynne’s leadership, the CCAC has a top notch team of staff and volunteers to handle the vast array of events held under the auspices of the Arts Center. These include two major FUN and FUND-raising events, the PEEPshow and the Wreath Festival, which require hundreds of staff and volunteer hours.

Patch: You were recognized as the 2022 Carroll Magazine Person of the Year. What does this honor mean to you?

Wheeler: I can’t say what led to the nomination, only that I was honored and humbled by this recognition, knowing how many hard-working people we have in this community who volunteer every day in countless ways to improve the quality of life in our community. I noted in the article announcing the recognition that, “I have been in love with this community since I came here in 2004. People are so giving and kind and open to partnerships. People really try to work together, too. It’s one of the great attributes of this community.”

Patch: Finally, what do you love most about being a part of the Westminster/Carroll County community?

Wheeler: Working with fabulous people.

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