CINCINNATI, OH — The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library (CHPL) is proud to announce that Michelle Matthews, Community and Employee Engagement Director, and Keloni Parks, Branch Manager of the West End Branch, have been named 2025 Movers & Shakers by Library Journal.
This prestigious national recognition honors library professionals from around the world who are innovative, creative, and help shape the future of libraries. Michelle and Keloni join a cohort of 50 forward-thinking leaders selected for their vision, dedication, and impact.
For the first time in its 20-year history, Library Journal’s Movers & Shakers award has honored staff from the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
“Library Journal's 2025 Movers and Shakers represent the best of the creative, inspiring, visionary, and committed individuals who are advancing the library field. We're grateful to our sponsor, Hoopla, for helping LJ to highlight the Movers' important work supporting students, families, and individuals lean in to learning, connect with community, and engage with reading." — Hallie Rich, LJ Editor-in-Chief
Michelle Matthews, Community & Employee Engagement Director
Michelle Matthews brings over 25 years of service experience—including time in the U.S. Air Force and as CHPL’s former Human Resources Manager—to her work leading the library’s community and employee engagement efforts. Since stepping into the role, Michelle has launched community-focused initiatives including a gunlock safety partnership with Cincinnati City Councilmember Anna Albi, a collaboration with Barbershop Books to uplift literacy among youth, outreach in the Hamilton County Juvenile Justice Center, and connecting library customers to basic needs like food, shelter, and employment.
"Michelle leads with purpose, empathy, and courage. Her work ensures that our library doesn’t just reflect our community—it empowers it," said Paula Brehm-Heeger, CHPL’s Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director. "We are so proud of her vision and commitment."
Learn more about Michelle Matthew’s Library Journal 2025 Movers & Shakers here.
Keloni Parks, Branch Manager of the West End Branch
Keloni Parks is being honored for her powerful storytelling and transformational leadership at the West End Branch. As the creator and host of the West End Stories Project podcast, Keloni ensures that the voices of longtime residents—many of whom have lived through and witnessed immense change—are archived, honored, and heard.
Keloni’s impact also includes reviving the Mary Finley Memorial Essay and Speech Contest (honoring one of Cincinnati’s first Black librarians), curating a photography exhibition marking the West End Branch’s 60th anniversary, and her commitment to the young customers of branch, including a project like “The Place I Want to Be,” an anthem composed entirely by the kids and teens of the West End Branch.
"Keloni’s work is both personal and powerful. She’s creating space for stories that matter and showing our youngest customers that the library is a welcoming space for learning and growing," said Brehm-Heeger. "She is a true steward of the community and an inspiring leader at the West End Branch."
Learn more about Keloni Parks’ Library Journal 2025 Movers & Shakers here.
###