Remembering Carolyn Brodie, An Inspiration to Us All

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the library community lost one of its most dedicated and passionate champions. Dr. Carolyn Brodie, Professor Emerita in the School of Information, was an inspiration to the iSchool and is fondly remembered among our alumni. Carolyn’s love of libraries and children's books radiated in everything she accomplished while at Kent State University.

Carolyn’s profound joy in teaching prospective librarians in the Master of Library and Information Science program — especially in her beloved "Services to Children” course where she shared her love of picture books — was legendary. Her infectious laughter and collaborative approach were foundational to the growth of the children's, teen and school library programs of study.

Her enthusiasm for transforming library services for children and youth across Ohio served as inspiration to many of the successful initiatives taken by the school during her tenure at Kent State. Carolyn’s legacy is monumental. Her visionary creation of the first Everyday Reading Room collection of children’s books and picturebook art for study and research became the foundation of the Reinberger Children's Library Center.

Carolyn’s many successful collaborative grant projects ensured student scholarships and created professional development opportunities for numerous youth library and museum professionals. Carolyn transformed the landscape of children's services, presenting workshops that reached thousands of educators, authoring hundreds of influential articles and books, serving as President of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and shaping literary excellence through her service on the Newbery and Caldecott committees. In each role, she brought tireless energy and unwavering vision.

In addition to Carolyn’s professional achievements, she was a cherished friend and mentor to iSchool faculty and librarians in Ohio and across the nation. Our deepest condolences go out to all of her family, friends and everyone whose life she touched.