Academic and Career Accomplishments
Phyllis Cettomai was born in Boston and came to Ravenna at the age of eight. She attended Immaculate Conception School through the eighth grade and graduated from Ravenna High School in 1964 as salutatorian of her class with an Honors Diploma. She has a B.A. in Biology and a Master of Library Science from Kent State University. When Estrilla Daniels retired in 1974 as Director of Reed Memorial Library, Phyllis took her place. Many changes occurred during her tenure as Director. The library expanded to the north in 1979 adding a meeting room for the first time. Internet access in public libraries changed the face of the public library in the 1990s. The library automated offering a web catalog that included all of the public libraries in Portage County. With the renovation and expansion of the library in 2005-2006, the library offered expanded Internet access for the public, Sunday openings, multiple meeting rooms and many other enhancements. Phyllis developed the local history pages on the library’s web site and was involved in Ravenna’s Bicentennial Celebration in 1999. Partnerships were developed with the Portage County Historical Society, Ravenna Schools and Maplewood. Phyllis belongs to the Ohio Library Council; has been president, secretary and is currently treasurer of the Portage County Literacy Coalition; and has been president and held other offices in the Ravenna Business and Professional Women. Phyllis has also received the following awards: 2005 Irene Bandy-Hedden Early Childhood Education Leadership Award, 2006 Goodwill Employee of Distinction Award and 2007 Woman of Distinction Award from the Women’s Resource Center at Kent State University. Phyllis retired in 2007 as Director after 41 years of service.