# 28: George Elliott McCormick, 1929-1931

After eighteen months of keeping the library open with no funds and under the leadership of State Librarian Charles B. Galbreath, the State Library reopened in 1929 after Governor Myers Y. Cooper took office and approved the appropriations. George E. McCormick was endorsed by Governor Cooper and then appointed State Librarian by the State Library Board.  McCormick was another newspaperman, having worked for the Marion Star, first as reporter and then editor from 1901 to 1926. He was the editor of the Lima Star until his appointment as State Librarian. The Annual Report of the Ohio State Library Feb. 8 to Nov. 15, 1929 begins, “When the State Librarian assumed office on February 1 of this year, he was faced with a problem somewhat like the physician who takes over the case of a patient after a long illness. Rebuilding and rejuvenating the whole system was found to be necessary.” After detailed descriptions of each department’s role and services provided by the library, McCormick ended the report stating, “With an eye single to the goal of improved service for the greatest number, we are sure beneficial results will follow the simple application of sane business methods combined with library technique and vision.”