Legal Aid Director appointed to Cleveland Public Library board

Cleveland Public Library Welcomes New Board Member
The Library introduces new Trustee to the public at its April board meeting

APRIL 18, 2023 (CLEVELAND, OH) – Cleveland Public Library is pleased to announce the confirmation of Melanie A. Shakarian, Esq. to the Library Board of Trustees. She was chosen by the Board of Education for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) which governs Cleveland Public Library’s Board of Trustees.

“Ms. Shakarian is an excellent addition to the Library Board of Trustees. Her background in law and policy will be a welcome resource,” said Maritza Rodriguez, President of the Cleveland Public Library Board of Trustees.

As Director of Development and Communications for The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Shakarian has been leading public relations, marketing, fundraising, and government relations efforts for Legal Aid since 2004. Prior to her tenure at Legal Aid, Shakarian was Director of Annual Major Gifts and Parish Services for The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Foundation.

“Cleveland Public Library’s vision is a city in which opportunity is within reach for everyone. Melanie understands what it takes to build a strong, thriving, and equitable community,” said Felton Thomas Jr., Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library.

A life-long Cleveland resident, Shakarian received her bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University, and her law degree and a certificate of nonprofit management from Case Western Reserve University. She is a graduate of Leadership Cleveland, a German Marshall Fund Fellow, a past participant in the Adler Civic Leaders Mission, and an active member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.

“I whole-heartedly believe in access to opportunity for all–which is why I work at Legal Aid–and why this new opportunity to serve the Cleveland Public Library as a Trustee is so meaningful. I look forward to helping the staff and patrons of “The People’s University” continue to build upon the traditions of the best library system in the United States,” said Melanie Shakarian, incoming member of the Cleveland Public Library Board of Trustees.

Shakarian replaces Alan Seifullah who resigned from the board in February 2023. Appointed in March 2007, Seifullah faithfully served the Board, supported advancements in literacy and digital services, and the creation of safe spaces for children. Seifullah’s devotion to the Library began in 1995 as the Library’s Head of Marketing and Public Relations. “The Board will miss Alan’s steadfast belief in empowering our community. He was a strong advocate for civic engagement and literacy,” mentions Rodriguez.

Cleveland Public Library was established as a school district library under Ohio law. This law allows the CMSD Board of Education to appoint the Board of Trustees for the Library

Shakarian took her oath of office at the Library’s April 18^th board meeting at noon.

Learn about the Cleveland Public Library Board of Trustees. For images and photos, visit here.

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About Cleveland Public Library 

Founded in 1869, Cleveland Public Library serves the residents of Cleveland through its network of 27 neighborhood branches, the Main Library downtown, Public Administration Library at City Hall, homebound delivery services, and mobile services to daycare and senior centers. From a collection of 10.5 million items, the Library has traditionally circulated nearly 6 million items a year to its 264,614 registered borrowers and to 47 other CLEVNET-member libraries in 12 counties across Northeast Ohio. Cleveland Public Library is home to the Ohio Center for the Book and the Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, serving all 88 counties in the state of Ohio. For more information, visit cpl.org.

About Legal Aid

Founded in 1905, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland has been a vehicle for extending justice throughout Northeast Ohio for 118 years. With a service area spanning Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain counties, Legal Aid is the only civil legal aid provider in the region and plays a unique and critical role in the community. Legal Aid’s mission is to secure justice, equity, and access to opportunity for and with people who have low incomes through passionate legal representation and advocacy for systemic change.

Using the power of the law, Legal Aid works to improve safety and health, promote education and economic security, secure stable and decent housing, and improve accountability and accessibility of government and justice systems. By solving fundamental problems for individuals and families with low incomes, Legal Aid removes barriers to opportunity and helps people achieve greater stability. In 2022, Legal Aid served 21,700 people through nearly 8,000 cases, and supported thousands more through community legal education and outreach efforts. Learn more at lasclev.org.

Contact: Kelly Woodard, Cleveland Public Library, (216) 902-3696, kelly.woodard@cpl.org