(Editor’s note: This is the sixth and final story honoring the NKyTribune’s ’26 NewsMakers of the year.)
By Laura Kroeger
NKyTribune staff writer
When Dave Schroeder was a young student at St. James School, a social studies teacher changed his life. Mrs. Susan Ankenbauer jumped on Dave’s curiosity about history. She took the class to the nearby public library and saw a spark in the young Ludlow eighth grader. He was drawn to books, history and genealogy. His journey started. He went on to become one of the most influential library directors in the Commonwealth.
Now, after almost 40 years at the Kenton County Library, he has retired and can bask in his achievements, looking forward to a future of travel, scholarship, speaking, and writing. Still a Ludlow resident, he also plans on spoiling his great nephews and nieces, hoping one may follow in his footsteps.
“I began as a shelver in 1986 when I was a teenager,” he recalls. “The next year I began categorizing historic newspapers. It was quite appropriate since I was seeking a history degree from Thomas More College (now University). That’s where the late Dr. Ray Hebert instilled in me an even greater passion for history. He used a mix of lecture, interactive activities, personal connections and creative strategies that transformed facts into compelling narratives and memorable experiences.”
Dr. Hebert’s demeanor sounds a lot like Dave Schroeder’s.
The other person who mentored Dave was Kenton County Library Director Wayne Onkst. He originally hired Dave as a shelver. After a library hiatus from 1996 to 2000 while Dave served as archivist for Thomas More and the Diocese of Covington, Onkst lured him back. Dave was now armed with his Master’s degree in library science from the University of Kentucky. Somewhere along the way he also earned an Associate’s degree in theology from Thomas More. He returned to the library in 2000 as the Kentucky history librarian.
“Wayne Onkst was someone who encouraged me to aim high. When he was named State Librarian, he knew I was ready to become director. I learned quickly that no one accomplishes anything on their own. We put together an exceptional team. That’s how you get things done.”
Dave always kept a plaque on his desk that said, “One Good Thing.” It was a constant reminder to be intentional about doing something daily to assist someone or give them a boost. His second mantra is what he calls “the R-word” — relevance. “As a tax-supported institution we always had to view everything through the lens of our actions being relevant to the community we serve. Do we do things that meet constituents’ expectations?”
Julia Brossert has been Dave’s friend since second grade. Now, after an amazing 50-year friendship, they still talk often and bounce ideas off each other. Brossert is currently head of public affairs for the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI). But her endeavors did take her out of state. For 20 years she headed the Lieutenant Governors Association and worked for the Missouri House of Representatives.
“Wherever I was, I could call Dave for advice. We always stayed in touch. He has given back so very much to this community. Dave is concerned, authentic and brilliant. His leadership spans across Kentucky and the nation, like working with the Smithsonian. He always has time to mentor others. I actually saw these qualities in second grade (seriously), then when I was at Notre Dame and he was at Cov Cath. I knew long ago that he was destined to make something great. That’s exactly what he did with the Kenton County Library System.”
Dave served as library director from 2007 to 2026. His remarkable 19 years at the helm also enabled him to invest his talents with various non-profits such as the Kentucky Public Archives, UK Library Alumni Association and Kids Voting. If someone needed a speaker, Dave was there. If he came across an author or famous orator, he wasn’t shy about asking them to headline a session at a library branch.
He has spent a decade on the Board of Kids Voting, trying to ensure that the next generation embraces civic engagement and understands the First Amendment. His service has also extended to the board of Covington Partners (now Partners in Change), president of the Friends of the Kentucky State Archives and president of the University of Kentucky Library Association.
When Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was announced, Dave was one of the main instigatorst o bring together schools, St. Elizabeth’s maternity units and community organizations to make sure the youngest readers possible could start receiving books.
His legacy also involves launching programs and services out of the Kenton County Library on par with some of the best known libraries in the county.
“I think the 2025 statistics speak for themselves,” says Dr. Angie Taylor, president of Taylor Career Strategies, LLC. She has spent almost a decade on the Library Foundation Board.
“Just think, last year 1,600 people came to the opening of the Latonia Library branch. That’s a huge crowd for a library debut. 700,000 people visited the Kenton libraries last year, 2.2 million pieces were borrowed with 65% of those being books. An amazing 190,000 people attended library programs. These numbers give you a glimpse into what an outstanding and effective servant leader Dave is.”
The library has a STREAM Center (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and math) that has a variety of technological advancements visitors can use like a 3-D printer and a glass etching machine. Library card holders can check out power tools for home repairs; practical pieces like telescopes, metal detectors and Jenga games; an oral history kit to record local stories or interviews using an Olympus recorder; books to download; and movies to stream.
Angie Taylor sums up Dave Schroeder’s impact. “Dave did a wonderful job building a strong non-profit Foundation and a solid library system. He has been tremendously successful and well-liked. That’s the beauty of Dave. I admire his capacity to get things done and the programs that materialized because people wanted to see the library continue to thrive because of his influence.”
Due to his extraordinary leadership, can-do attitude, scholarship and commitment to excellence, Dave Schroeder is a laudable selection as a 2026 NKY Newsmaker.
(Celebrate Dave Schroeder and other NewsMakers at free breakfast-by-the bite (with coffee) reception and awards presentation on October 7, 8-10 a.m., at Wenzel Distillery Event Center, 412 Madison Ave., Covington. All welcome.)
