Erin Baker, Coordinator of Organizational Learning, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, received a 2020 "20 Under 40" Leadership Recognition Award on Wednesday, October 28.

Baker, a 1998 graduate of St. Ursula Academy, led a cultural shift at the Kent Branch by promoting community access, resources, and enrichment in the safe space of the library. The result was 20 new community partnerships, an average of 30 percent increase in program attendance, and increased meeting room usage, door counts, and collection check-outs. In her role, she led a system-wide model of servant leadership.

She also serves as chair of the City of Toledo Human Relations Commission and as co-director of Northwestern University's Alumni Admission Council for Northwest Ohio. Her other current and past community board involvement include the Habitat for Humanity Women's Build Committee, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Women of Distinction Committee, Arts Commission Public Arts Review Board, Penta Career Center Advisory Board, Boys & Girls Club Board, Scott High School Community Hub Board, and Pickett Elementary School Community Hub Board. 

Baker is a recipient of the University of Toledo's Dr. Robert J. Schlemback Award for loyalty, dedication, and outstanding service when she served as an Assistant Director for Residential Marketing, Associate Director for Upward Bound, and Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing. A graduate of Northwestern University, she earned her graduate degree at the University of Notre Dame.

The "20 Under 40" program focuses on individuals in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan under the age of 40 who have distinguished themselves in their career and/or in the community.