Scio Ruritan honors Smith as Citizen of the Year

The Scio Dining Fork Ruritan Club met Dec. 9 at Capraro’s Restaurant in Hopedale for its annual Christmas banquet, where Ashley Smith was presented with the Scio Dining Fork Ruritan Citizen of the Year Award.

Smith is manager of the Scio Branch of the Puskarich Public Library. Her previous experience includes serving as a children’s librarian in Cadiz, working with the Help Me Grow program to support families and working as a special education paraprofessional.

A mother of three, including a son with autism and a daughter with dyslexia and ADHD, Smith is an advocate for special education and family support. She is also committed to fostering a love of reading and developing inclusive library programs.

Ruritan members cited Smith’s leadership and dedication in transforming the Scio Branch Library into a community hub for learning, inclusion and connection. Her efforts have focused on meeting the needs of patrons of all ages, particularly children and families.

In addition to her library work, Smith works weekends at a local restaurant and operates a small card-making business, which she said help her stay connected to the community.

Smith’s name has been added to the Citizen of the Year plaque displayed at the Scio Branch of the Puskarich Public Library. She was named the 2025 Scio Dining Fork Ruritan Citizen of the Year.