EXHIBIT 23(b) 	 PEOPLES BANCORP INC. ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K 		 FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 		 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated January 26, 1995, on our audit of the consolidated financial statements of Peoples Bancorp Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1994, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 				 /s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. 				 Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. Columbus, Ohio March 24, 1997