Former State Librarian Jo Budler visited the following libraries in April 2007. Preble County District Library, Marion Lawrence Memorial Library, Brown Memorial Library, Middletown Public Library
April 10, 2007
Preble County District Library
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There is daily delivery of library materials to the schools. What a great example of cooperation and resource sharing.
Jan Haines and I began our visit by meeting with trustees from Marion Lawrence Memorial Library (Gratis) and Preble County District Library. The meeting was held at Preble County District Library Administrative Offices in Eaton. I described statewide initiatives – present and future – which led to great questions and discussion.
We did not have time to visit the branch library but toured the administration building which also holds the genealogy collection. This was a busy room with some serious research going on as you can see from the photo.
Highlights:
Preble County Public Library has “Children’s Special Services”, which includes adaptive toys (with flexible loan periods), Handrew the Signing Bear, and a Perkins Panda Early Literacy Kit.
All the holdings of the schools in Preble County are included in the Preble County (automated system) catalog. There is daily delivery of library materials to the schools. What a great example of cooperation and resource sharing.
Abby Noland has been director there for two years and could not praise her staff enough for their creativity and “can do” attitude. It seems to me, Abby, that this is a perfect match between director and staff!
Thanks for a great, truly interactive visit with staff and trustees and special thanks for organizing my visit to all the libraries in Preble County.
Marion Lawrence Memorial Library
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The second library stop after lunch was Marion Lawrence Memorial Library. Here, Jan and I were given a tour by Director Penny Johnston and several of the Library trustees, Dana Johnson, Toni Ogle, Roberta Raps, and Joann Harris.
Next door is a park with lots of green space and a very nice gazebo. The library owns this land and uses it for summer programs and Christmas celebrations. It is no surprise that this library is the heart of the community and a destination point for kids once school is out.
Thank you for showing us your library and your history room and allowing us to learn more about you and your community.
Brown Memorial Library
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Last stop of the day was Brown Memorial Library where we met with co-directors Dianna Oda and Melissa Ewry. Earlier we had the pleasure of lunching with trustees, Joy Lyday and Jeanet Molitor who also joined us at the library. Board president Mary Ditmer and trustee Darrell Lindsey were also in attendance.
Both Dianna and Melissa took me on a tour of the library. First stop was the children’s room with lots of open space for story times and for the “spreading out” of the board books by the library’s youngest users. Dianna and Melissa are in the decision-making stages on the redecoration of the library and are looking at a bright yellow for this room – a shade which will only make the room even cheerier.
An interesting observation by these co-directors: once they separated out the YA fiction from the rest of the collection, they saw YA circulation spike.
Another interesting item: the Wax Museum project. Every 7th and 8th grader must choose a character from history and must “become” that character as part of a school assignment. Students utilize the library heavily as they research their characters. Naturally Dianna and Melissa find themselves very involved in this research and both enjoy watching the “performances” and are often awed by the costumes and transformations.
Thanks to the co-directors and the trustees for sharing their afternoon with Jan and me. There was talk about the ghost of Mrs. Brown making her presence known on occasion. I am sure that she approves of the use of her home as the center of this community.
April 11,2007
Middletown Public Library
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When you walk up to the front door of the library you are greeted by a fantastic life-size lion with a young boy on his back, reading a book. This sculpture is a favorite of young and old alike. Trustee John Mueller told me that sometimes library users will report that “children are climbing on the lion.” The response is always the same: “Good! That is exactly what we hoped they would do!”
This feeling of welcome and acceptance – we are glad you are here and we want to encourage you to use and enjoy your library – can be felt the minute you enter the door. This welcome emanates from all -- Director Doug Bean, Assistant Director Judi Girton, team leaders and staff members alike.
There is original art work throughout the library and it is all so beautiful. A collection of flower photographs created without negatives hangs behind the circulation desk. These were purchased in honor of Ann Baines, Middletown Public Library trustee (who also served two terms on the State Library Board). Also, a hand-painted screen and framed silk embroideries hang just outside the Ohio History Genealogy Room. These are in memory of Helen S. Kahny who, with her husband, Len, was instrumental in getting the art work for the library.
There are plans to include more works of art in the very near future. There are seven wing windows in the library. Each will “house” a stained glass art piece created by a Middletown artist. I noticed a brochure about this on their reference desk when I first entered the library. Even on paper these pieces of art are beautiful attention-getters.
The children’s section was brimming with activity as the children gathered for story time. The moms in attendance were quick to point out that this was a rewarding time for them as well because it gave them a chance to meet and “network” together each week.
Our tour included the reference department, Ohio History Genealogy room, and cataloging department. It was fun to meet and be greeted by every staff member. Special thanks to the catalogers who made me laugh with their story of last Halloween when they all dressed up in cardboard boxes as “cereals” catalogers. Very clever!
I always welcome the opportunity to meet new folks and talk about library service and learn more about the library community. This is my chance to hear from the customers of the State Library and learn how we can better serve them. I especially appreciate being able to meet with the library staff, Friends of the Library and the trustees of Middletown Public Library.
We drove to the West Chester Branch Library which is indeed the busiest outlet in this community that clearly loves and uses all outlets of the library. West Chester does 11 story hours a week – yes, that is, per WEEK. Last summer this community of 50,000 had more than 3,000 children participate in the summer reading program. Another interesting fact I learned: 1.2 million items circulate at the West Chester Branch and 800,000 items circulate at the Middletown Public Library. This community clearly values the services provided by their library.
We ended our visit with a tour of the site for the new West Chester Branch Library. This 8.2 acre site was donated to the library. The township will build a 50,000 square foot library on this site, utilizing tax increment financing (TIF) dollars. The new library will be part of a community which includes shops and a large park complete with a bell tower and a foot bridge.
Thank you, Doug and Judi, for taking time out of your busy schedules to introduce us to your staff, your trustees and your Friends. I look forward to coming to the dedication of the West Chester Branch Library in the very near future!