Look back on 2009

We all get a bit nostalgic this time of year... we look back and try to remember the paths our lives have taken. For the library, 2009 was one of the most significant years in the history of the Paulding County Carnegie Library system.

We began the year concerned about our state funding. Our first attempt at passing a library levy failed in November of 2008. We knew cuts had to be made, but we still wanted to keep our library services strong.

The main library offered a number of free computer classes during the first half of the year. These classes taught everything from basic typing (or keyboarding) skills to beginning computer classes, to selling items on EBay. The computer classes continue to be very popular.

February, the month of love and romance, brought the first "Singles Mingle" night at the library. This event drew over a dozen single adults who laughed, visited and overall had a grand time at the library. Who knows? Maybe we'll make some "love connections" this next year!

Annual programs such as Battle of the Books and the Summer Reading events continued to be well-attended and very popular. The main library and branches also sponsored a number of special events and author visits.

In June, the funding picture for Ohio's libraries turned grim. The Governor of Ohio announced on a Friday afternoon, that library funding may be cut again, resulting in an almost 50% cut for the year (revenue had already been down by 20% and another 30% cut was on the table.) Ohio's library lovers mobilized and responded in historic proportions to legislators and the Governor. Our additional cuts were reduced to 11% for a total of 31% for the Paulding library system.

The Board had already made the decision to try another levy in the fall. Now, passage of the levy was more crucial than ever. A strong political action committee was formed and consisted of library lovers and supporters from throughout the county. On November 3, 2009, the fruits of their labor was realized with the passage of the library levy by the narrow margin of 23 votes. This was significant and unprecedented in Paulding County. All other local levies on the ballot were defeated by as much as 2,000 votes.

So now, as we prepare to enter a new year and a new decade, we have a renewed sense of purpose. The board of trustees will continue to be cautious and conservative in planning for the future. But, we will have the funding available to replace and upgrade computers, purchase new materials and bring the library hours back to what they were before the cut.

Please, support your local public library -- and in return, your library will support you. Your library will help save you money on books, DVDs, magazines, newspapers, etc. Visit your library often in 2010. Happy Reading!

The Concept of a Public Library

Sometimes I just have to sit and think about the blessings of our citizens. A free public library is not a new concept, not for our country, but it is for other countries. What we many times take for granted, others throughout the world hunger for.

Where else can you enter a building and without a credit check, borrow hundreds of dollars worth of materials with only the promise and your "word" that you will return them? Imagine going into a department store and asking to "borrow" clothing for two weeks? Or a television for two weeks? Or a refrigerator, or a computer, or furniture?

There are rental facilities where you can "pay" for the privilege of borrowing, but no other entity allows you to borrow for free.

The concept of a public library is centered on one word -- Trust. A public library's governing board and library staff "trusts" patrons to borrow materials responsibly and abide by the library's policies. It is as simple as that. We trust the patron. We may have never met you, but we trust you.

You have a clean slate with the library when you walk through the door. You may have maxed out your credit cards. Your home may be in foreclosure. It doesn't matter to us. You may borrow to your heart's content, just as long as you follow your library's loan policies.

The concept of a public library is an ideal that people who live in freedom embrace. It is an idea that every man, woman and child can access the information they need to make informed decisions -- free of charge. The public library provides the backbone to a free democracy. Freedom of choice, freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom of ideas -- all freedoms we enjoy are wrapped up in the guise of a public library.

Countries struggling in a Communist regime or any suppressive government lack what defines a person as "free". Those countries lack the atmosphere of non-restrictive free living. Citizens do not have the basic freedom from censorship. Censorship is not only the process of telling people what they can or cannot read, see or hear; but it is the process of further imprisoning a population in the dark world of ignorance. Public libraries, books, reading, bring light into the darkness.

So, the next time you visit your public library, stop and absorb that what is a precious right and privilege. Appreciate the freedom you have to choose what you want to read, view or listen to. Be thankful for what we have, protect it, cherish it. In a blink of an eye, it could all be gone.

See you at the library!

First Things First

I have been asked to keep a "library blog", so as the saying goes, there is no time like the present. Our Paulding County Carnegie Library (PCCL) system is on the threshold of a recovery period from state funding cuts. Thanks to the voters in Paulding County, Ohio, a levy supporting library operations passed by 23 votes.

Now, before you think... 23 votes?... that's not much; consider, Paulding County voters were facing many levies. Each levy was soundly defeated by margins in excess of 2,000 votes. Voters made the conscience decision to vote no - no - no - yes - no - no - no. We realize that everyone is suffering during this economic downturn, and a "yes" vote to many will be a hardship.

But, we hope that all those who voted for (and against) the library levy, will become habitual library users. They will soon learn that their public library provides a great value for their family. From free movies and computer access to the best sellers and authoritative reference materials, the library has something for everyone -- and there is NO charge.

Beginning January 2, 2010, the entire PCCL system will be open on Saturdays until noon. Hours will increase for each branch location as well as the main Carnegie library in Paulding. Check the library's website at http://www.pauldingcountylibrary.org/ for updated hours.

So, what will you find on this blog? Hard to say. Maybe I'll run across some interesting books on our shelves. Maybe I will hear news that impacts library users. Maybe I will just want to share some favorite "reads". When you "dust the library shelves", it is hard to know what to expect.

Happy Reading!