Springtime at the Library & Wagon Wheels

It is April and the sounds of spring are in the air. My friendly robin has greeted me with song in the morning... noon... afternoon... etc. Must have a lot to sing about. Currently, I hear the humming of lawn mowers working on the library yard. It is the first cutting of the year and I'm looking forward to stepping out to catch a whiff of freshly cut grass.

As the weather warms, the library receives more visitors. Today we greeted a 95 year-old woman who was born and raised in Paulding County. She shared stories of growing up, including visiting the library. Her recollection was priceless. Turns out that an aunt of her gave her a "Brownie" camera when she was younger. She and a friend took countless photos of everyone and everything. The photos have survived in excellent condition. Her daughter and I discussed the possibility of an online exhibit of Paulding County Memories Through the Lens of a "Brownie".

Another story was of her grandfather, last name Reighter, who lived in Briceton and was a wheelwright by trade. He was located next to the blacksmith. He would form the hub, spokes and wheel and then roll the wheel to the blacksmith, who would heat the steel ring that went around the wheel, to a red-hot state. After fitting it around the wheel, he would then quickly plunge it into cold water. The steel would cool and shrink, fitting tightly and seamlessly on the wheel.

This brief springtime visit was enough to paint a picture of bygone days in our county. It is raining now, one of those gentle April showers that will surely intensify the colors of the season. The library continues to be a place to visit, reflect, relax and remember. We hope you will visit your local public library this spring and explore the treasures you'll find within her walls.

Happy Reading!

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!