The Bookmobile Revisited

Paulding County Carnegie Library
Bookmobile
Established 2011

We  have just completed the first summer of Bookmobile service to Paulding County. Actually, Paulding County enjoyed mobile library service decades ago -- a service provided by the State Library of Ohio, for a fee. But now, our library has its own Bookmobile.

After a tour month in June, the Bookmobile began a weekly schedule. Although the bookmobile would experience generator and a few mechanical hick-ups, the month was successful. Over 700 items were borrowed and over 50 patrons received new library cards.

At the end of August, we have seen over 1000 items borrowed and about 100 new cards issued. Our true measure of success was not the number of items borrowed, but the number of residents applying for  new library cards.

In September, we still have issues with the generator, but have begun a modified school schedule, serving the communities of Mandale, Grover Hill, Melrose, Broughton, Scott, Haviland, Latty, Briceton, Charloe, Five-Span, Junction, Cecil and assisted living facilities of Country Inn, Dallas Lamb and The Gardens. The Bookmobile has also begun periodic visits to area pre-schools.

As this new service evolves and grow, we appreciate the fact that we have begun a rather "old fashioned" type of delivery service in the midst of still evolving and adopting library services. On the Bookmobile, patrons can borrow everything from books to PlayAways and through the library website, access electronic books, video and music.

The children's song, "The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round" is the tune we sing... and the wheels will continue to bring the Bookmobile round and round to your neck of the woods in Paulding County. Happy Reading!

New Year Ponderings

At the beginning of any new year, we have the tendency to look forward and plan for new projects. We try to set goals, which in turn provides us with a road-map - so to speak - of where we want to go. In 2011, the Paulding County Carnegie Library system will continue to improve services to all citizens of the county. Our major undertaking will be the implementation of full bookmobile service. In addition, we hope to complete a remodelling of the children's room at the Antwerp Branch library as well as improvements to both the Cooper and Payne branches.

Technically speaking, our collection will grow with the inclusion of electronic books, or e-books. The path we will take is still being mapped out, but the result will be the same. Those patrons who are now using new e-readers, such as Barnes and Noble's Nook, will be able to download e-books from the library's website for free.

Other changes will be new security safeguards implemented to help insure our youngest patrons have a good online experience by helping protect them from some of the unsavory aspects of the online world.

We will be providing computer classes for patrons with no computer experience as well as patrons who want to improve their online research skills. We will be providing classes for our new databases so that patrons can utilize the library's resources in a meaningful way.

This new year, 2011, will find the library moving in a direction that will be exciting and provide new dimensions of library service for all patrons. We hope you'll enjoy the ride!

Best to you in 2011 and Happy Reading!

We Love Bookmobiles!

It has been a while since I have added to my blog, but it is not because of a lack of subject matter. Things are absolutely wild around the library. Use is up and we are busier than ever. It seems like we are always welcoming new users to the Paulding County Carnegie Library system.

One of the biggest pieces of news this fall and for 2011 is our acquisition of a used bookmobile. If I told you the bargain we received, you would think I was crazy. Let's just say it was over $2,999 and under $3,001! This bookmobile, once stocked, cleaned, etc. will bring library materials all over Paulding County. More details will follow, but we are all certainly excited about this new direction.

Have a wonderful fall and blessed Thanksgiving! I'll close for now and wish you "Happy Reading!"