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A Banner Year
January is one of the busiest months at the Brumback Library. Patrons of all ages, many of whom took time off in December to enjoy the holidays, have resumed their library schedule once more. Back in school, students with new projects and assignments return to the Library in droves. Thus a buzz of activity begins anew. A myriad of materials will need to be selected, cataloged, processed, and shelved. Older, outdated, or worn titles need to be weeded from the collection in order to make room for new print and nonprint items. Story time sessions resume, while planning for the Summer Reading Program and other major projects has just begun.
At the same time, however, January is a month of reflection. It is a time to take an inventory of the work that has been accomplished over the course of the past year. The challenges and triumphs which occurred in 2012 are indeed noteworthy. Having 28,214 registered patrons, the Library circulated 739,525 items. Traditional books, E-books, periodicals, music CDs, books on CD, DVDs, and videos as well as puppets and a wide array of other materials were utilized by Van Wert County residents in record numbers. 8,191 items were added to the collection, thereby bringing the system’s print and nonprint resources to a total of 228,556 items. Through the Library’s continued participation in the Ohio E-Book Project, more than 19,000 books, downloadable videos and audios are available, making the Library’s resources equal to 279,255 items.
We are very pleased to report that 6,860 individuals collectively participated in the Brumback Library’s Young Adult, Adult, and Homebound Summer Reading programs in 2012. In the Children’s Department, 1,834 children participated in a wide range of Summer Reading activities in June and July. Entitled “Dream Big... READ!” infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school children enjoyed creative programs presented by Ellen Ford, Linda Bagley (a.k.a. the Cat in the Hat), Tammy, Alex, and Bryce Campbell, Sally Geething, Mary Minnig, Chris Roberts/WERT Radio, Belinda Miller, Tyler Nygren, Tom Phoolery, Teresa Schneiter (a.k.a. Lady Cassandra of Wynhaven), Stan, Marcia, and Tonya Weldy, Dr. Tom Wilkin and Friends, plus Larry Wirtz the Science Guy. In addition, the Library was pleased to offer programs by Bob Evans’ Biscuits and Gravy, the Fort Wayne Ballet, the Fort Wayne TinCaps, the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, Johnny Appleseed Parks District, Neil Armstrong Space Museum, and the Van Wert Police Department’s K-9s. To the audiences’ great delight, the MadCap Puppet Theatre staged a special presentation of “Rumpelstiltskin” at the Marsh Foundation Auditorium, while “Madagascar 3” was viewed by over 1,000 children and their parents at the Van Wert Cinemas. In between this flutter of activities, Van Wert County’s young readers read a staggering total of 90,217 books in eight weeks. In recognition of this accomplishment, a carnival was held at the Family Life Center of Trinity Friends Church and enjoyed by one and all. The Board of Trustees, Director, and Staff are extremely grateful to our major supporters of 2012’s Summer Reading Program -- the Administration, Faculty, and Staff of Van Wert City Schools and Mr. Jerry Lewis and McDonald’s. We are also grateful to more than sixty area businesses and donors who likewise helped to underwrite the costs of this vital program.
With a service schedule of 179.50 hours per week between our six locations, the Brumback Library has a responsibility to ensure accessibility to safe, clean, welcoming environments where Van Wert County residents may avail themselves to up-to-date materials and technology. To meet this goal, we continued to be pro-active in terms of building maintenance throughout the year. Plaster work and other repairs were completed at Main Library. The window frames and window sills in the original section of Main Library were repainted. The decaying wood trellis over the chiller was replaced with a more durable one, while the faux marble columns and overhead border in the Reading Room were repaired and “remarbled.” Several essential electrical projects were also completed.
For the past ten years, the Brumback Library, like each of Ohio’s 251 public libraries, has continued to experience funding cuts from the State of Ohio’s Public Library Fund allocation. During this same time span, the costs of books, materials, utilities, and insurance have increased dramatically.
Circulation, usage, and programming attendance have increased too. The coming year will bring continued challenges. The size of the Library’s staff is much smaller. Five positions were vacated in 2012 due to retirements and resignations. Due to the aforementioned funding situation and the economy in general, we will not have the money to fill these positions. Despite these factors, we will continue to safeguard one of the County’s most valuable resources. Our commitment, mission, and goal remain the same. We will continue to sustain and nurture the legacy we affectionately call the Brumback Library.
Brumback Library
Again Among Nation’s Best
For the second straight year, Library Journal, a prestigious publication founded by Melvil Dewey, has recognized the Brumback Library as one of America’s Star Libraries. In 2012, the distinction was awarded to only 262 public libraries, and thirty-six of those libraries are located in Ohio.
In comparison to libraries with similar budgets and funding levels, the Brumback Library was ranked 18th in the United States and 3rd in Ohio last year. For this honor, Van Wert County’s historic literary home earned a four star ranking compared to its three star ranking in 2011. In its $400,000-$999,999 expenditure range, the Brumback Library is one of four Ohio libraries to receive a star rating. The Harbor-Topky Memorial Library of Ashtabula Harbor also received a four star ranking, while both the Orrville Public Library and the Columbiana Public Library were given three star rankings. Brumback Library Director John Carr stated, “These rankings clearly demonstrate that the resources, services, and programming efforts that the Brumback Library provides are well utilized by Van Wert County residents of all ages. The rankings from Library Journal are actually similar to Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings Index, a resource that has consistently counted the Brumback Library in the top ten percent of public libraries across the country.”
With a Main Library in Van Wert and five branch facilities located in Convoy, Middle Point, Ohio City, Willshire, and Wren, the Brumback Library offers a collection of print and nonprint resources which exceeds 220,000 items. Marking its 111th anniversary this year, the Library remains a relevant resource and community treasure offering printed books, E-books, books on CD, wireless access, Internet workstations, and a wide array of materials for the populace.
The Children’s Corner
Start your new year off with a good book! The Library has over 50,000 items in the Children’s Department, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. Tales of fantasy, adventure, and discovery await one and all! As a matter of fact, new titles are added to the collection every week. Patrons of all ages are invited to browse through our picture books, juvenile fiction titles, non-fiction works, and periodicals. Parents and care-givers of preschoolers and children learning to read may want to check out early concept books or other easy nonfiction titles. These items have an ABC label on their spine and may be found on the two lower shelves in the new picture book area and interspersed throughout the nonfiction collection.
Besides the many resources available, a number of programs are continually offered. Mother Goose Story Time for infants and toddlers is offered at 6:00 p.m. every Monday with a second session meeting at 10:00 a.m. every Tuesday. Family Story Time is held at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays, while Preschool Story Time sessions are slated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Brumback Library story time sessions are also offered at Calvary Preschool, Headstart, First United Methodist Preschool, Thomas Edison, Van Wert Early Education Center, Vantage Preschool, and Wee Care Learning Center.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, walk-in crafts will be offered at Main Library the week of February 4th, February 18th, March 4th and March 18th. Last, but not least, patrons are invited to stop by to see the adorable polar bears, penguins, snowmen, and snow globes created by the children from Wee Care Learning Center this month. Parents and children are encouraged to take note of the display case located beside the elevator in the basement too. Pat Rayman’s delightful penguins are on parade, so to speak, in January. Next month, stay tuned for the artistic talents of the students from Calvary Evangelical Preschool and Vicki Chavarria’s wonderful Barbie doll collection.
A Fond Farewell
After a twenty-seven year career at the Brumback Library, longtime staff member Kelly Rist was named Director of the Delphos Public Library. Looking back, Kelly Rist started her career as a page at the Brumback Library in 1985. In time, she became a Reference Librarian, a position Mrs. Rist held for several years until she became the Assistant Director in 1994. Throughout her tenure, Kelly played an integral role in many major projects here at the Library, especially over the course of the past twenty years.
Library Director John Carr noted that Kelly worked closely with him -- from planning and carrying out the automation of the Library’s catalog and circulation systems to the installation of Internet workstations and beyond. Technologically speaking, the Brumback Library, like each of Ohio’s 251 public libraries, has witnessed countless changes in the way library services are delivered. From the former card catalog to E-books, libraries, and those who have worked within them, have been active participants in an information age which has truly changed the way library services are planned, delivered, and used by multitudes of patrons. Web pages, search engines, and the rise of virtual formats have literally transformed public libraries. Kelly and I have seen various processes reinvented, and information search capabilities expanded, as well as the rapid rise of nonprint formats that have been embraced by our patrons.
In addition, the Brumback Library’s facilities have changed greatly. The historic Main Library was renovated, and, with the Reed Memorial Addition, doubled in physical space. Then, the branch libraries were expanded to include five full service branches, each with expanded print and nonprint collections, computers, and the like. Through all of these moves and various adaptations, Kelly played a significant role.
When Mrs. Rist began her career at the Brumback Library, she was working on her undergraduate degree at Wright State University, later receiving a B.S. in Secondary Education. At the urging of Mr. Carr, Kelly began her studies in Library Science in the late 1990s, and will soon receive her Master’s of Library Science from Kent State University. Whether helping patrons find a specific book, training eager E-book readers, or conducting a story time session for preschool children, Kelly’s training and advancement were thoroughly rooted here at the Brumback Library. We gratefully appreciate her many contributions and work. We also wish her well in the newest chapter of her career at the Delphos Public Library.
Her letter of resignation has been included for your perusal :
November 23, 2012
Dear Director John Carr
and Board of Trustees,
The Brumback Library is a wonderful institution which for over the past 27 years, I have been fortunate enough to be a part of this great team. I have seen the library evolve and grow through the great leadership and hard work of the director. The library is a shining example of what hard work produces which ultimately are great benefits for the many residents of Van Wert County to use and enjoy.
I have had a wonderful working relationship with the director and have learned many valuable lessons from him. I now have the opportunity to advance into the position of director at the Delphos Public Library. I appreciate the opportunities and support I have had here at the Brumback Lbrary.
I will be leaving my position as the Assistant Director, effective December 21, 2012. I again wish to thank John for the support and opportunities that I have received over the years. It has been a pleasure and privilege to work for the Brumback Library.
Sincerely, Kelly S. Rist
Branch Libraries,
Collections, and Funding
When the Brumback Library was established in 1901, special emphasis was placed on service to all Van Wert County residents. This ultimately led to the formation of fifteen stations, whereby residents in small villages and outlying areas could visit a local store and select materials from a rotating reading collection of fifty to one hundred titles the Library had placed there.
Since that time, the Library has continued to provide services in rural areas throughout the county. In 1975 and 1976, librarians staffed three distinct branch sites which offered permanent collections with set operating schedules. Convoy, the most active facility, was open eighteen hours per week, while Willshire and Wren had operating schedules of twelve and fifteen hours respectively. The buildings housing these structures, however, needed attention. Therefore, a Branch Library Improvement Plan, written and produced by John Carr and presented to the Board of Trustees in 1996, called for facilities which would not only house larger collections, but would also provide staff and patrons alike with up-to-date heating and cooling systems, plumbing, telephone lines, and effective lighting. Two new branch sites, Middle Point and Ohio City, were also formed. In 1994 and 1995, these libraries were established in shared facilities with local elementary schools. Although it was a good solution for both the Brumback Library and the schools at the time, it was later discovered that individual buildings were needed to provide the community at large with more readily accessible facilities. Adopted by the Board, the branch plan led to a fundraising campaign which garnered the necessary funds via grants, gifts, and bequests to either build and/or renovate the branches in Convoy, Wren, Middle Point, and Ohio City. Then, in 2007, the Village of Willshire received a grant to renovate its former Village Hall, thereby enabling the Brumback Library to relocate its Willshire Branch to much larger quarters. With this upgrade, all of the Library service sites were housed in new and/or updated facilities which are well utilized by patrons of all ages.
Over the years, the Brumback Library’s collection has grown by leaps and bounds. In 1992, the Library had a print and nonprint collection totalling 72,426 items. This included books, videos, books-on-tape, and miscellaneous children’s items. By the close of 2012, our holdings exceeded 228,000 volumes. Access to more than 19,000 E-books, 10,720 DVDs/videos, 7,309 books on cassette and CDs, and a myriad of other items round out a collection that is ranked 39th in size among Ohio’s 251 public libraries. All of these resources are available at Main Library and the branches. If a branch does not own a specific title or items in a given subject area however, such materials may easily be obtained from Main Library since it is the branch librarian’s responsibility to obtain these items for their patrons. If we do not own the requested material, books and other resources may be obtained via interlibrary loan. In this case, the branch librarian must submit a request to Main Library personnel, who process ILLs in a timely fashion.
Having struggled financially over the course of the past ten years, 2013 appears to be equally challenging in terms of finances. State freezes and funding cuts have become the norm. Without the passage of the library levies in 2005 and 2010, the Brumback Library would not have been able to maintain its six facilities and the many services that our patrons have come to expect. The Board of Trustees, Director, Staff, and Volunteers work diligently to ensure that the First County Library in the United States remains a vital institution. We encourage residents to avail themselves to the resources, services, and programming efforts that we offer.
Best Sellers Currently Available
Fiction
Gone Girl by Flynn
Empire and Honor by Griffin & Butterworth
The Racketeer by Grisham
The Forgotten by Baldacci
Threat Vector by Clancy with Greaney
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Mathis
Cross Roads by Young
Shadow Woman by Howard
Notorious Nineteen by Evanovich
The Casual Vacancy by Rowling
The Black Box by Connelly
Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by Patterson
The Round House by Erdrich
Two Graves by Preston & Child
The Last Man by Flynn
Winter of the World by Follett
Nonfiction
Killing Kennedy by O’Reilly & Dugard
Thomas Jefferson : the Art of Power by Meacham
The World Until Yesterday by Diamond
No Easy Day by Owen with Maurer
Killing Lincoln by O’Reilly & Dugard
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Boo
America Again
The Signal and the Noise by Silver
Wild by Strayed
Unbroken by Hillenbrand
The Power of Habit by Duhigg
A Higher Call by Makos with Alexander
Quiet by Cain
Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die by Nelson
How Children Succeed by Tough
Far From the Tree by Solomon
Notable Titles
Angels at the Table by Macomber
Between the Lines by Picoult & Van Leer
The Bone Bed by Cornwell
The Bridge by Kingsbury
Cold Days by Butcher
Flight Behavior by Kingsolver
The Giving Quilt by Chiaverini
NYPD Red by Patterson & Karp
The Panther by DeMille
Poseidon’s Arrow by Cussler & Cussler
The Secret Keeper by Morton
The Sins of the Mother by Steel
Sweet Tooth by McEwan
The Time Keeper by Albom
The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds by
McCall Smith
A Winter Dream by Evans
Bruce by Carlin
Charles Dickens : A Life by Tomalin
Custer by McMurtry
The End of Your Life Book Club
by Schwalbe
England’s Hideaways by Van Reesema
The Generals by Ricks
How to Roast a Lamb by Psilakis
with Binns & Shapiro
The Patriarch by Nasaw
Proof of Heaven by Alexander
The Tuscan Sun Cookbook by Mayes & Mayes
Tyndale : the Man Who Gave God
an English Voice by Teems
The Untold History of the United States
by Stone & Kuznick
New Children’s Books
A is for Airplane by Riehle
Barney and the Kitten by Madokoro
Bear Has a Story to Tell by Stead
Becoming Holmes by Peacock
The Boston Tea Party by Freedman
C is for Ciao by Grodin & Cuomo
D is for Drum by Shoulders & Shoulders
Dino-Football by Wheeler
Elmer and Super El by McKee
Emily and Jackson Hiding Out by Naylor
Finn at Clee Point by Knight
The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit
by Thompson
The Great Unexpected by Creech
Guys Read the Sports Pages
Hedgehog by Leach
Hunter Moran Saves the Universe by Giff
I Love You, My Little One
by Ottolenghi
Infinity and Me by Hosford
Little Lamb, Have You Any Wool?
by Martins
Lulu and the Duck in the Park
by McKay
One Year in Coal Harbor by Horvath
Otter and Odder by Howe
Pet Science by Gunter & Newcomb
A Port Through Time by Millard
Prairie Evers by Airgood
The Quiet Place by Stewart
Remember Little Big Horn by Walker
Robots in Space by Parker
The Secret Tree by Standiford
Thomas Jefferson for Kids
by Miller
Traitor’s Chase by Gibbs
Twelve Kinds of Ice by Obed
Unspoken by Cole
The Vengekeep Prophecies by Farrey
Voices from Colonial America Series
Yankee Doodle America by Minor
Check It Out!
Print copies of the Brumback Library’s 2012 Annual Report will soon be available at Main Library and the branch sites. For your convenience, a copy will also be posted on the Library’s website at either
www.brumbacklib.com
or
www.brumbacklibrary.org
The report features a myriad of statistics, from the total number of items checked out last year to a listing of the resources and services which we offer to all Van Wert County residents.
The Tax Man Cometh
It is that time of year again and the Brumback Library is prepared. Main Library and each of the branch sites are offering a wide array of federal and state tax forms. 1040EZ forms and 1099’s are available now, as we wait for other schedules and forms to arrive from the IRS. (If the forms you need are not available, please ask a librarian for assistance. We also have a book of reproducible forms at the Reference Desk.)
Holiday Closings
Main Library and all branch libraries will be closed on Monday, February 18th in observance of Presidents’ Day. All libraries will resume their regular operating schedule on February 19th.
Emergency Closings
Patrons are reminded that if the Library is closed due to inclement weather, poor driving conditions, or any other emergency, an announcement will be made on WERT Radio 1220 AM and 99.7 FM.
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