A  Literary Spring

With the arrival of Spring, the Director, Staff and Volunteers of the Brumback Library are extremely busy! From hosting a series of events in honor of National Library Week, to ordering, processing, and circulating new resources, to preparing for our annual Summer Reading extravaganza, we are pleased and excited to further the work and mission of the Brumback Library.

In honor of the 50th anniversary celebration of National Library Week, it is interesting to note the social changes that precipitated this annual event. In 1957, the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council were concerned that Americans, on the whole, were spending less money on books than they were on televisions, radios, and musical instruments. The following year these two institutions formed the National Book Committee, and, in an effort to encourage people to read in their increasing leisure time, as well as to improve their incomes and health, while developing a strong, happy family, they instituted the first National Library Week celebration from May 16thto the 22nd by encouraging people to “Wake Up and Read!”

First Lady Laura Bush recently stated that her library card is the most valuable card in her wallet. A former librarian, she noted that, “Libraries make an important difference to our nation. America’s business, education and creative pursuits run on the fuel of information and imagination that libraries provide. Libraries strengthen our nation by enlightening readers to the interesting and exciting world around them and promoting a love of lifelong learning.”         

In 2008, libraries in big cities and small towns, colleges and universities, in schools and in businesses continue to transform their communities through the dissemination of information. At the Brumback Library, every day of the year is a celebration of reading and knowledge. From April 13th through the 19th though, a wide range of activities have been planned in honor of National Library Week. Be certain to “Join the Circle of Knowledge @ Your Library.”

Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, the Library processes and adds materials to its collection on a daily basis. The publishing industry offers many new releases every Spring. Whether these items are fiction or nonfiction resources, adult, young adult, or children’s titles, many of the latest works are added to meet current patron needs. Less than eight weeks away from the Library’s busiest time, we are diligently working to provide users with an increased number of acquisitions.

This year’s Summer Reading theme is certain to captivate, enthrall, and excite readers of all ages with a myriad of activities, programs, and events. Librarians in the Children’s Department and at the branches will soon be visiting local schools and preschools to encourage children to “Catch the Reading Bug.” Staff members have lined up an incredible eight weeks of programs, along with preparing flyers, brochures, recording sheets, contests, games, crafts, and bulletin board displays. While the Library funds the Summer Reading program every year, additional monies are needed to defray the costs of special events, prizes, materials, printing costs, etc. This year, we have been particularly blessed by the generosity of numerous businesses throughout the county and will soon be posting signs to thank our sponsors.

 This Spring also brings its challenges. In relation to legislative funding matters, Governor Strickland and the Legislature are working on the upcoming 2009 State budget. Due to a declining economy at the State and national level, plus other financial challenges, many agencies are experiencing funding cuts.  2008 marks the first year that public library funding is derived from the State’s General Revenue Fund, more commonly known as the GRF. What this means to Ohio’s 251 public library systems is the possibility of reduced income and overall funding for the upcoming fiscal year. In addition, Ohio House Bill 521 has been introduced. It seeks to consolidate and reform local government units across the State. Cities, counties, townships, villages, schools, libraries, and special service districts will soon be facing a major realignment of services from personnel to funding resources if the proposed plan is passed. Although the initial details of this commission are sketchy at best, we are keeping a keen eye on the situation and promise to keep Van Wert County’s residents informed of the issues at stake.

Like the Spring weather, this season brings a time of varied work, activities, responsibilities, and events. As always, the  Brumback Library remains dedicated in designing programs, selecting materials, and maintaining a relevant, timely, and active resource center for the county’s residents. We invite one and all to explore and avail themselves to the services we have to offer.

The Circle of Knowledge

It’s National Library Week, a time to celebrate the innumerable contributions of libraries across the United States and to highlight the services, resources, and programming efforts offered to patrons of all ages. The Brumback Library will host a variety of activities the week of April 14th through the 19th. This year’s theme, “Discover the Circle of Knowledge @ Your Library,” seeks to emphasize the public library’s role as a community institution that offers a wide array of educational, informational, research, and recreational materials for one and all.  Mark your calendars and plan to celebrate with us. Many events and activities have been planned at Main Library and at each of the branch sites in honor of the week-long celebration:

Monday, April 14th at Main Library --

Walk-in crafts will be offered all day in the Children’s Department. Mother Goose Story Time for infants and toddlers at 6:15 p.m. Family Story Night at 6:45 p.m. featuring Mrs. Bev Fuerst, County Treasurer, Mrs. Joan Stripe, Library Trustee, and Mr. Kirk Dougal, editor of the Times-Bulletin, as guest readers. On-site visit to Calvary Preschool.  Wren Branch -- Preschool Story Time at 11:30 a.m. Willshire Branch -- 6:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Open House. Family Story Time at 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 15th at Main Library -- Walk-in crafts will be offered all day in the Children’s Department. Mother Goose Story Time at 10:00 a.m. On-site a.m. and p.m. visits to First United Methodist and Vantage Preschools. Convoy Branch -- Walk-in crafts from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Middle Point Branch -- Open House from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Ohio City Branch -- After school activity at 4:30 p.m. Open House from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wren Branch -- Open House from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Story time  at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 16th at Main Library --

Walk-in crafts will be offered all day in the Children’s Department. Preschool Story Time at 10:00 a.m. On-site visits to Wee Care Learning Center and First United Methodist Preschool. The movie Babe will be shown at 4:00 p.m. Convoy Branch -- Preschool Story Time at 10:30 a.m. Walk-in crafts will be offered throughout the day. Ohio City Branch -- Preschool Story Time at 10:00 a.m. Walk-in crafts will be offered through-out the day. Willshire Branch -- Walk-in craft day.

Thursday, April 17th at Main Library -- Walk-in crafts will be offered all day in the Children’s Department. Preschool Story Time at 10:00 a.m. On-site visits to Thomas Edison and Calvary Preschools. Convoy Branch -- Open House from 6:00 p.m. to  7:30 p.m. Story time with Mrs. Tona King and Mrs. Jane Poling as guest readers at 7:00 p.m. Middle Point Branch -- Preschool Story Time at 11:30 a.m.

Friday, April 18th at Main Library -- Walk-in crafts will be offered all day in the Children’s Department.

Saturday, April 19th at Main Library --Spring Book Sale from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Reading Room.

Don’t forget our Spring Book Sale from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Reading Room at Main Library on Saturday, April 19th. Books for adults and children, as well as encyclopedias, magazines, videos, and a wide array of other materials will be available for purchase.

A Taxing Time

As a reminder, Main Library and each of the branch sites continue to offer a wide array of federal and state income tax forms. There are 1040EZ forms, 1099s, W2s, plus numerous schedules and various business forms. (Remember, if the form you need is not available, please ask a librarian for assistance.)  

A Summer Reading program open to adults and students in grades nine through twelve will be held at the Library from June 4th through August 2nd. Entitled “The Beach Book Club,” individuals will enter a drawing for a variety of gifts and prizes. Special registration forms will be available at the Circulation Desk at Main Library and at the branches. All adults and high school students are encouraged to participate.

A Young Adult Summer Reading Program for students in grades seven and eight will also be held from June 4th through August 2nd. For every five books that an individual reads, he/she may complete a form to participate in a drawing which will be held at the conclusion of the program. Gifts as well as store and restaurant certificates will be awarded. Forms to record one’s titles will be available at the Circulation Desk at Main Library and at each of the branch sites.

Homebound Summer Reading Program

A Clean Sweep

We’re gearing up for Spring Cleaning! Many lost items have accumulated at the Library over the winter months. Hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, jackets, and coats are waiting for their owners to claim them.

Patrons who believe they may have left an item behind are encouraged to inquire at the Library’s Circulation Desk. All unclaimed items will be donated to the Salvation Army after Memorial Day.

Saturday, Saturday

Main Library’s Saturday Summer Hours Schedule will begin in mid-May. The Library will be open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. from May 24th through September 6th. All patrons and visitors are asked to take note of this operational change. Thank you.

Holiday Closings

Main Library and all branch library sites will be closed May 24th through May 26th in observance of Memorial Day weekend.  All library facilities will resume their regular operating schedule on Tuesday, May 27th.