Bryan Howard, the director of the New Carlisle Public Library, spoke to the New Carlisle Rotary Club on Tuesday, January 17 about the history of the Library and upcoming events.
The library was organized in the early 1900’s by the Progress Club, a group of ladies who wanted to improve our community. They were able to gather enough funds to build the first library building in 1933. It was located at the corner of Main Street and Madison Street, and now houses Ledford Electric.
The new building was built in 1999. Joan Steinlage was instrumental in getting funding for that building. In 2002, the Library bought the doctor’s office next door, and a building was erected to connect the two.
Howard also praised Children’s Librarian Maggie Bollar. “She is very committed to the library and to New Carlisle,” said Howard.
The New Carlisle Library is funded solely by monies from the State of Ohio. Howard said that the other library in the area, the Clark County Public Library, has a bond issue that provides some of their operating revenue.
“We could put a levy on the ballot,” said Howard, “but it’s very difficult. There are a lot of hoops we would have to jump through.”
Howard said that the New Carlisle Library is not a taxing authority, and any levy would have to go through another agency, such as the City of New Carlisle or Tecumseh Local Schools.
“That may be something we might consider in the future,” he said.
Howard also praised the Friends of the New Carlisle Library, and pointed out that there are volunteer opportunity with that organization.
“Being a small library, we enjoy a lot of benefits,” said Howard. “Our staff knows what many of our patrons’ favorite authors and favorite books.”
The Rotary Club also recognized Taylor Schilling as the Northwestern Student of the Month, and Brooke Pendleton as the Northwestern Citizen of the Month.