Director's Corner
As I conclude my career at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, I want to take this opportunity to thank our cardholders and the community in general for the continuing support provided to the library. During my 20 years as a local bookstore owner and throughout my nearly 21-year library career, I have recognized that Findlay/Hancock County is a community that believes in books and literature. While the library world has certainly changed during this time period, the fundamental value of reading remains the same. Today, our patrons can choose to read or listen to great books in many formats. But in the end, literature is literature and we are all better people if we embrace it as an important part of our lives.
Another unchanged fundamental is that public libraries remain an essential part of our democracy. In public libraries, all citizens have free and equal access to information and knowledge, including access to the internet that some can simply not afford. A quote from Andrew Carnegie sums it up well when he stated, “There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.”
On January 27
th the library will celebrate 130 years of service to the community. It has been an honor and a privilege to play a small role in the proud history of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library. The library’s successes are credited to the dedicated staff currently working at the library and the legacy of the committed staff members who built a foundation of excellent library service before us. Under the leadership of new Library Director Sarah Clevidence and an excellent management team, I am confident that the library’s best days are still ahead.
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Director's Corner
This is a month of celebration at the library. On January 10, from 2:00-4:00 pm, we invite you to join us at a retirement celebration honoring our retiring Director, Jeff Winkle. Jeff has dedicated his career to improving literacy in our community, including as owner of Winkle’s Open Book prior to his 20 years of service in libraries.
For the past 11 years, Jeff has served as Director of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library. Jeff’s accomplishments are too numerous to list, but I will highlight a few: under his leadership the library has completed three staff-written strategic plans and an architectural master plan, created an early literacy center and StoryWalk, and assumed responsibility for the CommunityREAD and Read for L.I.F.E. programs. Jeff was also instrumental in the creation of the Literacy Coalition of Hancock County, which brought the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program to Hancock County. We wish Jeff a happy and book-filled retirement as he turns the page to his next adventure.
This month the library will also celebrate 130 years of service to Findlay and Hancock County. While there have been many changes in how libraries are used during that time, there can be no doubt our library remains a vital place in our community. In 2019 the library circulated over 1.1 million items and presented 769 programs, attended by 21,841 of your friends and neighbors. Stop in the Main Library, Arlington Branch, or Bookmobile on January 27 to help us celebrate 130 years of serving you.
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The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library was established on April 16, 1888 by an act of the Ohio General Assembly and opened its doors to the public on January 27, 1890 in a basement room of the Hancock County Courthouse.
In 1935, the Findlay Public Library moved from the Courthouse basement into the old Post Office building on Broadway. Built in 1906, the building was purchased from the federal government for $50,000.
In 1970, a library-financed study considered eight locations and recommended the Phoenix Hotel. In 1971, under the leadership of a new director, the library hired an architect.
In 1973, the library was officially sanctioned by the state as a county district library and changed its name to the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library (FHCPL). Also in that year, early steps were taken toward computerization when the library joined the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC).
During the mid to late-70s, a change in directorship delayed any construction ideas and eventually the idea of a new library in a new location went by the wayside. In 1978, however, under the new director, George W. Stanbery, the library constructed an addition.
In 1985 Hancock County's first full-service branch library was opened in Arlington as the library entered its 50th year of extension service. During 1986 and 1987 under the auspices of a grant of nearly $20,000 from the Cleveland Foundation's L. Dale Dorney Fund, FHCPL commissioned a study to evaluate its facilities and services and create a comprehensive long-range plan.
Based upon survey data, it was determined that the library should remain in its present downtown location but due to the expense of renovation, only the 1978 addition should be retained in the final structure. The ground breaking for what came to be known as Phase I took place in July 1989.
In January 1990, the month which marked the library's 100th anniversary of public service, FHCPL was finally able to purchase its first "real" bookmobile. The bookmobile currently serves eight county locations on a weekly basis: Arcadia, Benton Ridge, Jenera, Mt. Blanchard, Mt. Cory, Rawson, Van Buren, and Vanlue.
Phase I of the newly renovated main library was partially finished in July 1990, but not fully occupied and opened to the public until October. Construction of Phase II commenced that same month. Phase II was initially occupied in July 1991 and completely furnished by August. The complete building features all public services on one level, full accessibility for handicapped individuals, a community room, bookmobile garage, and covered parking for the public. The completed new library facility was dedicated October 6, 1991. Sunday hours began on October 6, 1991.
In 2008, the rebuild of the basement and Community Room took place following a major flood, and on January 11, 2009, the Library Board of Trustees hosted a Grand Re-Opening of the Main Library.
We look forward to serving the community for many years to come.
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Creative Writers Group
January 2
6:30-7:30 pm
The Creative Writers Group is open to adults and teens interested in writing poetry, prose, plays, song lyrics, graphic novels, memoirs, narrative nonfiction, and more! Meet us in this positive and productive environment to share your writing and receive feedback and information about writing opportunities.
Location: Blanchard Room
No registration required.
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New Year, Healthier You!
January 9
4:30-5:45 pm
Olivia Sowders, Josh Carey, and Abby Rohrbach, dietetic interns at Bluffton University, will share ways to make your favorite cheat meal with a healthy twist. This program is intended for adults only.
Location: Lindamood Room
Registration required. Call 419-422-1737 to register.
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Human Trafficking
January 13
6:00-7:30 pm
The Northwest Ohio Rescue and Restore Coalition will present an hour long educational session on how to identify and respond to victims of human trafficking.
This program is intended for ages 18 and over.
Location: Lindamood Room
No registration required.
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Lost Hancock County, Ohio: An Evening with Author Teresa Straley Lambert
January 14
6:30-7:30 pm
Come and meet the author as she discusses her book.
Location: Lindamood Room
No registration required.
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Fighting Fake News: How to Improve your Media Literacy Skills
January 22
6:30-7:30 pm
This presentation will address some of the controversies of fake news and ways to develop media literacy skills to find reliable sources for news and other information. Presented by Diana Montague, Ph.D.
Location: Lindamood Room
No Registration required.
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Friends of the Library General Membership Meeting
January 23
7:00-8:30 pm
Come and join the Friends of the Library!
Location: Lindamood Room
No
Registration required.
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CrafterWork
January 29
6:30-7:30 pm
Come join us on the last Wednesday of each month for a new craft led by videos on Creativebug! Registration is preferred.
Walk-ins are welcome if there is space available.
Teens 16+ and adults welcome.
This month's craft: Tassel Jewelry
$2 material fee at the door.
Location: Lindamood Room
Registration required.
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THE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020 IN HONOR OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR DAY
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Bows and Blasters Book
Discussion Group
January 8
6:30-7:30 pm
This month's book is
Adventure Zone:Here There Be Gerblins
by Clint McElroy
For more information, contact the Adult Services Department at 419-422-1712.
Location: Lindamood Room
No Registration required.
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Lit Lover's Book
Discussion Group
January 13
6:30-8:00 pm
Come and discuss
The Long Flight Home
by Alan Hlad.
For more information, contact the Adult Services Department at 419-422-1712.
Location: Blanchard Room
No
Registration required.
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Gentle Reads Book Discussion Group
January 15
2:00-3:15 pm
Code of Valor
is this month's choice for the Gentle Reads Book Discussion Group.
For more information, contact the Adult Services Department at 419-422-1712.
Location: Lindamood Room
No Registration required.
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Monday Afternoon Book
Group
January 27
1:00-3:00 pm
Join us for a discussion of
The Girls at 17 Swann Street
by Yara Zgheib.
For more information, contact the Adult Services Department at 419-422-1712.
Location: Blanchard Room
No Registration required.
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Birchhaven
Book Discussion Group
Meets the first Monday of the month at
2:00 pm
Carnegie's Maid
by Marie Benedict has been chosen for the Book Discussion Group.
For more information, contact the Adult Services Department at 419-422-1712.
Location: Birchhaven
No Registration required.
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50 North
Book Discussion
Group
Meets the second Thursday of the month at 10:00 am
Carnegie's Maid
by Marie Benedict will be discussed by the group.
For more information, contact the Adult Services Department at 419-422-1712.
Location: 50 North
No Registration required.
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The book for the month of January is
Froggy Gets Dressed
by Jonathan London. What kind of clothes does Froggy need to play in the snow? Visit StoryWalk and find out!
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Storytime will continue through January every Thursday at
11:15 am at the Arlington Branch Library, 232 N. Main Street, Arlington, Ohio
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All teen programs, unless otherwise noted, are for teens in grades 6-12.
No registrations are required unless noted.
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Teen Chess Club
January 4
10:30-11:30 am
Teen Chess Club is for middle school and high school students to get together and have fun playing chess. It is open to all levels of players and is great for teens wanting to learn the basics. This program is designed for players to have fun and play with someone new. The Library Youth Advisory Board teens will be in charge of this program.
Location: Children's Programming Room
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Teen Board Game Group
January 8
6:30-7:30 pm
Enjoy a fun evening of teen-only gaming. The Library Youth Advisory Board will host the event. Teens in grades 6-12 are welcome to attend. Games that will be played include Apples to Apples, Spoons, Chess, Monopoly, Battleship, and many others from the library collection.
Location: Children's Programming Room
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Teen Kindness Club
January 13
6:00-8:00 pm
A new way to get volunteer hours for teens. Come to the event and help with various library and community projects. This program is open to all teens in grades 6-12.
Location: Children's Programming Room
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Apples to Apples Game Time
January 18
2:00-3:00 pm
Enjoy a fun afternoon of teen-only gaming. Come and have fun and play Apples to Apples!
Location: Children's Programming Room
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Teen Craft and Snack
January 21
6:30-7:30 pm
Join us for a craft and quick bite while you work. This month, we'll be making perler bead snowflakes.
Location: Children's Programming Room
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Collage and Cocoa
January 25
2:00-4:00 pm
Join us for a craft at the library. Amanda Brasfield, creator of Spiritus Collage, teaches us how to express ourselves through collage making. Teen program for grades 6-12.
Location: Lindamood Room
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Teen Movie Night
January 28
5:30-8:00 pm
This month's movie is
Maleficent:Mistress of Evil.
Come to the library for a movie and popcorn!
Location: Lindamood Room
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Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
206 Broadway Street
Findlay, OH 45840
419-422-1712 (voice)
419-422-0638 (fax)
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What's New @ Your Library
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Moral Compass
by Danielle Steel
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Big Lies in a Small Town
by Diane Chamberlain
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The River Murders
by James Patterson &
James O. Born
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Draw Great Characters
& Creatures
by Beverly Johnson
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Filmmaking for Dummies
by Bryan Michael Stoller
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My Online Privacy
for Seniors
by Jason R. Rich
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Diamond & Dawn
by Lyra Selene
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Everybody Needs a Buddy
by Ellen Jackson
Films
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Stir Crack Whisk Bake
by Maddie Frost
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Sanity & Tallulah Field Trip
By Molly Brooks
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New Year's Resolution Reads
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The Fitness Mindset
by Brian Keane
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The Whole 30: The 30 Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom
by Melissa Hartwig Urban & Dallas Hartwig
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Total Money Makeover
by Dave Ramsey
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The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
wishes you a happy and safe new year!
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Gifts, Tributes, and Memorials
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In Memory of:
Patricia R. McMaster
by: Roger and Judy Davis
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In Memory of:
Wilma Jean Weber
by: Sarah, Nick and Laura Clevidence
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