Wood County Library
Town: Short Feature
Wood County District Public Library can trace its beginnings back to the formation of the Bowling Green Library Association in 1875. The original collection of books was few and precious, and patrons needed to purchase subscriptions for five dollars that allowed them to borrow one book per visit. By 1914, the collection of books had reached 300, and the subscription price had dropped to one dollar.
The library has gone through a number of location changes over the years, but in 1974 it moved into a new building at its current location at 251 N. Main Street in downtown Bowling Green. Nearly thirty years later, in 2003, the facility underwent major renovations and reopened with a new second floor, a grand central stairway and lobby, an atrium, a technology lab, a teen space, a children’s center, and a career center, among other improvements.
For many years now the Library services have been free for Ohio residents and available to all ages. Only a library card is necessary, which can be issued at the library's check out counter. (A photo ID with a name and current address is required.) Some of the resources available for checkout include books, newspapers, movies, music and audio books.
On the first floor activities, games and homework help are offered in the Children's Place area. Youth Services Director, Kathy East, says that the library is a "strong advocate for early literacy," so it invests time and energy in teaching children from day one. Children can also be involved in weekly, seasonal, and special occasion activities that are offered.
Older kids may find themselves comfortable reading a story or hanging out after school in the Teen Space. After finishing homework they may participate in a movie night or be a part of the teen advisory board. There’s also a collection of graphic novels and comic books available for the teens who appreciate those reading experiences. As East explains, young readers are learning “that reading can transport you to other times, other cultures, other places.”
An active community of adults regularly relax and study throughout the atrium, the technology lab and the different quiet areas. Individuals learning to read or write are welcome to use a set of workbooks and videos available. The library also offers resources for adults studying in higher education, or topics such as parenting skills, or for a GED test. Programs are available, too, for those learning English as a second language.
The library programs extend beyond the N. Main Street facility through the Bookmobile. The Bookmobile is a library vehicle that makes regular appearances in towns without a library branch, and for those residents who have limited or no transportation.
The Wood County Public Library provides the community with resources to help individuals move forward to meet their goals in life. As Public Relations Coordinator Mary Boone says, the library is “people, it's books, it's a place for the community to gather.