Article published Thursday, June 8, 2006 Rossford's library to fete fixup
Jim Vischer, working at left on the scaffold, and Robin Angove, on the fl oor at right, both of B. William Bucher Painting Inc. of
Maumee, install the mural that features old photographs from the Rossford Public Library.
(
THE BLADE/DAVE ZAPOTOSKY
)
Ann Strahoska said she was pleased to see that the newly renovated Rossford Public Library finally has the space it's needed for years.
Though she saw two expansions while she was a librarian there for 30 years, she said the library was always "too small for the stuff we had."
"I'm glad to see this has improved so much," she said. "It's a lovely library."
The library will host a rededication ceremony to celebrate the reopening of all library areas at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the library, 720 Dixie Hwy.
The dedication will be held in the 2,000-square-foot glass lantern-style addition that was the highlight of the $1 million renovation project. Featured speakers include state Rep. Bob Latta (R., Bowling Green) and state Sen. Randy Gardner (R., Bowling Green).
Library Director Marsha Wagner said although there is still some final work to be done - especially to the outside of the library - it has reached "substantial completion."
The library was built in three stages since the 1950s. It was expanded in 1981 by 7,650 square feet and in 1991 by 5,150 feet - bringing the total to 16,900 square feet.
Popular materials, including newer books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, and newspapers, will have "breathing room" when they are moved into the lantern.
Other sections that have been polished off with finishing touches are a new young-adult section, a new children's section with a large bay window, and a new storytime room. Lime green, pea green, and bright blue paint are splashed on the walls and each section has its own different-colored carpeting, furniture, and lighting.
A new circulation desk has been installed on a cork floor and renovations have been made to the staff's offices, kitchen, and lounge. Additional renovations include expanded entry vestibules and more community space.
The renovations are being paid for through a five-year, 1-mill levy that generates $355,000 a year for the library. Half is being used for operations, while the other half was saved for the expansion.
Rossford resident Justin Reitz, 21, who goes to the library every day to use the computers, said he's been seeing new faces at the library and attributes the increase in attendance to the renovations.
"I think it was something that they needed to get people to come back to the library," he said.
Though she visits the library only once or twice a week now, Ms. Strahoska said she's enjoyed seeing it "growing up."
"If I was younger, I'd start working here again," she said.
The rededication ceremony kicks off a week packed with reopening events at the library, including:
● An open house from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
● An appearance from Ginger Belle the clown and Topo the balloon man from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday.
● Sports day from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, when children can meet Muddy the Mud Hen and Rocky the Rossford Bulldog.
● A book signing at 1 p.m. on Wednesday with Clint Mauk, a Rossford native who wrote Historical Tales of Toledo. Advanced registration is required by calling the library at 419-666-0924.
● A "grand rededication tea" with Elsie Perch from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 15. Mrs. Perch was a nurse in World War II and plans to speak about her experiences. Advanced registration is required by calling the library.
● A concert in the library's parking lot on June 17. The Cleveland Festive Brass will play from 11 a.m. to noon, the Christian stomp band P-105 from Findlay will play from 1 to 3 p.m., and the Christian rock band Pawn from Rossford will play from 3 to 5 p.m. Permanent Link
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