SIDNEY — In 2015, the library staff and board continued to raise money and to finalize the plans for the facility expansion and renovation project. The 14,000-square-foot addition will be located to the north and will include a second story. Funds for the projected $4.85 million expansion and renovation have been raised privately with $2.5 million of the total coming from library reserves.
Shelby County Libraries Executive Director Suzanne Cline was gratified with the board selections.
“We have taken a big step forward to provide the citizens of Sidney and Shelby County with a modern library facility that will offer community gathering space, children and teen areas, and upgraded technology. Our staff has consistently made our patrons the focus of their work, and donors have recognized their commitment and acknowledged the need to provide a facility that allows us to continue our efforts in an environment that meets the needs of a modern society.”
Her report continues:
Groundbreaking is projected for spring of this year. At times during the 18-month construction, the library will be closed for a short periods to move collections. Those dates will be provided in advance through public announcements and online at the library Facebook page. The Library will try to provide as many programs as possible during the construction; however, with a lack of program space, many of the events will be held offsite or after hours.
New in 2015, the library, along with numerous community partners including the United Way, Rotary, Kiwanis, Altrusa, Education Service Center, Sidney City Schools, Wilson Health, Monarch Legacy Fund, United Way POWER, and the Sidney Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, is the Imagination Library program. This program provides quality, age appropriate books to be delivered to Shelby County children from birth up to age 5. Due to the generous contributions of those listed above, there is no cost to the child. The benefits of providing children with the tools they need in order to succeed in school have been documented in areas that currently provide this program.
The library continues to provide services on the website,www.shelbyco.lib.oh.us, including downloads for e-books, magazines, audio books and music. The website also houses connections to numerous databases such as Mango Languages, Auto Repair, and Consumer Reports, all of which are provided free of charge to anyone with a Shelby County Libraries card. In house, the Library provides books, movies, and music materials for all ages. Other programs and services include Storytimes, Family Fun nights, Tuesday Movies, Teen Café, Tween programs, the Ohio Water Color Show, Inter Library Loan Services, and much, much more. Shelby County Libraries strives to honor each person’s quest for knowledge, information and enjoyment.
