SIDNEY — In 2016, groundbreaking took place for the facility expansion and renovation project on the Amos Memorial Public Library located in Sidney. The nearly 12,000 square foot addition is located to the north and includes a second story. Funds for the projected $4.85 million expansion and renovation have been raised through generous gifts from individuals and area businesses. Through years of being fiscally responsible, the Library Board of Trustees had set aside money for the building and committed $2.5 million toward the project.
Shelby County Libraries Executive Director Suzanne Cline was gratified with the board selections.
“The excitement for this project has grown throughout the year. We have heard so many positive comments regarding the look of the new addition. We will be thrilled to move into the new space by the end of February and look forward to a completion date for the entire project in early summer,” she said.
Her report continues:
The new space will provide a Community Room, with seating for between 135-150, all new Teen space, a Technology lab and all new Children’s area. The current space will be renovated to include small study rooms, a STEM Lab, an additional program space, and a Genealogy/Local History Room. A feature of the renovated space will include a modern Art Gallery for local artists to continue to be able to display their artwork.
New in 2016, the library added HOOPLA to its database services. This online product provides up to six downloadable audios, ebooks, music items or movies per month per library card holder. The service is free of charge and adds to the wide range of online services the library is now providing. The library continues to provide services on the website, www.shelbyco.lib.oh.us, including the Ohio Digital Library, which also provides downloads for e-books and audio books. 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. As a service to our patrons who are unable to leave their homes due to health or other related issues, the library also provides a home-bound delivery program. Other programs and services include Storytimes, Family Fun nights, Tuesday Movies, Teen Cafe, Tween programs, the Ohio Water Color Show, Inter Library Loan Services, access to Ancestry database and much, much more.
Shelby County Libraries strives to honor each person’s quest for knowledge, information and enjoyment. The Library has locations throughout the county in Anna, Botkins, Fort Loramie, Jackson Center, Sidney and Russia.
