SIDNEY — A grand opening, scheduled for Aug. 9, will officially mark the end of the construction and renovation of the Amos Memorial Public Library, with the citizens of Sidney and Shelby County already beginning to explore the many new features and modern spaces within.

The $4.8 million project was financed by $2.5 million from library reserves earmarked for construction, with the remaining $2.3 million raised from private gifts and in-kind contributions. No money from restricted funds and trusts held by the library was used. The Shelby County Libraries, in a departure from most other Ohio public libraries, does not receive any local tax support. Public libraries in Ohio are supported by 1.68 percent of Ohio’s General Revenue Fund, but most of them also place local levies on the ballot.

The amount of support for libraries varies with state tax receipts and is distributed to library districts on a per capita basis. Library revenue changes when state tax receipts and the funding formula change, but the state continues to have a strong commitment to library services and has kept funding stable. Libraries were adversely affected by the recession a decade ago and saw a dramatic decline in state support in 2009, but since that time, library funding has remained consistent.

Through years of responsible management, the Shelby County Libraries built a reserve of funds in preparation for the time when a new facility became necessary. When the Amos Memorial Public Library opened in 1958, the trustees at that time expected that the library would meet the needs of the community for thirty years. As the 1980s came and went, the library continued to make necessary but stopgap upgrades in a building that was not equipped for new technology and developments in information services.

In the past 10 years, the trustees have been at work developing this plan for a new and renovated space, and with the financial support of commercial and private donors along with the assistance of the Community Foundation of Shelby County, the Libraries Build Strong Communities campaign has provided a modern library for the citizens of Sidney and Shelby County.

To serve as a reminder that a community is built by citizens willing to invest in it, the names of the lead donors appear at significant locations throughout the building. A plaque, listing major donors, is also on display.

The $4.8 million cost includes construction, renovation, and furniture, but other expenses outside the campaign remain. Individuals interested in maximizing the benefit of this project for library patrons are encouraged to contact Shelby County Libraries Executive Director Suzanne Cline at 937-492-8354 to discuss assistance in acquiring these additional items.

This is the common room in the newly renovated Amos Memorial Public Library. Private study and conference rooms are on the top floor. Genealogy room and large print books room are both located on the first floor.

http://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/08/web1_SDN072617Library10.jpgThis is the common room in the newly renovated Amos Memorial Public Library. Private study and conference rooms are on the top floor. Genealogy room and large print books room are both located on the first floor.

Kirstan Beckstedt, right, 2, works on a computer pad with her mom Amanda Sutton, both of Sidney, in the new children’s department area of the expanded library recently. Kirstan is also the daughter of DJ Beckstedt.

http://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/08/web1_SDN072617Library3.jpgKirstan Beckstedt, right, 2, works on a computer pad with her mom Amanda Sutton, both of Sidney, in the new children’s department area of the expanded library recently. Kirstan is also the daughter of DJ Beckstedt.