Though the program started with adult books, it is expanding to children’ s selections as well, which are specified not only by subject matter or author, but also by reading level.
Other improvements planned for 2019 include 10 new computers for public use, replacing ones which are heavily used by patrons of all ages.
New lighting is planned inside the library, along with a rearrangement and remodeling of the adult section. The rearrangement will attempt to better accommodate the existing space. For example, Snyder said the adult area sees lots of single users, but many of the tables are built to seat four persons, resulting in an inefficient use of space. More single-top tables are planned.
The adult section, which includes the first-floor fireplace, has large windows opening onto a sweeping view of the ravine behind the library on one side, and the village of Nashville on another. But tall bookcases block much of that view. A consultant will help determine placement and size
of bookcases to open the view and improve traffic flow.
“ We want to entice people in their 20s and 30s and 40s to want to go and explore” that section of the library, Snyder said. But at the same time, she wants to keep current users of that section happy, so they will be surveyed on what they like and what they would like to see changed.
New lighting will improve nighttime use of the library, she said, and will be paid for not through tax funds, but with money earmarked for physical improvements to the building, willed to the library by patron Tesh Wickard in a perpetual endowment.
Similar improvements were made to the children’ s area of the library a few years ago, and it sees heavy use on a daily basis.
The library’ s five-year improvement plan includes a new roof, which may need to be moved up to 2019 because of recent problems, Snyder said. Some carpeting and furniture may also be added this year. As always, new books and other materials will be purchased at a level similar to past years, which totaled $ 85,000 in 2017.
The current library building was dedicated on January 21, 2001. But the public library in Brown County goes back much further than that.
On November 20, 1919, a group of citizens formed to begin organizing a public library. By the next year, the library had branches in each township in the county, some located in private homes or school buildings.
In 1921, the main library moved to a former Knights of Pythias lodge banquet hall in Nashville and had over 3,000 volumes.
Other locations around the town housed the library including 246 East Main Street, before construction of the current building at 205 Locust Lane.
The library also has a branch in the Cordry-Sweetwater community. For more information, visit < browncountylibrary. info >, call( 812) 988-2850, or visit the library. •
Jan./ Feb. 2019 • Our Brown County 17