Stori Snyder, director of the library.
In addition to books, the library offers DVDs, CDs, magazines and newspapers, a used media store operated by Friends of the Library, digital and streaming services, internet access, government documents and research information. More than 110,000 items were checked out last year. Public funding for a library in Brown County began in 1836, and it was housed in schools and even private homes before moving into various buildings around Nashville in its 187-year history. The present 18,000-square-foot structure opened in 2001. A branch library is located in the Cordry-Sweetwater Lakes area.
Many children’ s books are selected with the“ windows and mirrors” concept in mind, where kids can find characters like themselves, no matter what their situation in life, or can look through windows into the lives of people who have different experiences.
A variety of programs for children, teens, and adults are offered at the library, including a popular summer reading program. Children’ s activities include puppet shows, Monday Morning Storytime, Puzzle Pandemonium, comic book workshops, Lego Club, and“ messy art.” Adult programs include workshops and presentations on art, history, and cultural topics, current events, literature, life skills, self-care, music, economics, health and more.
Year-round reading programs explore all types of books.
“ The beauty of reading programs is to try to stretch people’ s comfort levels and explore different kinds of books,” Snyder said.
Many programs are supported by The Friends of the Brown County Library, a non-profit organization financed by its membership and by fund-raising events, including the Book Nook, where used books and other items are sold.
Among changes the library has seen in recent years: Wickard endowment Brown County resident Tesh Wickard left a $ 2.3 million gift to the library when he died in 2014, and an endowment was established in 2016, allowing the library board of directors to draw on the interest earned to be used primarily for improvements and maintenance to the building. It was the largest single donation ever made to the library.
Among the projects which have used Wickard funds are modernization of the checkout area, a new roof, new air conditioning units, and construction of power-producing solar panels.
“ The Wickard endowment’ s mission to fund maintenance and construction of the BCPL helps keep our wonderful library building in great condition,” said library board member Kathy Roberts, who also is president of the Wickard board of directors.
“ It also means more of the annual budget can go into the resources and programs that are at the heart of what we all love about our library.” Solar energy In 2021, an array of power-producing solar panels was built in the lower level parking lot and energy-efficient retrofitting was done for a cost of about $ 800,000. The project was completed without going into debt or raising taxes.
The 324 solar panels on carport-like structures are expected to pay for themselves over a 15-year period by producing nearly all the power. Two charging stations to be used by owners of electric vehicles are included in the project.
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