Wayne County Public Library

Wayne County Public Library is a Carnegie-funded public library system serving the residents of Wayne County, Ohio. Its main facility is located in Wooster, the county seat, with six additional branches throughout the county. The library system provides a wide array of resources, programs, and services, holding a collection of over 400,000 items and circulating more than 1.2 million materials annually to a population of approximately 117,000 people.

History

The library's origins trace back to 1895 with the establishment of a small reading room in Wooster. A significant turning point came in 1903 when industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie awarded a $25,000 grant for the construction of a dedicated library building, which opened in 1905. This original Beaux-Arts structure, designed by Cleveland architects Lehman & Schmitt, served as the system's anchor for over six decades. As population and demand grew, the library system expanded its reach, opening its first branch in Shreve in 1938. The main library was replaced in 1971 with a modern facility at its current Liberty Street location in Wooster, with subsequent renovations and expansions occurring in 1991 and 2016 to accommodate evolving community needs and technologies.

Services and collections

The library offers extensive traditional and digital services, including access to physical books, large-print materials, audiobooks, DVDs, and video games. Its digital branch provides e-books, digital audiobooks, and streaming media through platforms like Libby and hoopla. Specialized collections support local history and genealogy research, focusing on Wayne County and Ohio history. The library is a member of the SEO Library Consortium, a statewide resource-sharing network that significantly expands the available catalog. Public access computers, Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and notary services are available, alongside robust programming for all ages, such as storytime sessions, book clubs, technology training workshops, and author events.

Branches

The system operates seven locations across Wayne County. The main library is situated in Wooster, with branch libraries serving the communities of Creston, Doylestown, Rittman, Shreve, West Salem, and the Dalton branch. Each branch tailors its collection and programming to the specific needs of its local community while providing core library services. The Rittman branch, for example, is co-located with the Rittman Recreation Center, enhancing community access. The Shreve branch, the system's oldest, operates from a historic Carnegie library building.

Governance and funding

The library is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees, appointed by the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas and the State Board of Education. Day-to-day operations are managed by a director, currently Jennifer Shatzer. Primary funding is derived from a portion of the state's Public Library Fund, which is allocated based on state income tax revenue. This is supplemented by local property tax levies, which voters must periodically renew, and additional support from gifts, grants, and the Friends of the Wayne County Public Library organization. The library's financial operations and levy requests are overseen by the Wayne County Auditor's Office.

Partnerships and community role

The library actively collaborates with numerous local organizations to amplify its community impact. Key partners include The College of Wooster, Ohio State University's Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, and Wayne County Schools Career Center. It works closely with local school districts, the Wayne County Historical Society, and agencies like the United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties. The library serves as a vital community hub, providing spaces for civic meetings, hosting cultural events like the NEA's Big Read, and offering critical services such as summer reading programs to combat the "summer slide" and serving as a cooling center during extreme heat emergencies.