Brumback again one of top U.S. libraries

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

For the third year in a row, Brumback Library has been named as one of America’s Star Libraries by Library Journal magazine.

Last year, the distinction was awarded to only 263 public libraries, with 32 of those libraries located in Ohio – second only to New York in the number of libraries so honored.

Libraries are rated by Library Journal on their performance within categories or peer groups determined by operating expenditures. Performance is then measured and points awarded in the areas of circulation, library visits, program attendance and public Internet use. The number of stars a library receives is determined by the total number of points earned in each area.

In comparison to libraries with similar budgets and funding levels, Brumback Library was ranked 18th in the United States and first in Ohio (the 2013 rankings are based on 2011 statistics). For this honor, Van Wert County’s historic library earned a four-star rating, one of two Ohio libraries (the Loudonville Public Library was the other) to do so. Receiving three stars were the Harbor-Topky Memorial Library of Ashtabula Harbor, New Carlisle Public Library and Orrville Public Library.

“These rankings clearly demonstrate that the resources, services and programming efforts the Brumback Library provides are well utilized by Van Wert County residents of all ages,” said library Director John Carr.

More than 26,000 county residents are registered library card holders, while, in 2011, the library expanded its services to include access to e-books, downloadable videos and audio files and music via the Ohio E-book Project, thereby drawing additional patrons.

In 2012, Brumback Library patrons checked out more than 739,000items, while the library’s print and non-print collection now exceeds 228,000 items and includes items at the Main Library in Van Wert and five branch facilities.

Joan Stripe, president of the Brumback Library Board of Trustees, noted that the library offers a service schedule of 179.5 hours a week.

“While there are public libraries that have much larger incomes than we have, and others that are smaller and able to save large sums of money due to fewer demands for their services, the Brumback Library has an admirable record indeed,” Stripe said. “We have, and continue to be, good frugal stewards of the funds entrusted to us.

“We are the county library,” Striped added. “Our collections continue to be updated and our buildings well maintained. We use a proactive approach in all that we do. We are especially proud of our Main Library, which is both a national and a state historic site.”

Over the course of the past 11 years, the Brumback Library, like Ohio’s 250 other public libraries, has experienced numerous funding freezes and major funding cuts to its chief funding source, the Ohio Public Library Fund (PLF). The cuts have resulted in staffing reductions, a slight decrease in operating hours, as well as salary cuts and limited reductions in purchasing some print and non-print materials.

“While many libraries have cut hours and services greatly, the Brumback Library sought to minimize such cuts by reducing staff size and the like,” Stripe said. “In fact, the library presently serves larger numbers of people, many from area communities whose libraries’ hours of operation and purchases of print and non-print items were severely cut.”

The half-mill levy approved by county voters in 2005 and renewed in 2010 has helped greatly with maintaining services at the library. While the money has not completely made up for cuts in state funding, the levy has enabled the library to provide the services and resources that county residents have come to know and expect.

“We are truly grateful for the support of Van Wert County’s residents in passing the aforementioned levies,” Carr said. “Such funds are, indeed, vital and truly appreciated.

“The doors of the Main Library and the library’s branches in Convoy, Middle Point, Ohio City, Willshire and Wren are open to one and all,” Carr added. “The Brumback Library remains a center of lifelong learning for Van Wert County residents of all ages.”