All library directors in Wood County will
be meeting with Ohio Sen. Randy Gardner (R-Bowling Green) next Monday. The topic of discussion is
expected to be how Ohio’s 2014 budget is likely to affect public library funding from the state.Wood
County District Public Library Director Michael Penrod told the library’s Board of Trustees about the
planned meeting during Tuesday’s monthly board meeting.During his director’s report to the board, Penrod
also discussed the issue of inappropriate behavior by library visitors and how transgressions are dealt
with.He described an incident that occurred during the last month at the Walbridge Branch Library
involving a man in his mid-40s who was directing "inappropriate comments and caresses" toward
a minor inside the library. "It happened once, then again, so we reported (the individual) to the
police."The adult has a long string of unrelated offenses on his record, including theft and
menacing.The decision was made to ban the man from the library for the next six months. Should he return
to the library as a visitor after that time, he will be prohibited from having any contact with a minor
on the premises."We take safety issues seriously," Penrod added.On another subject, Penrod
talked about the successful holiday season events the Bowling Green main library has been involved with
thus far in DecemberThe library, he said, had a "very successful entry" in the city of Bowling
Green’s 2013 Holiday Parade. "The minions (from the Disney movie ‘Despicable Me’) were well
loved" and provoked audible excitement from the small children along the route.Mary Boone, director
of adult services, and volunteer costume designer Deb Allesee were praised for their work designing the
minions’ distinctive yellow and blue costumes for the float.The city’s annual tree-lighting ceremony was
followed by a new feature this year, when members of the public were invited inside the library after
the lighting for a carol sing-along including a few featured solos. The atrium area was packed with
people who did so."We would like to have that become an annual event," Penrod said of the
indoor carol-sing.The library’s historic Carter House, located just west of the library parking lot, is
being well used for holiday receptions and events, he added. Volunteers have decorated it in a red and
gold Victorian color scheme.The local Rotary organization recently held a sit-down meal for 50 inside
the Carter House, which is the largest event held there since it its opening following extensive
renovation.Board President Brian Paskvan said he has heard multiple comments from local residents
stating "how happy they are the house is getting used" and has been able to be preserved for
future generations.In other business, Penrod told the board that a fully mobile software upgrade is
being made to the library’s website. The design upgrade is likely to be completed within six months.