All isn’t gloom and doom at the Wood County District Public Library.
Kathy East, who retired last spring as assistant director and children’s librarian, has been named the
Ohio Library Council’s Hall of Fame Librarian.
Director Elaine Paulette told WCDPL Trustees Thursday that East normally would have been recognized at
the OLC convention in the fall. However, the event has been canceled because libraries indicated they
don’t have the money to send staff to a convention. "We’ll come up with some way to honor her
locally," Paulette said.
According to the OLC Web site, the honor recognizes a librarian for their career achievements. Recipients
must be an OLC member; hold a master of library and information science degree; and have a minimum of 10
years experience in Ohio libraries.
Their career must have demonstrated sustained leadership; active participation in local, state, and/or
national library organizations; commitment to the library profession; and contribution to the community
at large.
The board also:
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Heard Paulette announce that Michael Penrod, director of adult services at the library, has added the
title of assistant director. The post has been vacant since East’s retirement. "He has been a great
help already in this crazy, unusual time. He has been busy helping to crunch numbers and working with
the schedule," Paulette said.
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Heard Scott McEwen announced that he has been reappointed to the board for a third term by the Wood
County Commissioners. McEwen said he did not expect to get a third term and surmised that the
commissioners opted for continuity.
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Learned board Chairman Brian Paskvan, and members Anna Griffiths and Jane Robb will join Paulette on a
committee to develop ways to recognize community members who go above and beyond in their support for
the library.
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Learned the Friends of the Library raised about $1,500 during its book sale held Sunday during the
"Bash" held downtown to welcome the Family Motor Coach Association to Bowling Green for its
convention. The next book sale will be Sept. 12-13 during the Black Swamp Arts Festival.
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Heard Penrod report a one-time order for $2,500 worth of "must-have" nonfiction items such as
career exploration, personal finance and related materials has been prepared. The order will be placed
if the budget allows. He said a display of money-related books near the checkout desk has been extremely
popular with patrons. "We are having a hard time keeping it full," he said.
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Heard the Friends of the Library plan to have a booth at the Wood County Fair. The booth will feature a
paperback book sale and also promote the Buy-A-Book campaign.
Photo: Bowling Green’s Human Relations Commission has presented its first Honor Roll Award to the staff
of the Wood County District Public Library. The commission noted the programs, diversity and
opportunities offered by the library staff as reasons for the award. Elaine Paulette (left), director of
library, and Mary Boone, its PR coordinator, accepted the award on behalf of the staff at Monday night’s
Bowling Green City Council meeting.