Discussions of finances were the focus of the Wood County District Public Library Board of Trustees
meeting.
Michael Penrod, library director, reported to the board that both the library and the library foundation
were recently notified of pending bequests. The library will directly receive a bequest from the estate
of Julia Rentz equaling 20 percent of the value of three Fidelity stock accounts.
The library foundation was also notified that it will be receiving a bequest of an unspecified amount
from the estate of Paul Endres. Foundation representatives will be meeting with the estate executor to
discuss the bequest. Brian Paskvan, board president, expressed appreciation for both bequests saying,
"To know that the library’s role in the community is so important to individuals that they remember
the library in their wills means so very much to all of us."
The board also expressed its sincere appreciation to the sponsors of the annual Summer Reading Program
for area youth, particularly the Friends of the Library and the Lubrizol. The Friends allowed the
library to bring in several presenters, including a visit from the Toledo Zoo, while Lubrizol donated
several of its chemists each Wednesday to lead the Creative Concoctions Club. This year’s program had
record participation, with over 1,500 youth participating in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and
math) programs throughout June and July.
The board also heard an update from the library foundation’s annual Library Benefit at Schedel Gardens.
The final tally from the July event was $100,000 for the purchase of new books for the library.
Finally, the board discussed the upcoming levy issue that will be on the ballot in November. The levy
will be a six-year renewal, not a new tax, and if successful will collect the same amount of funds as it
does now. The levy accounts for 42 percent of the library’s revenue.
Paskvan said, "The community indicated it wanted a strong library by supporting the original levy.
We have kept our promises to restore hours, the budget for new books, and in-demand services such as
story times. This renewal asks for the same level of support for another six years, so that the library
can remain strong and vital."
In other business, the board heard:
•    Usage of computers and ebooks continues to grow at a fast pace. The number of individuals
downloading ebooks each month has increased by 39 percent.
•    September is Library Card Sign-Up Month and the library will be promoting its new Kids Cards and
Teen Cards. Both cards allow youth to be able to checkout limited quantities of books without fear of
overdue fines.
•    Exterior work on the Carter House’s historic ironwork, tin pediments over doors and windows, and
cornices along the soffit will commence soon. Tuck-pointing of the brick and caulking around windows and
doors will eliminate any moisture intrusion in the home. The library foundation is providing the funds
for these repairs.
•    Expansion of bookmobile and outreach services is underway, including more stops in Northwood and
Lake School Districts. An expanded schedule will be implemented in September.