The Wood County District Public Library will present the John M. Gibson Outstanding Performance Award this week.
Trustees learned at their September meeting that more than 50 nominations were received for the award, which recognizes a library staff member for excellence in the performance of their job.
After a “good but challenging” deliberation, a decision was made, and the award will be presented Friday during an internal staff development day.
“I really enjoyed reading all of the nominations. It’s a testament to the team at the library … and people are really, really happy,” said library Trustee Heidi Nees-Carver.
Also at the meeting, trustees:
• Watched an eight-minute fraud training video provided by the auditor of state’s office.
• Learned $133,000 was raised at Novel Night, which will be used to purchase books and material.
• Learned plans for next year includes a possible new roof of Carter House, plus tuckpointing and caulking of windows.
“That 149-year-old treasurer is going to be protected for years to come,” Penrod said, and added that plans for the carriage house are moving forward.
Future plans also include new furniture in time for the library’s 150th birthday celebration in 2025 and work on the elevator.
“We have things that are falling apart because our library is well used,” Penrod said.
• Was told the five Callery pear trees in the Carter House parking lot will be removed and the 2006 landscaping updated.
• Learned the library may add an EV charging station to the parking lot, dependent upon grant and local funding.
• Was told 2,780 inactive card holders were purged from the system after three years of non-use, leaving 24,000 active card holders. With September being Library Card Sign-up Month, a new card design has been developed. Cards can be replaced at no charge, either key chain or wallet size.
• Learned Maria Simon, youth services coordinator, has shifted collections to create a baby play area, and made room for the picture books collection and Reading Buddies program.
