This all started in 1855 with the
establishment of the "Sons of Temperance" subscription library. Progressing
in 1866 to the Whittlesey Academy lending books to the Young Men's Library
and Reading Room Association. In 1903 Andrew Carnegie approved a grant of
$15,000 with the community raising the other $10,000 to build a new
building. In 1905 the "new" building opened its doors as a library and
museum. Records list 1,654 volumes available on opening day. The Library is
still in that "new" building and boasts as one of Ohio's oldest library
buildings in operation today. During these past 102 years there has only
been 17 head librarians and for 13 years Martin Haffey has held that
position.
The library
services the educational and recreational needs of
the citizens of Norwalk, Ohio and Huron County in North Central Ohio.
Currently, the System has a collection of more than
93,000 library materials that include art prints, books, e-books, books on
tape, large print books, magazines, encyclopedias, puzzles, and newspapers.
Audio Visual materials include fiction and non-fiction videos—VHS or DVD
format—plus music CDs from alternative to country, and gospel to movie
soundtracks. In addition we have fiction and non-fiction Books on Tape or
CD, and now playaways.
The library offers movie nights, book discussion groups, Tiny Tots time,
Story time, Teen after school programs, author visits, school visits and
classes, Summer Reading Club Activities, Nursing Home Visits, homebound
services, and free computer classes. Every week there are excellent
programs for children, young adult and adults. Please frequent our
online calendar or stop in to see and sign up for upcoming events.
Services we offer include: tax forms, micro-film newspapers and census,
computers, fax machine, copy machine, voter & Buckeye Card registration,
Talking Book equipment, Hispanic materials, displays/exhibits, and Ellison
dies.
We have computers available for the public to use with free Internet access,
including Wi-Fi access for your personal laptop or handheld computers.
You must have a current library card and sign up at the main desk.
There is a GED computer connected to the Learning Express Library that
offers students and adults access to targeted skill–building interactive
courses in math, reading, and writing, as well as hundreds of online
interactive practice tests that prepare them for several types of exams
including grade school achievement tests, the SAT, GED, U.S. Citizenship,
and civil service positions. Complete answer explanations accompany each
response so that patrons understand why a particular answer is correct or
incorrect.
We are associated with The Talking Book Program providing free recorded
books, magazines and playback equipment to eligible blind, visually
impaired, physically handicapped, and reading disabled Ohio residents.
The library is handicapped
accessible with reserved parking on Main Street in front of the building.
The handicapped entrance, to the right of the front stairs, allows easy
access to the elevator.
There is a Book and AV drop provided for
your convenience.
