ARCANUM PUBLIC LIBRARY IS CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SERVICE

The Arcanum Public Library is celebrating 100 years of service. The library has been through many struggles during the past century, but it has persevered. With 30% cuts in state funding, it is once again struggling, which is why it is looking for support by putting an operating levy on the November 8 ballot.

The library is located in the beautiful, Ivester House, which has had two additions, but been able to retain its classic character. While the building has the charm of a former era, it is looking to the future with new computers and faster internet service for patron use. The board greatly appreciates all of the donations that have been made by the community towards this project.

The library was in five locations before its current location, including Smith’s General Store, the Weisenbarger building and the Kincaid home. Support from citizens and civic organizations, such as The Criterion Club, have kept the library available for the public’s benefit. In 1998, the library computerized the card catalog system in order to better locate and circulate materials. Now, you can use one of the library’s new computers, or if you have your own laptop, you can also use the library’s wireless access to meet your on-line needs. The library has grown to over 63,000 items including books, periodicals, books & music on CDs, puzzles, puppets, microfilm, DVDs & videos, and most importantly, free membership.

For those of you that have enjoyed the library during the past 100 years, we encourage you to show your support by voting yes for the operating support levy on November 8th. It is a 1.0 mill levy, which will cost a homeowner with a $100,000 assessment approximately $35 or less, depending on exemptions. With approximately a 30% cut in funding from the state, the funding from the levy would allow us to restore our Monday hours, our materials budget and programming. Considering the costs of books, magazines and other services you can get at the library, it is still a great value. We look forward to another 100 great years of service to the surrounding community.