With workshops like toddler and preschool story time, LEGO, puzzle and Pokémon clubs, the Ashland County Library is committed to breaking stereotypes about libraries.
The programs that the library offers do not require library cards. Guests are just asked to read the age requirements for these clubs as they vary.
“Libraries are not just about the books, they’re about the stories, the relationships, and [the] people,” stated Director of the Ashland Public Library, Charlene Tolbert.
When discussing the Ashland Public Library, she stated, “It’s a community hub,” and “We are here to serve everyone [in the community] regardless.”
She mentioned how hearing and seeing little kids laugh and play in the mini play center brings huge smiles to the library’s staff, “It’s not very big but it’s well utilized, so it’s a favorite.”
“The library is not a quiet place”, said Stella Metcalf, the manager of the library’s public service department.
The staff also enjoys seeing and hearing the different people who rent out the conference rooms. Not only can families rent these rooms out, but so can attorneys, lawyers, students, etc.
“Everyone is welcome,” stated Lindsay Brandon-Smith, the manager of community engagement at the library.
One of the staff’s goals is to make the library a welcoming place for all to come and enjoy. An example of making the library and all its resources more accessible is by making everything free, said Metcalf.
Library cards are free to all in the area. However, if you are a minor, or someone attending college from out of town, you have a few extra requirements to get a card. Minors must have a parent or guardian grant them approval to get a library card.
College students are asked to provide their address both at college and from their home as well as an ID to verify they are who they say.
The library doesn’t only let you rent out books, but over eight million items including movies, video games, & board games.
The library archives all its resources and interchangeably shares them with over 100 other libraries. When someone requests a new item, the Ashland Library’s support department contacts the other libraries in their network before ordering the item as a new addition.
The library also has internet, printing, and resume building services to those in the community. Equipped with 18 different computers, members of the community and visitors may come in and use the computers for free.
When it comes to printing, the library has partnered with an app for mobile devices. For those constantly going from place to place without a break, this can be a really helpful feature.
“You can use an app to print. If you’re in your dorm room or [at home] and you need something printed, you can use the app and [it will be sent] to the printer here. It’ll usually be ready when you [get to the library to] pick up.” said Brandon-Smith.
The library also has numerous resume building templates to help those looking to build a strong resume.
Another resource the Ashland County Library offers is the bookmobile program. This community outreach is armed with three different vehicles. These bookmobiles go to many different locations in Ashland including rural areas as well as assisted living and nursing homes to bring joy to those into the community that may not be able to make it to the library in person.
The bookmobile is a driving factor in making sure all ages are catered too; it delivers books to schools and Ashland community events all year long.
The Ashland County Library is “a great place to work”, according to not only Tolbert, but also Brandon-Smith, Metcalf and Buttery.
But it’s more than that, the Ashland County Public Library is a place in the community for all to feel welcome.
