COLUMBIANA Library seeks funds for expansion

Some 350 people visit the library daily, the director said.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
COLUMBIANA -- Public library officials are hoping school district voters will give them room to grow.
The library board and the board of education are seeking a $1 million bond issue May 8 for construction of an addition to the 10-year-old library.
Director Carol Cobbs said the library has come a long way since the building at 332 N. Middle St. opened 10 years ago.
Computers have replaced card catalogs, the library's collection increased 50 percent, its circulation increased 70 percent and the number of patrons doubled.
More than 350 people visit the library daily. Circulation in 2000 was about 174,000, and so far this year is about 70,000, she said.
The library's collection has grown not only by more books, but videocassettes, compact discs and DVD movies.
Must have access: Cobbs said the addition is needed because they're out of room. The library has some patrons who are in wheelchairs and if more shelves were added their maneuvering space would be reduced.
The library board is negotiating to buy land on the north side of the building, where a one-story addition would be built.
The building could also expand to the east, on property the library already owns. The latter plan, however, would require more interior renovation, she said.
The library has money for the land, and the bond issue would fund construction of the addition, she said. If the addition is added on the west side of the building, the board would use the library's own funds for renovations.
Cobbs said the library's voting precincts are identical to those of the school district. Both the library board and the school board had to approve placement of the 1.03-mill levy on the primary ballot.
About two-thirds of the public libraries in Ohio are linked to public schools, she said.