Beyond the books


Hubbard Public Library shows value of its resources

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

hubbard

The love of the library and desire to share its diverse resources prompted staff, Friends of the Library and volunteers to donate their time at an open house Sunday afternoon at Hubbard Public Library, 436 W. Liberty St.

Though no one was keeping count, Sherry Ault, director, estimated some 300 people stopped by. The event was tied to the start of National Library Week, which celebrates the value of libraries.

The theme, “Communities Thrive @ Your Library,” was taken to heart in Hubbard, where staff and volunteers showed visitors how to manage their library accounts online, access databases through the library’s Web page and use BookFlix, an online resource that aims to develop a love of reading in children.

“BookFlix is totally fun and interactive for children,” Ault said of the program that will read to children or let them read themselves. With bar-code information that they sign up for, families can access BookFlix from their homes at their convenience.

Sandy Walter, adult-services supervisor, said about 20 people learned about Ohio Web Library and Mitchell’s Auto Repair databases. The Ohio Web Library provides access to genealogy, magazines and newspapers, reference and research, help with homework through such sites as Student Research Center and World Book Kids, books, arts, literature, business, government, history, biography, science, testing and exams.

Walter said many visitors were library patrons.

“They were surprised to learn about this and wished they had known about it sooner. Some people were intrigued about the practice tests for fields such as nursing and civil service,” she said, adding that patrons said that was a valuable resource.

Ohio Web Library is available for library card-holders through Hubbard’s Web site beyond-books.org.

Mitchell’s Auto Repair is a database available only in the library but provides a resource for amateurs and professionals.

“It has information on cars from 1974 to 2010,” Walter said, noting that more are added annually. “We’ve had mechanics come in to access wiring diagrams.”

One of the biggest draws at the event were the K-9s for Compassion in the children’s room. Youngsters and parents gathered around the therapy dogs. The dogs, registered therapy animals, are good listeners as children practice reading to them.

Bella, a rescued black Labrador retriever, sprawled on the floor next to her owner, Charlene Gilson of Hermitage, Pa., as 8-year-old Robbie Gessler of Coitsville read to her.

“She was really listening to me and looking at me,” Robbie said. When Robbie finished the book, Bella indicated that she wanted to hear more by putting her large paw on Robbie’s shoe and nudging his hand with her nose.

Robbie’s mother, Carmella Gassler, said her son “loves to read,” so they frequent the library.

Maryann Payne of Greenville, Pa., was with Brody, a shepherd mix that she adopted from Club Pet, a rescue group in Transfer, Pa.

“A bunch of kids read to him today,” she said of the laid-back canine.

She said K-9s for Compassion is affiliated with the Delta Society. Payne said dogs must go through special testing to become a therapy dog.

Heather O’Hara of Hubbard came to the library with her children, Finn, 3, and Declan, 7, a second-grader at Roosevelt Elementary School.

“We came to check out the activities,” O’Hara said. She noted Declan has reading assignments from school and the library provides a great selection.

Ed and Hilary McCarthy of Hubbard were there with sons Edward McCarthy Jr., 5, and Alan, 4.

“We wanted to support the library,” Edward McCarthy said. “It’s helped my son [Edward] improve his reading.”

Hilary McCarthy said she has used the library calculator to see how much money the family saves by borrowing books and DVDs.

“We wouldn’t be able to buy this new,” she said.

She takes out mysteries and cookbooks, four to five books at a time. Her work schedule allows her to get to the library Saturdays and Mondays.

“I know the library has had to cut back on hours, and it’s limited our access,” she said.

Hubbard, like other libraries in Ohio, has seen its state funding decrease dramatically. Ault said staff, services and hours have been cut.

John Manhollan, co-chairman of Hubbard Public Library Levy Committee, and other committee members also were at the open house to promote voter approval of a new 1.9-mill levy. The levy would raise $404,000 annually for the library.

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