Orrville Public Library celebrating 100th anniversary with events
The Orrville Public Library has offered numerous programs throughout the years. Pictured is a story time session from 1973.
This year Orrville Public Library is celebrating 100 years of serving the community. Programs and promotions are happening throughout the year, and the public is invited to get involved.
There will be a kickoff celebration Monday, April 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library, 230 N. Main St., Orrville.
Mayor Matt Plybon will be on hand to issue a proclamation at 11 a.m.
The library will offer tours, and there will be stations to learn about library services and resources. Stations and learning opportunities will include memory lab, getting a library card, Library of Things, Library on the Go van, children’s library and how to use e-media apps.
There will be a light lunch available and a collection of “then and now” photos to view. Everyone is invited to the free event with no RSVPs required.
Currently running through Dec. 3, the library is offering three challenges to community members of all ages: read 100 books, read for 100 days and/or visit the library 100 times. Patrons are invited to try one, two or all three of the challenges. To begin, stop by the library and pick up a packet for tracking progress.
Prizes for the challenge have been donated from a community member and include incentive rewards along the way and a grand prize of a $100 gift card.
The reading challenge includes everything from physical books, e-books and graphic novels to Vox books and magazines.
“The purpose of this challenge is to encourage adults, teens and children to get into the habit of reading,” Orrville Public Library Director Daphne Silchuk-Ashcraft said. “The studies have shown that reading 20 minutes a day is very beneficial for children. Children’s vocabulary and reading comprehension will increase by committing to making reading a fun habit. Adults who take time to read every day may find it can help relieve stress and boost mental health. We strongly encourage families to read together. Parents can count the time they read as a family as part of their reading challenge.”
Items read may be something a patron already owns, material from the library or purchased reading materials.
“If you don’t know about our free e-books, stop in and we will tell you all about how to access them,” Silchuk-Ashcraft said.
The reading for 100 days does not have to be consecutive, and library visits can include the drive-up window, stopping by when the library is out at community activities and visiting other libraries.
Orrville Public Library began in a vacant room at the high school in 1925 with a collection of 600 books. Alma Frey was the first librarian. The present building was dedicated in 1941, and space was added with an addition in 1977. Another addition and renovation was completed in 2000.
The library collection has grown to over 72,000 items and now encompasses much more than books. The Library of Things has over 180 items including zoo passes, games, early literacy activities and outdoor games. Additionally, the library offers a variety of programs for all ages, loans out Wi-Fi, has a monthly podcast, and offers a memory lab where patrons can digitize old photos, videos or 8mm films.
The library’s outreach into the community has changed and expanded over the last 100 years. Silchuk-Ashcraft said there is now a Library on the Go van that visits local day cares, preschools and nursing homes.
“During the summer we make stops at local parks, trying to meet people where they are and provide service,” she said.
There will be another community anniversary event on Sept. 27 to wrap up the celebrations. Details aren’t available yet.
“We will be closing the street in front of the library and having lots of fun activities for all ages,” Silchuk-Ashcraft said.
The library has volunteer programs for adults and students over age 12 and welcomes community donations. Anyone interested in learning more is invited to call the library at 330-683-1065.
“If there is one thing I would like to come out of our 100 celebration, (it) is that people know about all the great things that the Orrville Public Library has available for members of the community,” Silchuk-Ashcraft said. “This year is about celebrating the past, along with promoting all the things we currently do while starting the conversation on what the next 100 years might look like.”