About the Library
The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library was founded in 1888 and was originally located in the Hancock County Courthouse. The library opened to the public on January 27, 1890 . The library’s primary source of funding comes from the Public Library Fund, a portion of Ohio’s tax revenue distributed to each county to divide among its local public libraries. In addition, a local operating levy was passed by Hancock County residents in 2010. The Main Library is located at 206 Broadway / Findlay, OH 45840. 419-422-1712. / 419-422-0638 (fax)
Administration
Management Staff
(Click name to view contact info)
Jeff Winkle – Director
Ron Struble – Fiscal Officer
Kelly Foust – HR/PR Manager
Sarah Clevidence – Adult Services Manager
Lynnette Coppler – Audio Visual Services Manager
Beth Horn - Circulation Services Manager
Sharon Mason – Technical Services Manager
Cindy Romick – Children’s Services Manager
Dick Taylor – Facilities Manager
Nathan Rice – IT Manager
Board of Trustees
Mrs. Lisa Hoffman-Kurjan - President
Mr. Jerry Casey, Vice-President
Mr. Roger Miller, Secretary
Dr. James Darrach
Mrs. Diana Gassman
Mrs. Gene McEvoy
Mr. Roger Miller
CommunityREAD
2013 Community Read:
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.
Ms. Diffenbaugh will visit Hancock County on March 15th during CommunityREAD month for a public presentation at 7 p.m. at Winebrenner Auditorium. Tickets are available for $5.00 at the library.
The book, Diffenbaugh’s first novel, creates a vivid portrait of an unforgettable woman whose gift for flowers helps her change the lives of others as she struggles to overcome her difficult youth in the foster care system and adult homelessness. Copies are available at the public library. For a list of read-a-like books and book discussion questions, click here.
Language of Flowers book discussions will be held at the following locations:
♦Gentle Reads Book Discussion. February 20 2:00-3:00 p.m. (Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)
♦Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. February 25 1:00-2:30 p.m. (Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)
♦Primrose Book Discussion. February 28 2:00-3:00 (Primrose Retirement Community)
♦Birchaven Retirement Village. March 4 2:00 p.m.
♦St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. March 11 2:00 p.m.
Additional Programs at the library:
♦Flower Arranging program will be held on March 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
♦Caring for Houseplants program on March 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
♦Making Paper Flowers for adults and teens on March 27 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
♦Growing Flowers Program on March 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Additional Friday, March 15 Community Events:
Women's Leadership Forum lunch at the Findlay Country Club, 1500 Country Club Drive. Findlay. 11:00-1:00 p.m.; Ritz Auditorium, University of Findlay. 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Community READ was started in March 2003 as a way to celebrate the Community Foundation’s ten-year anniversary, bring attention to the fact that illiteracy is an issue in Findlay and Hancock County and help promote the HancockREADS endowment fund. Local residents were asked to read and discuss a book and its related themes with friends and family during March of each year. Over the years, selected adult and children’s books have included:
- Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom and The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia (2003)
- The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews and The Traveler’s Gift by Mark Kimball Moulton (2004)
- Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam and Blueberries for the Queen by John and Katherine Patterson (2005)
- To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson (2006)
- Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde and Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed written by Emily Pearson (2007)
- The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis and The Lady in the Box by Ann McGovern (2008)
- Marley & Me, Marley, A Dog Like No Other, and Bad Dog, Marley! all by John Grogan (2009)
- Teach with your Heart by Erin Gruwell, The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg, Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco and Don’t Be Silly Mrs. Millie by Judy Cox (2010)
- Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, Best Friends Forever by Beverly Patt, A Place Where Sunflowers Grow by Amy Lee-Tai and Yoko’s Paper Cranes by Rosemary Wells.
- Still Alice by Lisa Genova, The Graduation of Jake Moon by Barbara Park and Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox
The 2013 YouthREAD books:
Flower Garden by Eve Bunting (grades K-2)
The Boy Who Grew Flowers by Jen Wojtowicz (grades 3-5)
The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett (grades 6-8)
In December 2011, The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation approached the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library about assuming the administration of CommunityREAD in 2013 with the understanding that the Community Foundation would continue to support CommunityREAD through the grant process. In January 2012, the library Board of Trustees approved the library becoming the program administrator.
Employment Opportunities
Application for Employment (PDF)
PLEASE NOTE:
If you mail your application or resume, it must be postmarked the day before the closing date (if applicable).
Applications may be returned in person or mailed to:
Kelly Foust - Human Resources
Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
206 Broadway
Findlay, Ohio 45840
Questions regarding employment should be directed to Kelly Foust: foustke@findlaylibrary.org.
Friends of the Library
Who are the Friends?
♦The Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Library and its relationship to the community.
♦The Friends are enthusiastic supporters united by a common concern for the well-being of the Library.
♦As a Friend, your annual dues enable special Library programs to continue and expand. The Friends also welcome donations, gifts, memorials, and bequests for the enhancement of the Library.
♦Donations are also welcome to the Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Fund at the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation.
What the Friends Do
♦The Friends help promote the Library, develop activities, present special programs, and encourage reading and use of the Library.
♦The Friends sponsor special library programs as well as staff development and staff recognition.
♦The Friends raise funds through memberships, gifts, sales in the Book Cellar, and proceeds from the Friends-owned Library copy machines.
♦The Friends manage and staff the Book Cellar where we sell gently used books.
♦The Friends conduct used book sales in the spring and fall.
♦The Friends meet three times each year: February (the annual meeting), May and September. We encourage your attendance at these meetings to enjoy interesting presentations, share ideas, volunteer for programs, and keep up-to-date on Library activities.
Why You Should Be a Friend
♦Your contribution of time and money not only benefits the Library but also your community.
♦You will be invited to a special preview sale for members only during the semi-annual book sales.
♦You will be given advance notice if upcoming Friends events and receive the organizations newsletter.
♦Your annual membership dues and gifts are tax deductible.
Membership Dues
$5.00 - Full-time student
$15.00 - Individual
$25.00 - Family
$5.00 - Senior Citizen (60+)
$35.00 - Contributing
$50.00 - Sustaining
$100.00 - Patron
$250.00+ - Benefactor
The Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Fund
In 1995 the Friends of the Library contributed $10,000 to The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation to establish the Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Fund, a fund that has grown considerably since that time through appreciation and further donations. Gifts made through the Community Foundation offer the tax advantages of the 501 (3) (c) status. Only the proceeds of the Fund are granted to the library and principal of your gift will be the foundation of a legacy that will benefit library users in perpetuity. Gifts to the Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Fund may be tailored to fit each donor’s individual needs. Gifts are gratefully accepted in the form of cash, retirement plan assets, life insurance, appreciated stock or real estate. Further information about the Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Fund and the Community Foundation is available at 419-425-1100.
http://www.community-foundation.com
If you enjoy the Library and want to support its programs and its role in your community, please consider joining our Friends Group, you can download a copy of our membership form below.
Library History
Findlay-Hancock County Public Library History 1888-Present
Established on April 16, 1888
The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library was established on April 16, 1888 by an act of the Ohio General Assembly and opened its doors to the public on January 27, 1890 in a basement room of the Hancock County Courthouse.
The Early Years
In the early 1900's Andrew Carnegie began his philanthropic efforts to construct public libraries by providing money to communities across the country. In 1906, he offered $3,500 per year for maintenance. Unfortunately (for long forgotten reasons), this opportunity was allowed to slip away. Over 13 years later, a library representative contracted Mr. Carnegie, only months before his death, but by that time he was no longer funding library construction.
1935
Finally, in 1935 the Findlay Public Library moved from the Courthouse basement into the old Post Office building on Broadway. Built in 1906, the building was purchased from the federal government for $50,000. Also in 1935, Ohio libraries began receiving state funding from the intangibles tax.
1964
By the mid '60's the need for a new library building was apparent, as stated in a 1964 report issued by the Hancock Regional Planning Commission. In 1970, a library-financed study considered eight locations and recommended the Phoenix Hotel. In 1971, under the leadership of a new director, the library hired an architect.
1973
In 1973, the library was officially sanctioned by the state as a county district library and changed its name to the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library (FHCPL). Also in that year, early steps were taken toward computerization when the library joined the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC).
1978
During this period, a change in directorship delayed any construction ideas and eventually the idea of a new library in a new location died. In 1978, however, under the new director, George W. Stanbery, the library constructed an addition.
June 14, 1981 Flood
The library lost 13,000 children’s books and $50,000 in equipment and furnishings in the Children's Room after a flood hit Findlay.
1985
In 1985 Hancock County's first full-service branch library was opened in Arlington as the library entered its 50th year of extension service. During 1986 and 1987 under the auspices of a grant of nearly $20,000 from the Cleveland Foundation's L. Dale. Dorney Fund, FHCPL commissioned a study to evaluate its facilities and services and create a comprehensive long-range plan. The study's areas of emphasis were: 1) renovation and expansion of the main library; 2) automation of library operations; 3) bookmobile service; and 4) the feasibility of establishing Sunday hours.
1983
Four Apple 2+ terminals were purchased for public use and the first computer lab installed was in the basement.
1988
Automation
Automation progressed with the purchase of the Dynix system in late 1988. Registration for new bar coded library cards began almost immediately. Computer equipment was installed in early 1989 and in September of that year FHCPL went on-line with a computerized catalog for both staff and public use, as well as an automated check-out system. Another small Dorney Fund grant paid for programs to educate the public in the use of the new system. A new computer lab opened for the public in the new building with 9 PCs for public use.
1989
Based upon survey data, it was determined that the library should remain in its present downtown location but due to the expense of renovation, only the 1978 addition should be retained in the final structure. Bonds were issued through an innovative lease-purchase agreement with Hancock County--one of the first of its kind for a county district library in Ohio. The ground breaking for what came to be known as Phase I took place in July 1989.
1990
In January of 1990, the month which marked the library's 100th anniversary of public service, FHCPL was finally able to purchase its first "real" bookmobile. The bookmobile currently serves eight county locations on a weekly basis: Arcadia, Benton Ridge, Jenera, Mt. Blanchard, Mt. Cory, Rawson, Van Buren and Vanlue.
1991
Phase I of the newly renovated main library was partially finished in July of 1990, but not fully occupied and opened to the public until October. Construction of Phase II commenced that same month. Phase II was initially occupied in July of 1991 and completely furnished by August. The complete building features all public services on one level, full accessibility for handicapped individuals, a community room, bookmobile garage and covered parking for the public. The completed new library facility was dedicated October 6, 1991. Sunday hours began on October 6, 1991.
January 3, 1991
The library lost all of the carpeting in the lower level. Three inches of sewer water flowed through the lower level. No books were lost.
1994
The Dynix library software has a major upgrade, and new equipment was installed.
June 12, 1997
The library lost all carpeting in the basement due to sewer water flowing through the lower level. Carpet was replaced in the Administration Office. Tile was placed in the hallway and break room. Category 5 wiring was installed throughout the building for NT network of ten Office PCs.
1998
The card catalog was added to the website and automated phone notice capability was installed.
August 22, 2007
A 100 year flood hits Hancock County. Lost entire basement: Administration, Technical Services, Book Cellar, Adult Services Offices, and Maintenance. All services were lost: phones, internet, boiler, electric, HVAC etc.
March 15, 2008
Mitigation: Began the rebuild of the basement and Community Room.
January 11, 2009
The Library Board of Trustees hosted a Grand Re-Opening of the Main Library.
A Historical List~~
Library Directors of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
Nellie Baker 1888-1902
Mary Belle Morrison 1902-1939
Catherine L. Achord 1939-1971
Miss Edwards
G.W. Stanberry 1974-1984
Alice Bakies and Mary Morrison (Co-Interim) 1984
Luren Dickinson 1985-1996
Mary Morrison (Interim) 1996
Sybil Galer 1997-2007
Carol Dunn (Interim) 2007-2008
Jeff Winkle 2009-Present
Hours and Locations
206 Broadway
Findlay, OH 45840
Click Here for driving directions.
419-422-1712
Monday - Thursday: 9:30AM to 8:30PM
Friday: 9:30AM to 5:00PM
Saturday: 9:30AM to 5:00PM
Sunday: 1:00PM to 5:00PM
Findlay - Book Cellar
Friends of the Library Bookstore
Located in the Main Library's lower level.
Monday: 10:00AM to 7:30PM
Wednesday: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday: 10:00 - 3:00PM
Arlington Branch
232 N Main St
Arlington, OH 45814
Click Here for driving directions.
419-365-5755
Monday - Thursday: 11:00AM to 7:00PM
Friday - Saturday: 11:00AM to 5:00PM
Sunday: Closed
Bookmobile
Monday
Arcadia 3:00-4:30
Van Buren 4:45-6:00
Tuesday
Vanlue 3:00-4:15
Mt. Blanchard 4:45-6:00
Wednesday
Mt. Cory 3:00-4:30
Benton Ridge 4:45-6:00
Thursday
Jenera 3:00-4:30
Rawson 4:45-6:00
Mission Statement and Values
The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library encourages and supports lifelong reading, viewing and listening in the pursuit of knowledge and joy.
Values of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
- We value free and open access to the library and library services for all citizens.
- We value our patrons by serving them equally, respectfully and with a friendly attitude.
- We value lifelong learning and reading for joy.
- We value the privacy of our patrons.
- We value our community by playing an active role in improving quality of life.
Library Newsletter (BookEnds)
Click below for our bi-monthly BookEnds newsletter or subscribe below to receive via email.
Policies
Circulation Policies
Borrowing Policies
The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library welcomes you to enjoy the benefits of its services and resources. Listed below are the Library's policies and procedures on borrowing.
Loan Periods
Magazines - 7 (Currently displayed magazines do not circulate)
Books on Compact Disc-28
CD-ROM - 28
DVD and Blu-Ray- 7 days (Must have parent or guardian signature if under 18)
Books - 28 days
The Book drop is available to patrons at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library and the Arlington Branch. Both book drops are located at the front entrances.
Reference material, including our Local and Family History collection do not circulate. These items are kept in the library for the use of all patrons at all times.
Library cards
Patrons are required to comply with all rules and regulations and are responsible for all material checked out on their card.
Everyone under the age of 18 is required to have a parent's signature when applying for a library card. Anyone who presents two forms of identification, one of which shows their current mailing address, may apply for a free library card.
Reserving Materials
If the item you want is not on the shelf, you may wish to place a hold on it. You may place the hold yourself at any public terminal. You will be notified when the item is available. Once the item comes in, you have nine days in which to pick it up.
Renewing Materials
All materials may be renewed once if they are not on hold for someone else. Items may be renewed in person or by telephone at: 422-1712.
Statement of Responsibility
By acceptance of your library card you agree to be responsible for all library materials borrowed with your card.
Immediately notify the Library in the event of loss, theft, or possible unauthorized use of the card. If the card is issued to a person under 18, the parent or guardian agrees to be responsible for the person's selection, use and return of library materials.
Interlibrary loan
Items not owned by the Findlay-Hancock County Library system can often be borrowed from another library. Check at the Reference desk for further details.
Fees for Overdue, Lost or Damaged Materials
The following rates apply to adult, young adult, and juvenile materials.
Overdue Rates
Books, magazines, compact discs, computer software - $ .10 per day
DVDs and Blu-Rays - $ .50 per day
(You are encouraged to return your overdue materials even if you cannot pay for them at that time. The computer will record your outstanding charges.)
Lost or Damaged Items
· Lost or damaged materials - Cost of the item
· Missing or defaced bar code - $.50
· Damaged AV container - $1.00
· Media bag - $2.00
· Missing Insert--$1.00
Computer Usage Guidelines
Severe Weather Policy
The library will follow the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department’s Road Warning Level’s for closing during inclimate weather. Local media will be informed whenever library hours are altered. Weather Advisories may be obtained by calling 419-421-8888 ext. 2424.
Level 1 Alert – The Library is open. The Bookmobile will not operate.
Level 2 Advisory – The Library is open at 10:00AM to 5:00PM. The Bookmobile will not operate.
Level 3 Emergency – The Library is closed. The Bookmobile will not operate.
RADIO STATIONS IN THE FINDLAY-HANCOCK COUNTY AREA:
Please listen to your local radio stations for closing announcements due to inclement weather conditions.
WFIN/WKXA Weather Delays/Alerts
Blanchard River Water Level Link
Services
Community Rooms
To reserve a meeting room please contact the administration office at 419-422-1712, ext. 248.
For additional information and meeting room polices, see our Community Rooms Policy below.
Lindamood Room
Blanchard Room
Copy Machines
Two copy machines are available for public use, they are located near the checkout and reference desk areas.
Standard letter size prints are 10 cents per copy -- legal size 15 cents.
Outreach Services
In addition to our Bookmobile and the Arlington Branch Library, Outreach Services offers the following:
•At Home Services
•Nursing Home Services
•Talking Book machines for the visually impaired
•Jail Services
For hours and locations for the Bookmobile services, click here.
For information on long and short term home deliveries, contact us.
Public Computers
Tax Forms
The library offers many basic Federal and Ohio State Income Tax forms and publications for distribution. For more information, click here.
WiFi Printing
Do you need to print to the library printer from your personal laptop? You can send your print jobs to the Print Release Terminal at via an LPT:One Print Client.
- Black & White prints are 10¢ per page.
- Color prints are 50¢ per page.
- Print jobs will expire 2 hours after they are submitted.
» Get the FHCPL wireless PC printing client.
» Download wireless PC printing instructions.
*Windows 2000/XP, Vista-32 Bit, Windows 7, Intel Based MAC running 10.5 Leopard or 10.6 Snow Leopard. (Linux not supported.)
SEO Participating Libraries
Click here for a list of the SEO Participating Libraries.
The SEO (Serving Every Ohioan) Library Center, located in Caldwell, supports a consortium of 79 Library systems at 176 physical locations throughout 41 counties across Ohio using the OPLIN network.
The power of this consortium resides in resource sharing among consortia members allowing small and rural library systems to have access to millions of items for their patrons free of charge.
Support the Library
Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Fund
The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Fund at the Community Foundation of Hancock County is the preferred vehicle for making larger gifts to the library. Gifts made through the Community Foundation offer the tax advantages of the 501 (3) (c) status. Only the proceeds of the Fund are granted to the library and principal of your gift will be the foundation of a legacy that will benefit library users in perpetuity. Gifts to the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Fund may be tailored to fit each donor’s individual needs. Gifts are gratefully accepted in the form of cash, retirement plan assets, life insurance, appreciated stock or real estate. Further information about the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Fund and the Community Foundation is available at 419-425-1100.
http://www.community-foundation.com
Memorials and Honorariums
Make a donation in memory or in honor of someone special and a bookplate bearing their name will be placed in a book in our collection. A memorial or honorarium book is a lasting tribute that will be enjoyed by the entire community. Individual patrons and organizations have used this service by donating money to purchase a book in honor of retirements, birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. Patrons have also used the service to place a book in memory of a friend, a relative or even a pet. Memorial and honorarium donations are a wonderful way to support the library with gifts under $100.
Persons interested in giving a gift or donation to the library should contact the Administration Services Office.
Volunteer
Are you interested in volunteering at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library? Please contact the Administration Office.