History of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library

     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.

     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 contacted Mr. Carnegie, only months before his death, but by that time he was no longer funding library construction.

1935

     In 1935, the Findlay Pubic 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. 

1950's

     In the 1950's, the Findlay Public Library began providing a delivery service that was the beginning of what is now the Bookmobile. May different vehicles have served the library over the years. 

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. Also in that year, early steps were taken towards computerization when the library joined the Ohio College Library Center. 

1978

     During this period, a change in directorship delayed any construction ideas and eventually the idea of a new libary in a new location died. In 1978, however, under the new direector, 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. 

1983

     Four Apple 2+ terminals were purchased for public use and the first computer lab was installed in the basement. 

1985

     In 1985, Hancock County's first full-service library branch was opened in Arlington. During 1986 & 1987, with the benefit of a grant of nearly $20,000 from the Cleveland Foundation's L Dale Dorney Fund, the library commissioned a study to evaluate its facilities and services and created 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; 4) the feasibility of establishing Sunday hours.

1988

     Automation progressed with the purchase of the Dynix system in late 1988. Registration for new barcode library cards began almost immediately. Computer equipment was instaled in early 1989 and in September of that year the library went online with a computorized catalog for both staff and public use, as well as an automated checkout 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 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 of 1989.

1990

     In January of 1990, the month which marked the library's 100th anniversary of public service, we purchased our first real Bookmobile. The Bookmobile currently serves eight county stops, and two assisted living locations. 

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 completed building featured all public services on one level, full accessibility for handicapped individuals, a community room, Bookmobile garage and a covered parking garage for the public. The completed new library facility was dedicated on October 6, 1991. Sunday hours began on October 6, 1991.  

January 3, 1991

     The library lost all of the carpeting in the lower level due to flooding of sewer water in that area. No books were lost. 

1994

     The Dynix library software had 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. Carpeting 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. The entire basement was lost including Administration, Technical Services, the Book Cellar used book store Adult Services Offices, and Maintenance. All services were lost: phones, internet, boiler, electric, and HVAC.

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. 

125th Anniversary Celebration - January 27, 2015

     The library was recognized in many ways on Tuesday, January 27 at the 125th anniversary celebration. the honors included: 

• January 27 was officially designated Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Day by the Mayor and the County Commissioners. 

• The library received a flag flown over the U. S. Capital from Congressman Robert Latta, 

• The library was officially commended by both the State Senate and the State House of Representatives.

      Director Jeff Winkle spoke at a reception and said, "We never take for granted how blessed we are to work in a county-wide community that values reading. Findlay and Hancock County people are special. Our friends and neighbors believe in reading, education, family, and hard work. The library is proud to support those attributes every day. On behalf of the administration and staff, I thank the community for supporting the Findlay-Hancock County  Public Library."    

Library Closes Temporarily Because Of Covid-19 - March 14, 2020

     Within two days of closing, the library issues digital library cards to keep patrons connected to library material and a virtual reference desk to remain available to assist patrons with questions. Many new services are launched such as virtual programming, curbside service, and virtual SummerREAD. The library remained closed due to the pandemic for 93 days, and reopened on June 15 with limited hours. 

New Bookmobile - April 2021

     The long-awaited arrival of the new Bookmobile is celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 7, 2021. 

New Outreach Vehicle - August 2022

     Thanks to the receipt of an ARPA grant, we were able to replace our well-worn outreach vehicle. With the expansion of our Extension and Outreach Services Department, the new vehicle couldn't have come to us at a better time. 

Library Directors

Nellie Baker 1888-1902

Mary Belle Morrison 1902-1939

Catherine L. Achord 1939-1971 Miss Edwards 1971-1974

G. W. Stanbery 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) 2007-2009

Jeff Winkle 2009-2020

Sarah Clevidence 2020-present