Message from the Director
Libraries have always been trusted entities in their communities, often times when other outlets and agencies fall short in the eyes of citizens around the country. The Mercer County District Libraries are proud to continue to be the location for your information, entertainment, and resources. Diverse locations provide access to materials and services throughout the county with hours of operation that allow you to pick up what you need when you need it. Our 24/7 hold lockers allow you to pick up requested items any time day or night. Little Free Libraries in our smaller communities provide materials when you’re visiting your favorite park. Lendable hotspots allow you to take the internet with you on vacation or bridge the gap you may have while changing local internet service providers at home. The Ohio Digital Library and the Libby app allow patrons to download and read (or listen) to books instantly. MCDL offers engaging programs for all ages at all four of our library locations. Most popular are of course our weekly storytimes and monthly book discussions. Lauren, our new Teen Services Coordinator has been working with our Teen Advisory Board to offer readers advisory, new programs and much more for teens. Be sure to check the calendar for a complete list of current programs for all ages.
MCDL has always strived to be an integral part of the communities we serve and we’re constantly looking for new and innovative ways to partner with organizations to meet needs. Our latest partnership to provide free COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits from the Ohio Department of Health to anyone has been arguably the most challenging one yet. I really struggled with this partnership when the opportunity first arose. However, as cases of COVID surged and variants developed, I knew this was certainly a need for our community. The familiarity our libraries have with our communities and with the support of our library board, we began distributing thousands of BinaxNOW home test kits via curbside at all four of our library locations. A year ago, I would have never dreamed that libraries would become the go-to place for COVID-19 test kits and although I can say it’s not my favorite service we provide, I know it is certainly the most needed right now. I just ask that you be patient and kind to our staff as we continue to work diligently with the ODH to meet demands in our area.
One year ago my message was one of hope for a return to pre-COVID levels of service. It is with immense pride, that I can now say we are not only back to this level of service, programs, and resources, we have surpassed and expanded it.
It really is a privilege to be serving our community as the Director of the Mercer County District Library, and I look forward to seeing each of you in the coming year, when you come in to utilize what all our libraries have to offer you. Whether that be for books, technology, events, the mineral collection, a COVID-19 Home Test Kit or just a friendly face, we are here for you. As always, if you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, please share them with me.
Happy & Healthy New Year!
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