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A Family’s Legacy
In 1829, John Sanford Brumback, for whom the Brumback Library is named, was born in Licking County, Ohio. When he was four years old his father died, leaving his mother with six young children and a log house on forty acres of undeveloped land. When he was not needed on the farm, John attended school during the winter. As a child, he learned to depend upon himself, which helped to develop his work ethic. At ten, he was entrusted with taking the produce from his family’s farm to market. At fifteen, his mother boasted about his horse-trading skills. At seventeen, he left the farm with fifty dollars and opened a general store in Illinois. His success continued through the years.
With $5,000 in gold, Mr. Brumback moved his wife and children to the sparsely populated county of Van Wert, Ohio in the spring of 1862. Here he opened a dry goods store and took an interest in the stave business. Nearly twenty years later, Mr. Brumback became the first president of the Central Mutual Insurance Company and served in that capacity until 1897. In 1884, he sold his store and bought a controlling interest in the Van Wert National Bank. He became president of the bank, helped create and finance many companies, and became known as a keen businessman, banker, and philanthropist.
In 1890, twelve women in Van Wert, Ohio formed the Van Wert Ladies Library Association to establish a subscription library for residents in the area. Their library, which contained 1,400 books, became a free city library in 1896 as a result of a city tax. Believing that all county residents should have access to a free public library, Mr. Brumback offered his financial support. Sadly, when the building plans he ordered were nearly complete, Mr. Brumback became seriously ill. Following his death, however, his family fulfilled his wishes and constructed an even better building than originally planned. Orville S. Brumback, Mr. Brumback’s son, also had great foresight for he was responsible for the legislation that was passed by the Ohio Legislature, thereby approving the first tax-supported public county library in the United States — The Brumback Library.
The cornerstone for the building was laid in 1899 and, in 1901, the building was dedicated. No expense was spared in the construction of the building which was de-designed by D.L. Stine of Toledo and built by J.S. Zook of Van Wert. The architecture is a combination of Gothic and Romanesque with a Ludowici tile roof and turreted towers. This imposing building sits among the trees in the park as originally requested by John S. Brumback. Over the years, Mr. Brumback’s heirs continued to provide support to the Library, including two renovations and an addition. Then, in 1917, the basement was remodeled for a Children’s Department. In 1991, work began on the Reed Memorial Addition. Funding for this extensive project was made possible by a bequest from Mr. Orville Reed and Miss Ellen Reed.
The grandchildren of John Sanford Brumback, Orville and Ellen were siblings. Orville had a long and very successful career with Travellers Insurance Company, while Ellen served as Secretary of the Library’s Board of Trustees for more than fifty-five years. Both individuals had a lifelong interest in the Library as well as the resources and services that it provides the residents of Van Wert County. In the mid 1970’s, the Reeds’ explored the possibility of a renovation and addition to the Library. They even drafted plans for this endeavor. Following their passing nearly fifteen years later, Orville and Ellen’s detailed instructions for a larger addition were accepted by the Board of Trustees. Designed by architect Clyde Henry of McDonald, Cassell, and Bassett of Columbus, the addition enlarged the building to its present 19,500 square feet.
This renovation and addition to the Brumback Library allowed for many improvements in library services. In 1991, the adult, children’s, reference, and genealogy collections included 61,704 items. With the additional space, Main Library now has a collection which totals 153,200 items. For the benefit of staff and patrons alike, a series of automated resources has been added since 1991 too. These resources include an automated catalog and circulation system, Internet workstations for adults and children, CD-Rom/word processing terminals, plus an expanded newspaper and periodicals collection. Up-to-date lighting, computer wiring capabilities, etc. have likewise helped to enhance the Library. In short, the Reed Memorial Addition, a most generous gift given in honor and memory of the deceased members of the Reed Family, has enabled the Library to offer its patrons greatly enhanced resources and services in a truly magnificent setting. In 1979, Main Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Then in 2001, it was recognized as a historic site by the Ohio Historical Society.
The renovation/addition project also served as a catalyst for the development and improvement of branch library services. In 1991, the Library only had branches in Convoy, Wren, and Willshire. In 1997 however, a branch improvement plan, designed by the Director and endorsed by the Board of Trustees, led to four newly constructed and/or renovated buildings in Convoy, Middle Point, Ohio City, and Wren. By 2001, these communities had greatly expanded collections as well as automated resources and services. A renovated facility provided by the Village of Willshire followed in 2007. Circulation and usage have continued to grow over the years. In 1991, the Brumback Library’s systemwide circulation totaled 247,707; in 2010, circulation totaled 670,452. In fact, the Main Library and branch collections presently include nearly 220,000 print and nonprint items.
The Brumback Library has been blessed to have the interest, support, and involvement of generations of Brumback Family members for generously contributing their time, talents, and financial resources on behalf of the Library. Enhancing Van Wert County’s quality of life, this lifelong center of learning has provided countless individuals with recreational, informational, and research resources for more than 110 years. An institution committed to learning with a tradition of service, we encourage residents of all ages to avail themselves to the treasure-trove of learning, adventure, and discovery that await each and every individual at the Brumback Library.
Your Literary Home
After an extremely busy summer, the children’s librarians at Main Library and the librarians at the branches take a moment to breathe before completing their Summer Reading statistics and organizing their participants’ paperwork. Then, they start brainstorming for the next season. Shortly after Labor Day, preschool story times, on-site story times at local preschools, after school activities for older children, walk-in crafts, etc. round out an impressive, fun-filled schedule at the Brumback Library. The amount of planning, time, and work involved in the process is truly phenomenal! Our staff members go out of their way to make certain that your child’s experiences at the Library are happy, positive, and perhaps, even educational in nature. Of course, at the very heart of our mission is the goal to foster a love of reading and education. This same philosophy pertains to our services for young adults and adults too.
Book and materials selection occurs on a daily basis. To date, nearly 5,000 items have been added to the system’s collection since January 2011. Total holdings, now numbering over 220,000 items, cover every imaginable topic and genre. Using various reviewing resources, plus patron requests and recommendations as a springboard, staff members suggest a myriad of items which will effectively meet the reading needs of Van Wert County’s population.
Taking all of these factors into account, one may wonder where the Library stands in comparison to other libraries throughout the State. Every year, the State Library of Ohio takes several areas of library service into consideration and produces a “report card” with regard to the services and resources offered by each of its 251 public libraries.
The Brumback Library’s 2010 rankings include the following information:
Total # of registered borrowers-74
Total volumes held-39
Total circulation-53
Full time staff-108
Staff expenditures-113
Materials expenditures-97
Total operating expenditures-103
Total Public Library Fund Monies-100
Total operating revenue-109
Our total staff size is small compared to the number of services and resources offered. With six branch sites and an active homebound delivery service for senior citizens, our 177 hour operating schedule makes the Library readily accessible to Van Wert County residents. The Library’s total circulation is positive proof that a busy, active community-wide resource awaits one and all.
We encourage all of our patrons to avail themselves to our services, resources, and programming efforts. We exist to meet your needs. Mr. John Sanford Brumback, the Library’s founder, envisioned an institution which would foster a love of learning and discovery. One hundred ten years later, that vision remains our collective goal. Fall into a good book or other resource this season. Discover and explore a myriad of subjects. Continue to make the Brumback Library your literary home.
Sign Up Now
September is Library Card Sign Up Month. Residents of all ages are encouraged to have their own library card. Join the more than 26,000 registered Brumback Library patrons and stop by for your card today.
With Many Thanks
The Brumback Library is pleased to report that 1,838 Van Wert County children participated in a wide range of Summer Reading activities in June and July. Entitled “One World, Many Stories,” infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school children enjoyed creative programs presented by Tammy Campbell, Ellen Ford, Bill Galloway, Joy Gordon and Katrina Rupert, the Kitchen Magicians, a medieval demonstration by Lady Cassondra, Dick McCobb, Belinda Miller, Mary Minnig,Tom Phoolery, Paula Schumm, Bill Stanley, Rita Thelan, and Larry Wirtz the Science Guy.
Numerous story time sessions, craft workshops, walk-in craft days, Y.M.C.A. swims, and a wide array of other special activities were presented by the Brumback Library’s Staff and Volunteers. The hundreds of children and their parents who attended the MadCap Puppet Theatre at the Marsh Foundation became more familiar with Orville and Wilbur as they presented their earliest adventures via “Tales of Flight with the Brothers Wright.” One week later, Disney Pixar’s Cars 2 was viewed by well over one thousand children and their parents at the Van Wert Cinemas. In between this flutter of ctivities, Van Wert County’s young readers read a staggering total of 89,539 books in eight weeks. In recognition of this amazing accomplishment, we celebrated with a carnival held at the Family Life Center of Trinity Friends Church. In addition to the fun and games in the gymnasium that afternoon, Ronald McDonald and his friends presented a program emphasizing the importance of reading. Summer reading sheets and certificates will soon be delivered to the schools. Parents of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, home-school students, and students from school districts outside Van Wert County may pick up their papers at the Children’s Desk or at their respective branches in September. Contest winners, however, may stop by at any time to pick up their prizes.
Finally, it should be noted that 2,599 students in grades seven through twelve participated in the Young Adult Summer Reading Program, while 3,872 individuals participated in the Adult Beach Book Club and 391 homebound residents registered for the Homebound Summer Reading Program. Winners in each of these programs received a variety of prizes.
The Board of Trustees, Director, and Staff of the Brumback Library wish to recognize and thank the Van Wert Federation of Teachers as well as Mr. Jerry Lewis and McDonald’s for once again serving as our major supporters. We would also like to recognize and thank the following businesses, organizations, volunteers, and individuals who either contributed financially or shared their time and talents with us in support of the Brumback Library’s 96th Annual Summer Reading Program. On behalf of all our participants, we would like to thank Advanced Auto Parts, Arby’s, Autozone, B&K Rootbeer, Becky’s Village Restaurant, Brookside Convenience Store, Butler’s Bakery, John and Kim Carr, Chic Extreme, Collins Fine Food, CVS, Dairy Queen, Derry Drug Mart, DeShia, Ducks Unlimited, Family Video, First Bank of Berne, Fort Wayne Tin Caps, Huggy Bear Campground, J&J Butler Sales and Service, Kennedy-Kuhn, KnightsCream Castle, Knights Pizza, Chuck and Karen Koch, Lee’s Ace Hardware, The Marsh Foundation, Ohio State Fair, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Orchard Tree Restaurant, Papa John’s Pizza, The Partee Shop, Peking Chinese Restaurant, Pizza Hut, Remedies, John & Kelly Rist, Rambler’s Roost, Rocky Top Ice Cream, Shutterbugg, The Spelling Bee, Subway, Sycamore Frozen Yogurt & Custard, Taco Bell, The Tavern, Three Rivers Federal Credit Union, TJ’s Grocerette, Tractor Supply Company, Trinity Friends Church, United States Postal Service, Van Wert Cinemas, Van Wert County Department of Job & Family Services Staff, Van Wert Independent, Van Wert Times-Bulletin, Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers, WERT Radio, Westwood Car Wash, WIC of Van Wert County, Wild Willy’s Pizza, Wilkinson Printing, Willshire Drive-In, the Y.M.C.A., the Y.W.C.A., and several anonymous donors.
For their time and talents, we are extremely grateful to Joy Anthony, Ann Ayres, Shana and Levi Brincefield, Brendan Carr, McKenzi Case, Sarah Cearns, Judy Comer, Erin Dingle, Andrea Foster, Gerald and Joy Gordon, Forrest Gribler, Lois Harrow, Terry Howell, Brenda and Kennedy Mengerink, Kay Miller, Judy Myers, Willi Richardson, Sarah and Hannah Riley, Tressa Ringwald, Alicia Rist, Linda Rogers, Rachel and Reesa Rohrs, Therese Tate, and Carole Zedaker. Thank you for a wonderful summer! We couldn’t have done it without you!
Stories and More
Beginning Tuesday, September 6th, the Children’s Department will accept registrations for all story time sessions. Mother Goose, preschool, and family sessions will be held from October 3rd through late April. Infant and toddler story times will be offered at 6:15 p.m. every Monday, with a second session meeting at 10:00 a.m. every Tuesday. Family story time has been scheduled at 6:45 p.m. every Monday, while preschool story time sessions for three to six year old children have been scheduled at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Brumback Library story time sessions will also be offered at Calvary Preschool, Headstart, First United Methodist Preschool, Thomas Edison, Vantage Preschool, and Wee Care Learning Center.
In Memory
On November 8, 2010, the Brumback Library lost a good friend, an ardent supporter, and a dedicated Library Trustee. The retired C.E.O. and Chairman of the Board of Van Wert National Bank, David L. Brumback III played an instrumental role as both a knowledgable and active family representative to the Library Board of Trustees. Mr. Brumback served on the Board for twenty-three years and played a key role in the establishment of the Library Enrichment Foundation. He also played an integral role in the Reed Memorial Addition Project, the Branch Library Improvement Program, and a myriad of other major projects.
Director John Carr noted that Mr. Brumback was part of a long line of Brumback Family members who have served as family appointed Trustees. He lived a life which reflected his love for the Library and the community in general. The impact that he made was indeed far reaching. Dave served on the boards of Central Mutual Insurance Company and Alpha Cellulose Corporation. He also served as a trustee for Van Wert Associated Charities, Van Wert County Humane Society, Van Wert Chamber of Commerce, and the Van Wert County Foundation.
Having served as a naval pilot in World War II, Dave developed a lifelong love of aviation and was actively involved with the Van Wert County Airport Authority. He was also a member of First Presbyterian Church, Van Wert Elks Lodge, Van Wert American Legion, Willow Bend Country Club, Van Wert Rotary Club, the Masonic Lodge, and the Van Wert V.F.W.
A most insightful and committed individual who valued the Library and the services and resources which it provides, we could always count on Dave’s assistance and support. A true friend, his presence is greatly missed. Dave is survived by his wife Beth, his children Laura (Randy) Reek, Jim (Janice) Brumback, and David (Kari) Brumback IV, a sister Nancy Brumback Kruvand, eight grandchildren, and a great grandchild.
In the Brumback Family tradition of service, David L. Brumback IV graciously accepted his Father’s position on the Library Board. D.L. brings a wealth of experience with him from the business world and truly embodies the family interest and service in an institution which has not only served generations of Van Wert County citizens, but continues to remain an important center of lifelong learning for residents of all ages today. We are very pleased that D.L. is a member of the Board of Trustees.
Something for Everyone
Over the course of the past seven months, the Library has added 5,000 volumes to its collection. Adult, children’s, and reference titles encompass a wide variety of subject areas in both print and nonprint formats. Patrons of all ages are encouraged to check out these titles. With a total collection now exceeding 220,000 items, the Brumback Library does indeed have something for everyone. Yes, we truly strive to meet the educational, research, and recreational reading needs of all Van Wert County residents.
Fall Into a Good Book
Book review/discussion groups will soon be meeting to explore a plethora of titles. The Library will gladly attempt to accommodate these groups by obtaining copies of the works appearing on their respective reading lists. Several entities have contacted us concerning their selections for the 2011-2012 year. We are most appreciative of this advanced communication since it takes at least a week or two to order, ship, and process new materials. For those groups who have yet to finalize their reading agendas, please contact us as soon as soon as possible at (419) 238-2168. Thank you.
Fall Book Sale
Mark your calendar for the Fall Book Sale on Saturday, September 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Books for adults and children, plus encyclopedias, magazines, videos, etc. will be available for purchase in the Reading Room at Main Library.
Holiday Closings
The Brumback Library and all of its branches will be closed Saturday,September 3rd through Monday, September 5th in observance of Labor Day. Main Library and the branches will resume their regular hours of operation on Tuesday, September 6th.
Meet Me at the Fair
The Brumback Library will host a booth at the Van Wert County Fair from August 31st through September 5th. Located in the Agriculture Building, the booth will be staffed by library employees and volunteers. Library brochures, newsletters, balloons, etc. will be available to interested individuals. Children and adults are encouraged to stop by and register for a series of drawings.
Going, Going, Gone
Over the course of the summer months, many items have accumulated at the Library. Jackets, sun glasses, toys, etc. are waiting for their owners to claim them. Patrons who believe they may have left an item behind are encouraged to inquire at the Library’s Circulation Desk. All unclaimed items will be donated to the Salvation Army after October 3rd.
New Children’s Titles
The Adventures of Nanny Piggins by Spratt
Ballet for Martha by Greenberg & Jordan
Bambi’s First Day by Salten
Basketball Belles by Macy
Dream Big, Little Pig! by Yamaguchi
Emma Dilemma : Big Sister Poems by George
Everything but the Horse by Hobbie
Moon Over Manifest by Vanderpool
Olivia Opens a Lemonade Stand
Pierre’s Friends by Beck
Pink Princess Cupcakes by Beery
Sylvia & Aki by Conkling
Tink by Bredsdorff
Turtle in Paradise by Holm
V is for von Trapp by Anderson
A World Without Heroes by Mull
Bestsellers Currently Available
Fiction
Ghost Story by Butcher
A Dance with Dragons by Martin
Full Black by Thor
Portrait of a Spy by Silva
Happy Birthday by Steel
Now You See Her by Patterson & Ledwidge
Smokin’ Seventeen by Evanovich
State of Wonder by Patchett
Split Second by Coulter
Then Came You by Weiner
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Larsson
The Bourne Dominion by Lustbader
The Paris Wife by McLain
Against All Enemies by Clancy with Telep
One Summer by Baldacci
Rules of Civility by Towles
Nonfiction
A Stolen Life by Dugard
Unbroken by Hillenbrand
In the Garden of Beasts by Larson
Bossypants by Fey
The Greater Journey : Americans in Paris by McCullough
Seal Team Six by Wasdin & Templin
Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me by Chelsea’s Family, Friends, & Other Victims
Of Thee I Zing by Ingraham with Arroyo
Through My Eyes by Tebow with Whitaker
Incognito by Eagleman
Reckless Endangement by Morgenson & Rosner
Those Guys Have All the Fun by Miller & Shales
Absolute Monarchs by Norwich
Sex on the Moon by Mezrich
Does the Noise in my Head Bother You? by Tyler with Dalton
Notable Titles
Fiction
44 Charles Street by Steel
Bel-Air Dead by Woods
Chasing Fire by Roberts
Eve by Johansen
In Too Deep by Krentz
Minding Frankie by Binchy
Night Vision by White
The Outlaws by Griffin & Butterworth
Southern Comfort by Michaels
Treachery in Death by Robb
A Turn in the Road by Macomber
Twilight’s Dawn by Bishop
What the Night Knows by Koontz
Nonfiction
All My Life by Lucci with Morton
Dog Sense by Bradshaw
Endgame by Mauldin and Tepper
I Beat the Odds by Oher with Yeager
The Kind Diet by Silverstone
One Hundred Names for Love by Ackerman
Paul Newman: A Life by Quirk
She Walks I Beauty poems selected by Caroline Kennedy
Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Lowe
A Widow’s Story by Oates
The Wizard of Lies by Henriques
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