The Beginning - 1960

The roots of a library system in Pemberville date back to 1893 or 1894, when Thomas N. Bierly, a local lawyer and mayor of Pemberville, initiated a community library. He placed 600 volumes in a room within the Methodist Episcopal Church and subsequently donated 100 volumes to the Presbyterian Church.

However, it wasn't until 1937 that a Public Library officially opened its doors in a former bank building. This milestone was achieved with the instrumental assistance of Miss Kate Offerman, several influential village citizens, and the Mental Cultural Club, a local women's study group. 

The main goal of the Mental Cultural Club was to broaden their horizons of learning. Discussions about establishing a public library in Pemberville began on March 16, 1936. They got assistance from the State Librarian on the necessary procedures for organizing and establishing a library. Miss Kate Offerman, recognized for her role as the club's critic and her position as assistant superintendent of Wood County Schools, was appointed by the Mental Cultural Club to pursue the Library's development. 

Around the same time, Robert Sharp, a Pemberville resident and State Auditor, became aware that intangible Tax Funds were available as a source of funding for public libraries. After some deliberation with his friend Dr. H. W. Dierksheide, they agreed that Pemberville should have a library, primarily since funding avenues existed. This funding had to be received and administered through either the village, township, board of education, or the county. As an educator, Miss Offerman approached the Pemberville Board of Education regarding the establishment of a Public Library in Pemberville. Their consent paved the way for the project's formal planning.

The first Board of Trustees was appointed by the local School board and consisted of Miss Dorothy Bowlus, who became the first president; Mr. C. E. Downing; Mrs. F. W. Zindler; Mrs. H. E. Ward; Mrs. S. R. Williams; Mr. Ernest Heckman; and Miss Kate Offerman. To ensure proper setup, Miss Mildred Sandow, State Library Organizer from Columbus, was consulted for detailed guidance. Mrs. R. Dean Caswall of Rossford was hired in August 1937 as the first Librarian and was assisted by Ruth (Dierksheide) Schutt. The initial book selection for the Pemberville Library was based on a list provided by the Rossford Library. A room in the old Pemberville High School building was used as a workroom for sorting, classifying, and cataloging the books until a building was selected as the new Library.

The Library's first location was a vacant bank building, which stood where the Union Bank is today. This property was purchased in 1937 for $1,500 and opened to the public on October 29, 1937, housing 1,400 volumes. Books could not be borrowed until November 1, and even then, borrowers were limited to two books and one magazine.

Mrs. Caswall concluded her tenure as Librarian in September 1939 and was succeeded by Mrs. Marian Seibel of Toledo. During Mrs. Seibel's tenure as Librarian, the Library was relocated to larger quarters on the first floor of the Town Hall, which underwent extensive remodeling and renovation to accommodate its growing collection. Subsequently, a storage room was partitioned off on the second floor for magazines and additional stacks. Upon Mrs. Seibel's resignation on July 1, 1954, Miss Helen Crafts of Pemberville was appointed Librarian, and Ruth Schutt transitioned to a part-time assistant to fill Helen's vacancy.

Initially established to serve the Pemberville School District, the Library's scope expanded significantly in 1958 when the Pemberville, Troy, and Webster school districts consolidated to form the Eastwood School District. Recognizing the need for extended service to the new, larger district, the Library Board of Trustees decided to open a branch location in Stony Ridge in 1964. The branch was initially housed in the building next to the Post Office, with Mrs. Marilyn Hudson as its Librarian.
 

This extension of the Pemberville Library System was overseen by Daniel McGinnis, an associate with the State Library Center in Napoleon, who was hired as Librarian after the resignation of Miss Crafts. During this time, Mrs. Schutt was employed as a full-time assistant, and Mrs. Paul Westerhaus came on as a part-time assistant. 

1960 - 1987

By 1965, the Pemberville location had outgrown its space in Town Hall, prompting the library board to seek a new site for constructing a new library. Two locations were proposed, and after considerable discussion and strong community support, the board accepted the site offered by the village.

In the spring of 1967, Mr. McGinnis resigned from the position of Librarian, and his successor was Ronald J. Schink, Director of the Napoleon State Library Service Center. During that same spring, the ground was broken in the village park across from the Legion Hall for the construction of the new building. It was under Mr. Schink's administration that the new Library was completed, and the big move to its new quarters took place in January 1968. With a larger, modern building, students and the general public made greater use of their Library. In 1973, the Library was doubled in size, and a children's department and more storage were added.

In 1981, the Stony Ridge Branch Library moved to its current location at 5805 Fremont Pike. Mrs. Celia Smith served as head librarian for this branch until her retirement in 1985, after which Mrs. Stinchcomb became the branch head, with Nancy Jacobs as assistant librarian.

Mr. Richard Lowrie became the director of the Pemberville location in 1978. Following his passing in 1982, Jane Kohlenberg, who had previously served as the clerk of the board, was appointed as the director.  Laura King, a genealogist, joined the staff in 1983 and has been instrumental in the growth of the local history collection. She began her tenure as assistant director in 1993. Mrs. Westerhaus and Mrs. Schutt retired in 1984, with Mrs. Schutt having dedicated over 40 years to the Library.

1987 was a historic year for the Library. The Friends of the Pemberville Public Library was organized in January 1987. This organization initially encompassed both the Stony Ridge Branch and the Pemberville Public Library, but they have since split into two separate Friends groups. Some founding members include Harland Hale (President), Gustavea Oberhouse (First Vice President), Bruce King (Second Vice President), Trudy Davis (Treasurer), and Marti Zeek (Secretary). 

This year also marked the Library's 50th anniversary, and the Pemberville location completed its expansion. This addition included a computer room, a local and family history room, a staff lounge, and a director's office. The new addition also housed a meeting room and an enlarged adult book area. Library services expanded beyond books and periodicals to include films, audio tapes, records, video cassettes, microfilm, and computer usage.

Luckey Area Library Movement (LALM)

In 1986, the idea of establishing a public library in Luckey emerged, with the goal of better serving the children and seniors of the village. This idea blossomed into an organization known as the Luckey Area Library Movement (LALM). By 1988, the officers consisted of Harley Jacobs (president), Lowen Meyer (vice president), Anne Michel (secretary-treasurer), Donna Jacobs (publicity chairman), Lloyd Spahn, and Dale Gross (fundraising chairmen). The members of LALM strongly advocated for a local library in Luckey within walking distance. Harley Jacobs, the president, articulated their vision, stating that "A library is not just a collection of books. It is also a cultural center where people and children can meet."

IIn 1987, the village of Luckey approached the Pemberville Library Board of Trustees to ascertain the steps required to establish a Luckey Branch Library. The Board proposed that if the village could purchase or rent a building that meets the appropriate specifications, then the Board would establish a branch library, including a paid, trained individual to manage it, and would provide an annual budget for the initial purchase of books and magazines. Volunteers would be needed to assist with staffing the branch, and the village would be responsible for utilities, upkeep, repairs, janitorial services, and insurance. 

LALM secured a building on Main Street and started fundraising with a goal of $10,00 to start a local branch. When they sent an official request to the Pemberville Public Library Board of Trustees in 1988, they were initially denied. The Pemberville Board, having just funded a significant renovation, expressed concerns about having adequate funds to establish and operate an additional location. The library board, however, did appoint a committee, comprising representatives from the school, village council, library board, and LALM, to study alternatives for a library service in Luckey.

After three and a half years of dedicated fundraising through dances, bake sales, and a taco stand, complemented by generous donations from local organizations and citizens, the Luckey Area Library Movement successfully raised its $10,000 goal. The funds were used to renovate the old Jacobs Meat Market on Main Street, transforming it into a suitable space for the collection. They also began accepting donations of books for their collection in January of 1990. 

The Luckey Branch Library officially joined the Pemberville Public Library System in April 1990, with its grand opening held in May of that year. The Pemberville Public Library Board supported the branch with an annual budget for books, magazines, and training over a three-year period. LALM remained responsible for staffing and managing the building, as well as providing any additional funding desired for materials.

2000 - Present Day

The dawn of the 2000s presented the library with new challenges, primarily the need to expand its technological and media offerings to meet the needs of its patrons. It quickly became apparent that the existing facilities were running out of space. In response to this need, a significant expansion project commenced in 2006, adding 36,000 square feet to the existing facility in Pemberville. When the new space opened in 2007, it featured several improvements: dedicated rooms for children's programming, storage space, handicapped-accessible restrooms, and an enlarged local history area. A new circulation desk was added to create more room for services on the adult side of the building. Furthermore, a new main entrance, complemented by eight additional parking spaces, was added to the west side of the facility, enhancing accessibility for patrons.

The branch locations also underwent significant improvements during 2007. The Luckey Branch received new furniture and added wireless internet access for public use. Simultaneously, the library system initiated a renovation project for the Stony Ridge Branch, inviting bids for the construction of a community room. This project was successfully completed in 2008, resulting in a versatile meeting room, new handicapped-accessible restrooms, and a complete interior remodel and reconfiguration of the original building.

For over three decades, Jane Kohlenberg led the Pemberville Library system as Director, guiding it through significant advancements and extensive renovations. Following her retirement in 2015, Susan Titkemeier, previously the Adult Services Coordinator, assumed the role of Director, continuing the library's journey into the modern era.

As the years progressed, the Pemberville Public Library Board gradually assumed more responsibility for the Luckey Branch. In 2020, the Board purchased the old Luckey Legion Hall. It was fully renovated, establishing a new and improved location for the Luckey Branch Library. Susan successfully oversaw this renovation project, which expanded the library, introducing a larger space for its collections, a dedicated Makerspace equipped with unique tools for public use, and a flexible, inviting community room for various events and gatherings.

In 2023, when Susan concluded her tenure as Director, Ariel Jacobs was hired to succeed her. Ariel currently leads a crew of 15 staff members across three locations. Her leadership team includes Laura King (Assistant Director), Julie Getz (Fiscal Officer), Cherie Runnels (Adult Services Coordinator), and Laurel Rakas (Youth Services Coordinator).  

Library Logo 

In Spring 2016, the Pemberville Public Library held a contest to design a new logo. The result was a combination of two design submissions. The slogan, "Read to Succeed - More to Explore" was inspired by Eastwood High School student Joshua Egnatuk. The slogan has two meanings. First, you need to be able to read to succeed in life. Second, there is more to explore in our libraries than just books.

The main design of the open book and wording was created by Eastwood Local School District resident Pam Connell. The colors in the design are the colors of the Eastwood Local School District: red, white, and columbia blue. The Pemberville Public Library and the branch libraries in Stony Ridge and Luckey serve all residents of the school district. Pam created four different versions of the logo to suit the library's needs for flyers, social media, and other promotional materials.

The Pemberville Public Library Board of Trustees and Staff thank Pam and Joshua for their combined efforts in creating the new logo!