About Us
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 1900s 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 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.
1950s
In the 1950s, the Findlay Public Library began providing a delivery service that was the beginning of what is now the Bookmobile. Many different vehicles have served the library over the years.
1964
By the mid-'60s, 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 toward 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 library in a new location died. In 1978, 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.
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.
1988-1989
Automation progressed with the purchase of the Dynix system in late 1988. Registration for new barcode library cards began almost immediately. Computer equipment was installed in early 1989 and in September of that year the library went online with a computerized 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 with 9 PCs for public use.
Based on 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 would 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.
1990-1991
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. 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. In January of 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.
1997-1998
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 computers. In 1998, the card catalog was added to the website and automated phone notice capability was installed.
2007-2009
On August 22, 2007, a 100-year flood hit 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, electricity, and HVAC. In 2008, mitigation began and the basement and Community Room were rebuilt. The library's grand reopening was on January 11, 2009.
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."
2020-Temporary Library Closure Because of Covid-19
The library closed on March 14. Within two days of closing, the library issued digital library cards to keep patrons connected to library material and put into place a virtual reference desk to assist patrons with questions. Many new services were launched such as virtual programming, curbside service, and virtual SummerREAD. The library remained closed for 93 days, and reopened on June 15 with limited hours.
2021-2022
The long-awaited arrival of the new Bookmobile was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 7, 2021. In 2022, thanks to the receipt of a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act, 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.
Building Refresh-February 2025
Using capital improvement funds earmarked for the project, the library building got a refresh of paint and carpet. A shift of departments also took place to make it easier to explore our collections, putting the Teen Collection closer to the Children's Department and Media Services shifted toward Adult Services.
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 Kickenson 1985-1996
Mary Morrison (IOnterim) 1996
Sybil Galer 1997-2007
Carol Dunn (Interim) 2007-2009
Jeff Winkle 2009-2020
Sarah Clevidence 2020-present