The library’s first location was on the campus of Cedarville College (now Cedarville University) and served as the library for both college students and town residents. During the Great Depression, Cedarville Library became part of the county-wide Greene County District Library; by 1960, the college established its own library, and in 1961, the public library found a home in the Cedarville Opera House, where it remained for over 40 years.
“Then it became apparent,” says Sue, “that the community needed a bigger space. The former location was charming, but cramped. There were really no spaces for community gatherings or library programming. We had one love seat for patrons to sit on!”
She explains that Janice Bosma, then associate dean for library administration at Cedarville University, started what was essentially a “penny jar” campaign in 2001 to raise money for a Cedarville Library building fund.
Sue says that Janice, who has since retired and moved to Michigan, worked very hard to raise funds, and though the community was quite enthusiastic and supportive, it quickly became clear that a grassroots effort by itself wasn’t going to be enough.
Major fundraising campaigns began with the Kyle Foundation and the Greene County library association. Sue says that then-U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine helped secure a federal grant, as well.
“Finally, in February of 2005, with Senator DeWine presiding the ribbon cutting, the new Cedarville Community Library opened for the community,” says Sue. “The space provides so much for our community: a meeting room for programs, computer stations, tables and seating for patrons to use as they work and read, a dedicated children’s space with early literacy games and toys. The new space has provided room to move about, study, collaborate and create for our citizens for ten years.”
Sue herself moved from the Boston area with her husband for his job to Beavercreek five years ago and began working for the Greene County library system in various locations and in roles, including circulation clerk and youth services.
Learn more about the library and its events at http://greenelibrary.info/locations/cedarville/.
Events
• Thursday, March 5, 6:30 p.m., Books & Co. at The Greene, Beavercreek: Children’s author and illustrator Barney Saltzberg will present his new books for young children, “Redbird: Color, Colors Everywhere!” and “Redbird: Friends Come in Different Sizes.”
• Beginning Saturday, March 7, noon-2 p.m., for five Saturdays through March 29: Word’s Worth Writing Center presents Writer’s Workshop Lite, led by author Katrina Kittle. The class will be held at the Oakwood Starbucks, 2424 Far Hills Ave. For more details or to register, visit http://www.wordsworthdayton.com/id67.html.
• Sunday, March 8, 2-4 p.m., Washington-Centerville Public Library, Centerville branch (111 W. Spring Valley Road, Centerville), Community Room: “The Life Cycle of a Book.” Panelists Kristina McBride (author), Lara Oliver (publishing representative) and Vick Mickunas (host of WYSO-FM’s “Book Nook” and Dayton Daily News columnist) break down the Life Cycle of a Book from inception, to publication to mass market. Sponsored by Friends of the Washington-Centerville Public Library.
• Sunday, March 15, 4-7 p.m.: The Antioch Writers’ Workshop will host a LitSalon talk with poet Grace Curtis, author of poetry collection, “The Shape of a Box.” Learn more about the event at www.antiochwritersworkshop.com/aww-litsalons.
• Entries for scholarships to attend Antioch Writers’ Workshop’s summer program, July 11-17, are now being accepted at the workshop’s website. Three half and three full scholarships are available. To learn more and to apply, visit www.antiochwritersworkshop.com/scholarships—summer-workshop
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