Morris Harris, 60, said he spends several hours at the Middletown Public Library daily.
“If it wasn’t for this, I’d have nothing to do,” Harris said. “It’s like a nice getaway where I can just grab a newspaper, sit down and relax.”
The retired, legally blind Middletown man was using one of the library’s computer terminals to look up the market value of several vintage basketball cards and Incredible Hulk lunch boxes.
Only a handful of people peruse the massive collection of available books.
Donald Schenck, a 25-year-old from Jacksonburg, was one of those few still making use of the library’s signature offering. In addition to browsing for jobs via the Internet, Schenck snagged a book to help him learn Spanish.
“I’m hoping to join the Missionaries of Charity down in Mexico, so I am looking to study up on the language,” Schenck said.
Just about everyone said they understand why the library was forced to scale back its operation last fall, when the system laid off 21 employees and reduced operating hours from 72 per week to 47. Library officials have decided to seek a 0.75-mill levy, $3.2 million in annual funding for five years, on the May 4 ballot. It would cost the owner of the $100,000 home $23 annually.
George Scott called the library “a good place to go, especially when it’s cold outside.” The 57-year-old Middletown man said he makes his way to the library a few times every week. It allows him time to relax and catch up on the latest news.
“Sometimes I go down to my friend’s house down the street, but I’m frequently here reading the newspaper and doing other things,” Scott said. “I like that it’s quiet in here and nobody will really bother you.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or rgauthier@coxohio.com.
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