Welcome to the Spring Newsletter!” BRANCH KEY TABLE OF CONTENTS WOOSTER MAIN CRESTON RITTMAN SHREVE WEST SALEM DOYLESTOWN DALTON “ Within its pages, you will find programs, resources, and events for people of all ages and interests. We invite you to explore all that your library has to offer and to take advantage of our services and programs—wherever you are in life. Library Funding Updates Last year, the Ohio General Assembly approved the 2026–27 state budget, which includes a significant change in how public libraries are funded. As a result, public libraries across Ohio are experiencing reductions in projected funding. For the Wayne County Public Library, this change is expected to result in a decrease of approximately $200,000 by the end of the current budget cycle on June 30, 2027. To responsibly manage this reduction in state funding while continuing to provide essential services, the Library has made several difficult but necessary decisions: · Budgets for programming supplies and staff training have been reduced. We are fortunate to have strong Friends of the Library groups that have stepped up to help support these initiatives. · Funding for certain library materials has been reduced based on usage trends, rising costs, and limited availability of some formats. When possible, the Library will seek supplemental funding through gifts and grants to support collection development. · The budget for Hoopla has been reduced, decreasing the number of monthly checkouts per patron from 15 to 6 beginning March 2. The Library will continue to expand its digital collection through the Libby app. · The Wi-Fi hotspot lending program will conclude at the end of the current contract on June 30. Free Wi-Fi access will continue to be available at all library locations. While these changes are disappointing, they were made thoughtfully and with a continued commitment to providing core services and serving as responsible stewards of public funds. We remain dedicated to serving our community today while planning responsibly for the future. Bond Retirement I am pleased to share some positive financial news. In 2025, the Library made the final payment on the 2005 Library Improvement Bond, which supported the construction of the Main Library in downtown Wooster. The retirement of this bond will result in a reduction in property taxes this year for residents within the library district. We are deeply grateful to our community for two decades of support that made this investment possible. The Library invites the community to join us at the Main Library on Saturday, April 25, during National Library Week, as we officially recognize this milestone with a special event thanking our community for its support. Hope to see you there! Jennifer Shatzer Jennifer Shatzer, Director April Library Love Reading Club............................................3 America 250.....................................................................................4–5 Story Times.............................................................................................6 Book Clubs..............................................................................................7 Creation Station..................................................................................8 Friends of the Library/Career Expo.....................................9 Spring Programs: All Ages.................................................10–11 Spring Programs: Children...............................................12–14 Spring Programs: Teen/Adult........................................14–18 Yarn Therapy/PAWs to Read..................................................19 Letter from the Director 2 wcpl.info Spring Newsletter | March – May | 2026
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