Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The new-look Warsaw Community Public Library had its official unveiling Sunday, with local dignitaries singing the praises of the $7-million facility.
Sen. Kent Adams, keynote speaker for the event, said the renovations recently completed at the library will allow it to continue the excellent service it has provided Warsaw and the surrounding community for more than 80 years.
"Throughout the history of America, the importance of the library is that it is able to serve a specific purpose in such a way as to maintain its heritage and mission, while at the same time adapting to the needs of its people and the community," he said. "To me, this is the library."
The challenge for the library is to continue that mission in the same dedicated fashion, but by using the modern tools now available.
"In the 21st century, the mission and purpose of the library will remain unchanged. The library will continue to serve as a depository of knowledge. A place where adults and children alike can go to learn about almost any topic. A place that serves all elements of our society," Adams said. "But as we have entered the electronic age, it is time for the library to once again adapt itself to maintain its mission and purpose. As in the past, the library provides the community a resource without equal. This library does that.
"Books will never be discarded, and I hope never underestimated, because even in today's world of technology - with spell checkers and sound bites - children must still learn to read, research and learn without always relying on television and the computer screen," he added. "The use of technology is best employed by those who have the ability, creativity and resources to think for themselves and arrive at their own conclusions."
Adams praised the community, the library staff and board of trustees for the hard work and dedication in achieving the successful completion of the new facility.
"This new library is an example of what can be happen when a community works together to achieve a result that truly benefits everyone," he said. "You didn't look to others to get the job done - you did it."
Library director Ann Zydek said she was gratified by the support the community has shown for the library during the renovation project and that Sunday's attendance was further indication of that support.
"I was impressed with how everything has pulled together," she said. "We probably had close to 600 people attending."
While the dedication is the official "reopening" of the library, there still remains some finishing touches that must be completed Zydek added.
"There will be work going on on the parking lot, but people will still be able to park in the lot while it is completed," she said. "It will be closed for 48 hours beginning on Sept. 22, but after that the parking lot will be done."
Board member Larry Chamberlain, who spearheaded the dedication ceremony for the board, said he is also happy with the reaction and comments he's seen and received from the patrons attending the ceremony.
"It is really exciting to hear the comments from the parents on how much attention we've paid to the children's section with the story room, puppet shows and the child-accessible shelving," he said.
The library's weeklong celebration continues tonight with a beginning genealogy class at 6 p.m. in the Genealogy Room; and a seminar titled, "So, You Want to be a Coach," conducted by Warsaw Community High School basketball coach Al Rhodes at 6 p.m. in meeting rooms A and B.
Wednesday's events are highlighted by the unveiling and dedication of an original painting by James Whitcomb Riley, as well as a sample of his poetry.
In other library business, the board gave final approval to the 1999 budget Monday.
The proposed operating budget calls for a total of $1,507,857 in outlays and a maximum tax levy of $816,123. This amount translates into a library tax rate of .2760 per $100 of assessed valuation for city property owners and is based on $295,643,441 of total assessed value in the city.
The bond interest and redemption fund was approved at $395,450, with $225,450 going to interest on the bonds issued for the library improvement and $170,000 for bond retirement. The estimated tax rate for this fund is .1650 per $100 of assessed values.
The library improvement fund was approved at $141,145.
In addition to tentative approval of the 1999 budget, the board approved a reduction in the 1998 budget of $32,454.
