Holmes County library weighs next steps for bookmobile after grant denial

The Holmes County District Public Library suffered some disappointing news recently when its board received word the $50,000 grant it had hoped to secure was not going to be awarded.

That left the library in a bit of a pinch because that grant was earmarked to help pay for a new bookmobile, something the library needs as part of its effort to serve the entirety of Holmes County.

On Monday, Dec. 15, Library Director Paula Cicconetti met with the Holmes County Commissioners, who were interested in learning what the library’s plans are moving forward. One other detail of the meeting was to determine what type of financial support the commissioners are willing to offer the library.

Cicconetti informed the commissioners the HCDPL currently has approximately $250,000 set aside in the replacement fund for a new bookmobile, a vehicle that currently boasts a price tag of around $470,000.

While Cicconetti said the library has plans to present fundraising opportunities and will connect with businesses or individual partners who support the library, there is much work to be done.

“Anything you’d be willing to kick in would go a long way in helping us get there,” Cicconetti said.

Asked when the library would like to move on ordering a new bookmobile and how long it takes to receive one once a request is made, she said it takes approximately nine to 10 months to receive a bookmobile that is custom-built for the library’s specific needs.

“We are hoping by late summer or fall of next year to have one,” Cicconetti said.

Commissioner Joe Miller inquired as to the possibility of having one major donor who would then attach a name to the bookmobile on behalf of the major donation.

Cicconetti said they are already looking into connecting with business owners where the bookmobile makes some of its many countywide stops, with each location being revisited about every six weeks.

“We’ll look at the businesses that supported us last time,” she said. “The last time we purchased a bookmobile was 10 years ago.”

The HCDPL currently has two bookmobiles to help fill its busy schedule of stops, although the older vehicle is noncommissioned because it needs many repairs. Cicconetti said each vehicle lasts about 10 years, and the oldest of the two is now 20 years old.

Commissioner Eric Strouse inquired about possible trade-in value, and Cicconetti said the last time they only received around $2,000 for a trade-in.

Commissioner Dave Hall said the county commissioners were grateful to the library and the crucial role it plays in the county, noting that with the elderly population and the large Plain People community, the bookmobile serves a vital role.

Cicconetti said the reason behind the grant being denied is because the organization presenting the grant request likes to see the funds going toward new and innovative ideas.

“I think they probably view replacing the bookmobile as a regular operating-type expenditure,” she said.

Hall said the statistics show exactly what type of value the bookmobile brings to the county, and Cicconetti said she believes the commissioners could feel good about contributing toward something that is a true asset that spans across the entire county.

The commissioners agreed they desire to donate something toward the purchase, although the timing of the request is not something that allows them to do so immediately.

“The hard thing for us right now is that we are at the end of the budget year,” Hall said. “We can’t do anything now, but at the first of the year, we could incorporate something into the new budget.”

Cicconetti was fine with that, expressing gratitude for any funding and noting the library will continue moving forward with its fundraising effort regardless.

She said Farber Specialty Vehicles is used to working with government agencies and remains flexible in what it can provide in payment terms. She said presenting a 30% down payment is typical for the purchase.

One topic that was discussed is the use of the bookmobile by the senior citizens of the county. While most people recognize it as a source providing reading material for children, many seniors also tend to utilize the bookmobile.

Cicconetti said they receive frequent visits from citizens from Danbury, Walnut Hills, the Holmes County Home and more, something that has become more prevalent with the closure of several library branches like Berlin and Winesburg.