DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
Wood County Library Board is starting to consider revamping its strategic plan in hopes that it helps get a levy passed in November, 2020.
The plan would set the library’s course through 2019.
Three years ago when the library refreshed its plan, it used minimal outside help. A consultant helped do a community assessment. But at this week’s meeting, board members and Library Director Michael Penrod discussed whether they may want to do a more far-reaching process this time.
“Now may be the time,” said board member Chet Marcin, “so we can build toward the levy. If we wait until the year of the levy, you don’t have time to implement it.”
Becky Bhaer, board vice president, said she often questioned the use of consultants and wondered if the board could handle the job itself.
Some of the data collection can be done in house, Penrod said. After all, they are librarians. Still doing a community survey requires skill in what questions to ask and how to pose them.
“I don’t ever want to our strategic plan lightly,” said Board Chair Brian Paskvan, “We are doing well, and we want that to continue.”
Much change is afoot in the library world, he added. “We need to look at that to make sure we’re moving forward.”
Penrod said he’d do further research into who may be available to hire and at what costs.
The board also approved a new dental plan for its employees.
The cost of the plan is going up 3 percent to $11,734, of which the library will pay $7,292, or $213 more than last year.
The library pays 80 percent of the premium for 17 employees. It does not subsidize the premiums for family members.
Also, adult services librarian Michele Raine reported that photographs of events surrounding Bowling Green’s 150th and 175th anniversaries are now available on ohiomemory.org.
The photos were donated by Jim and Joan Gordon, and most were taken by Jim Gordon.
Raine said to make them more accessible, staff is in the process converting them so they can be posted in an album on the library’s Facebook page.
