The Brown County Public Library

~ story and photos by Bob Gustin

While the Brown County Public Library remains the focal point of the community’s literary life, it’s more than just that.

“We want people to check out books,” said Stori Snyder, director of the library. “But if people find the library is filling alternative needs, that’s fine too.

“We fulfill our role in the community by providing spaces, services, and access to materials.”

A table devoted to jigsaw puzzles for adults gets heavy use, as do coloring stations for kids. Toys spread through children’s areas keeps them entertained while their accompanying adults can interact. A bank of computers is available, and chess and dominoes have permanent homes, along with an impressive art collection, a used bookstore, and places to simply relax.

The library has three heavily used community meeting rooms on its lower level, which host clubs, organizations, and general meetings.

Local art and crafts have always been a part of the library’s mission, and are seen in details of the library itself. Works on display range from renowned historic figures such as T.C. Steele and Ada Shulz, as well as contemporary artists working in the community today. A collection of Brown County pottery was recently added to the display.

Snyder, now in her 11th year as director of the library, says a trend toward digital media is the biggest change she has seen in the past decade.

Now, about 25 percent of the material checked out at the library is on digital or streaming services, a trend she expects to continue to grow.

In addition to books, the library offers DVDs, CDs, magazines and newspapers, a used media store operated by Friends of the Library, digital and streaming services, internet access, government documents and research information.

More than 110,000 items were checked out last year.

Public funding for a library in Brown County began in 1836, and it was housed in schools and even private homes before moving into various buildings around Nashville in its 187-year history. The present 18,000-square-foot structure opened in 2001. A branch library is located in the Cordry-Sweetwater Lakes area.

Many children’s books are selected with the “windows and mirrors” concept in mind, where kids can find characters like themselves, no matter what their situation in life, or can look through windows into the lives of people who have different experiences.

A variety of programs for children, teens, and adults are offered at the library, including a popular summer reading program. Children’s activities include puppet shows, Monday Morning Storytime, Puzzle Pandemonium, comic book workshops, Lego Club, and “messy art.” Adult programs include workshops and presentations on art, history, and cultural topics, current events, literature, life skills, self-care, music, economics, health and more.

Year-round reading programs explore all types of books.

“The beauty of reading programs is to try to stretch people’s comfort levels and explore different kinds of books,” Snyder said.

Many programs are supported by The Friends of the Brown County Library, a non-profit organization financed by its membership and by fund-raising events, including the Book Nook, where used books and other items are sold.

Among changes the library has seen in recent years:

Wickard endowment

Brown County resident Tesh Wickard left a $2.3 million gift to the library when he died in 2014, and an endowment was established in 2016, allowing the library board of directors to draw on the interest earned to be used primarily for improvements and maintenance to the building. It was the largest single donation ever made to the library.

Among the projects which have used Wickard funds are modernization of the checkout area, a new roof, new air conditioning units, and construction of power-producing solar panels.

“The Wickard endowment’s mission to fund maintenance and construction of the BCPL helps keep our wonderful library building in great condition,” said library board member Kathy Roberts, who also is president of the Wickard board of directors.

Stori Snyder, director of the library.

“It also means more of the annual budget can go into the resources and programs that are at the heart of what we all love about our library.”

Solar energy

In 2021, an array of power-producing solar panels was built in the lower level parking lot and energy-efficient retrofitting was done for a cost of about $800,000. The project was completed without going into debt or raising taxes.

The 324 solar panels on carport-like structures are expected to pay for themselves over a 15-year period by producing nearly all the power. Two charging stations to be used by owners of electric vehicles are included in the project.

Book bike

The library received a grant to acquire an electric-powered three-wheeled bike to make intown deliveries. In April through October, patrons can reserve books, which will be delivered on Wednesdays to Johnson Street Park, Willow Manor, or Hawthorne Hills Apartments.

Tax preparation help and legal aid

In the weeks leading up to the tax filing deadline, tax preparation help is available free of charge for those needing it.

Regular legal aid clinics are held at the library, where patrons can get free confidential phone consultations. An Indiana State Bar Association kiosk is available to print legal forms and access resources regarding rent, eviction, and foreclosure.

Safe haven

The library has been designated as a “safe place” for children and teens who feel they need protection. It has also been certified as a friendly environment for people suffering from dementia.

Public access computers and hot spots

Eleven computers and two laptops are available to be used free of charge during library hours. In addition, free wi-fi is available in the library and its parking lots.

The library added wi-fi hotspots to the list of items which can be borrowed.

Genealogy

The library’s genealogy section includes stories of about 280 Brown County families, collected by Kenneth and Helen Reeve. The library also has microfilm of the Brown County Democrat newspaper dating back to 1914.

Little Free Food Pantry

This summer, the library will be adding an outdoor pantry, based on the Little Free Library model, where nonperishable food may be donated or taken by those who need it.

The Brown County Public Library at 205 Locust Lane in Nashville is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. The Cordry-Sweetwater branch at 8751 Nineveh Road is open 2-5 p.m Tuesday, and 3-6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. For more information call 812-988-2850 or visit <browncountylibrary.info>.