By Rhett Grant, Library Director
In 1953, the Ada Public Library, moved to its current location. The first patron to check out a book in the new building was two-year old Deborah Hull.
15,000 volumes were moved to the new building with the help of volunteers, such as Professors J.B. Ranny and L.E. Shaeffer; Fred Runser, Butch LaRue and Willis Brown.
Trucks were supplied by Earl’s Hardware and the Gamble store. The sidewalk was completed by local contractor Grover McElroy. Other volunteer activities included preparing books for classification and stenciling classification numbers on the outside covers of books.
Moving the collection was described as a “yeoman job.” The building which has served the community well, and was renovated in 1991.
In addition to books, the library preserved and promoted local history. In August 1987, the library leased 108 E. Highland, to store, sort, and display the local history collection. In September 1987, the Ada Library Board established a Historical Preservation Fund.
The Ada Herald was microfilmed and a microfilm reader/printer was purchased.
Nearly 20 years later, librarian Amanda Bennett had the collection digitized.
The library also hosted Ada Public Library History Nights, including a 1992 slide show presentation on the regimental history of the 118th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and another presentation on G.G. Grady, a Hardin County showman who operated a traveling circus out of Kenton in the 1800s.
The computer age came to the library. Interlibrary loan arrived in 1989, when the library joined NORWELD. Books from 56 libraries in 19 counties were made available to Ada patrons.
Additionally, the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) connected Ada residents with materials all over the United States and Canada. On Dec. 1, 1991, patrons were able to use the new DataTrekcomputer system. DataTrek dramatically increased the speed of check-ins and check-outs, and made accurate record keeping easier.
Today, the library offers e-books, downloadable audiobooks, and online access to databases, journals, and reference materials. We keep in touch through Facebook and Twitter. Patrons can email librarians with questions or purchase requests, by following the link on our web page.
Vast resources of knowledge are available for Ada residents through the library.
