Library materials find new homes

Patrons who use the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library's curbside service will now find their books and DVDs waiting inside little houses. The three wooden homes — one painted green, one brown and one blue — were built by facility services manager James Wicker. They replace plastic totes that were used when the library first started curbside service in May. "At first we were using those totes that we had just scrounged up from our storage area for such a long time," said Sarah Clevidence, library director. "And the circ staff said we really need something different because when it rains a lot, the water collects on the top." Clevidence asked Wicker if he could come up with something better. "He said, 'I'm making houses,'" Clevidence recalled. "'OK, great, you make houses.'" Curbside service came about because of the pandemic, said Wicker. Patrons are able to use the service to pick up their holds as they become available, without having to go inside the library building. Wicker said some of the library managers offered suggestions for alternatives to the totes. "They gave me a lot of good ideas," he said. "And it kind of turned into, we are the neighborhood library. So the idea of having little houses like a neighborhood kind of came from that." Each house has a front door and windows. When you pull the door handle, the whole front panel opens to reveal the library materials inside. Motion sensing lights were added inside so patrons would have a clear view to get all of their materials after dark. Extra solar lights were added around the base, said Wicker, "just to kind of brighten up the walk around it a little bit more for people." It's all self-contained, he noted. The lights run on solar power or batteries, so there are no extension cords. And the houses are built on a stand that can be wheeled inside the building each night. The unit is also built for outside use with real shingles, treated wood and AstroTurf, he said. If there's a big snowfall, it can stay outside overnight if needed. Then snow won't melt all over the floor of the atrium. Each house is also large enough to hold a stack of books, including oversized and odd-shaped volumes, Wicker said. "So far we have not had anybody's request that we couldn't fit inside." The houses made their first appearance in front of the library in early October. "I'm not sure if people were quite sure what to do the first day we rolled them out," Wicker laughed. "They were used to the tables and the tubs. But I think once everybody figured out what they are, I think they like them." The houses were built so they can be repainted when needed. Wicker said he'd also like to decorate them for holidays. Wicker is getting ready to start on a curbside box for the Arlington branch. "We haven't quite figured out exactly the theme that we're going to do. We're looking at something along the lines similar to a clock tower, but there's a lot of ideas floating around right now," he said. "Honestly, I'm just glad that people enjoy them." Wolf: 419-427-8419 jeanniewolf@thecourier.com