Planning underway for library's America250 celebration

As an organization that has been part of our community for over 135 years, the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is excited to celebrate America250. Our early events and planning have already become great examples of the collaborative spirit of our community. This month, we celebrated with a look back at a very local piece of history — the Blizzard of '78. There was an incredible turnout for our showing of the PBS special on this historic weather event. We were grateful our attendees demonstrated the sort of patience and collaborative spirit that helped so many during the blizzard, this time by showing patience with a slight technical delay and working together to set out extra chairs. One of the first events we planned for America250 was our annual CommunityREAD in March. We wanted to tie into America's history and Ohio's statewide March theme of Ohio Goes to the Movies. The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan does both, with what the publisher describes as "an infectious joy that shows how a winning spirit will triumph over the poverty of circumstances." It's exciting to be able to collaborate with the Hancock Historical Museum on a showing of the movie based on the book as our Feature Event. Keep an eye on the library's calendar for many more opportunities to explore history during this year of celebration, including some programs that will help you to research the history of your own family, residence or business. When you visit the library this year, be sure to check out the America250 display near the circulation desk. The theme of this display will rotate with Ohio's monthly America250 theme, kicking off with Ohio's Firsts and Originals. Staff from across the library are selecting items for all ages and in a variety of formats for this collaborative display. Whether you have been part of our community for one year, 10 years or a lifetime, we hope you will join us in learning more about the history of Hancock County, Ohio and America during this year's celebration. Sarah Clevidence is director of Findlay-Hancock County Public Library.