Library Information

 

LIBRARY SERVICES

  • Fax and copy machines

  • Computer/Internet access

  • Reference and Large print books

  • Periodicals and newspapers

  • Adult and juvenile fiction and nonfiction

  • Christian fiction and movies

  • Book drop receptacle

  • Interlibrary loan

  •  DVD collection

  •  Audio CD's and Playaways  

  • Music CD's

  • Downloadable Recorded Books

  • Laptops available for in-house use  

  • Wireless Internet available

  • Children's room located on lower level

  • Story time and after school crafts

  • Seasonal activities and  programs

  • Genealogy Department

  • Annex can be used by the public for meetings of not-for-profit groups up to 30

  • Drop off site for recycling eyeglasses (sponsored by Lions Club)

  • Drop off site for recycling household batteries

 

TYPES OF LIBRARY CARDS

Non-resident Library Card

A Non-resident is a person who lives in Indiana but outside an Indiana Public Library Taxing District.  A person wishing to obtain a non-resident borrower's card may purchase one at the library.  This card is good for one year.

Reciprocal Borrower's Card

Reciprocal cards can be issued to Indiana residents who reside in neighboring counties and have a valid library card from their home county.

Public Library Access Card (PLAC)

To be eligible for a PLAC card  you must be a resident of Indiana and have a valid resident or non-resident card from one of the 328 public libraries in Indiana along with a picture ID proving that you are a resident of Indiana.  A PLAC library card can be purchased at any public library.  You may use it in any public library in Indiana. 

Borrower's Card

An applicant must show two (2) forms of identification, one with a picture and one with a current address.  Potential patrons under age eighteen (18) must have parent or guardian's signature on the registration card.  If parent or guardian does not have a current library card, he/she must show appropriate identification.

A postcard verifying the patron's address will be typed at the same time that the registration card is filled out and entered on the data base.  This card will be mailed to the patron.  The new library card is filed and given to the patron upon return of the address verification card.  At this time the patron may check out materials.  If the patron chooses to check out video materials, a video policy must FIRST be signed.

If the applicant is a member of a household with a cardholder in good standing, the address verification will be waived.

The only time you pay for a card is if you have lost your card.  Then there is a $1 fee.

 

STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS

                        Staff

Director:  Becky Cole

Reference: Pat Osburn

Circulation/Tech:  Jami Jackson

Genealogy:  Donna Adams

Genealogy Assistant:  Paula Jewell

Children's Dept.:  Melissa Robertson

Accounting Manager:  Carol J. Gaskins

Tech Service:  Kim Anderson

Maintenance:  Cherie Bennett

             Board Members

President:  Chad Elliot

Vice-president: Sharlie Strahle  

Secretary:  Mike Bezy

Treasurer:  Terri Roberts

Members: 

                  Tom Hiatt

                  Katie Couch

                  Jane Horn 

History of the Library

Sullivan County first records a library president and seven trustees elected in 1821.  The location of the library is unknown.  Libraries were found through out the county for the next 80 years.

In 1899 the Woman's Club began a drive to establish a Carnegie Library in the city of Sullivan. 

On January 15, 1903, Andrew Carnegie donated $10,000 for the building of the Sullivan Library.  On February 26, 1904, the contract was let and on June 11, 1904, the corner-stone was laid.  Paul O. Marantz was the architect who designed the facility.  The dome is probably the most unique part of the building.  Another special feature is the Indiana Bedford limestone.  On January 19, 1905, the library was dedicated and on January 30, 1905 the doors were opened to the public with 1,222 books to choose from. There have been many changes and updates since then.  

The first Library Board included John T. Hays, John S. Bays, George R. Dutton, Florence Higbee, Lulu T. Blue, Anna T. Erslinger and Rachel K. Harris who served as president.

During the first 50 years, five librarians were in charge.  They included Julia Mason, June Deming, Nelle Aydelotte, Alice Burns and Emma Kennedy.

The golden anniversary of the library was celebrated January 29, 1955.  The trustees and staff of the library hosted a children's party at the Sherman Theatre.  The children were in grades 1-6 and had read 10 books to celebrate Book Week in November. 

In the late 1960's small town libraries began to merge with Sullivan and the county system was completed by the mid 1970s.  Branches are maintained at Carlisle, Dugger, Farmersburg, Merom and Shelburn.  Our Outreach program includes the Hymera Library and several senior citizen facilities, and the local hospital.

In 1978 a new section was opened in the basement to house the Children's Library.  It is a large, bright, open area with plenty of room for young readers.  It is complete with books, magazines, puzzles, and computers for the young reader.

Purchase of an adjoining lot and house resulted in an Annex building used for processing, office space, kitchen area, and public meeting rooms.

In recent years the library has under gone major remodeling.

The most recent restoration was to the interior of the library.  The first stage included re-wiring of the entire structure and plastering the walls.  The floor was sagging and had to be replaced.  The main book room under the dome was converted into a reading room, complete with fireplace and chairs. The addition was completed in 1994 approximately doubling the square footage of usable space. 

The microfilm section and genealogy department are located in the lower level.  This has proved to be a very busy part of the library.

In 2004 the parking lot was blacktopped and a garage built.  The garage is L-shaped and includes a room for the Friends of the Library to organize and sell books, movies, and CD's.

In 2008 a Historic Marker was put up in front of the library acknowledging it as an important part of Sullivan county and Indiana history.

In 2008-2009 the library did a major clean up of the lower level after a massive spring flooding.  Drainage tile was put in around the outside of the building.  New carpet was added to the Children's Room and Genealogy Room.   New shelving was added.  Everything was given a fresh coat of paint.  New floor tile was added to the restrooms.

In 2011 a new roof was put on the Sullivan County Library. 

In 2012 the dome ornament was removed to be painted and the roof area repaired before reinstalling the ornament.  The ornament sits on a platform of copper that had to be repaired. 

 

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