I did not anticipate taking so much time off from my blog this summer. It was a busy and exciting few months. Now that fall is in the air, I’m looking forward to getting back into a regular schedule. I have some fun stuff to share from my summer adventures, starting with a visit to one of the most beautiful libraries in America, the Brumback Library in Van Wert, Ohio.

Earlier this summer, I drove from my home in Connecticut to visit my mom in Illinois. Of course, I looked forward to seeing new libraries along the way. I am always happy to stop at any library I come across (and often do). Still, a couple of weeks before my trip, I began researching libraries in Ohio, where I planned to spend the night. Ohio was also not represented on my list of library visits.

There were many great options. However, after learning about the Brumback Library, I could not stop thinking about it. The Brumback is celebrated as the first tax-supported county library in America. From their website, I learned about the book, The County Library, published in 1914 by its namesake’s daughter, Saida Brumback Antrim (1870-1959).

Saida’s father, John Sanford Brumback (1829-1897), was a prominent local businessman. He was impressed by the work of the Ladies Library Association, which was formed in 1890 and provided subscription library services to residents of Van Wert. Brumback, whose health was declining, discussed plans with his family and left money in his will to build a library. After his death, his children took the money and ran with it, creating a library even more beautiful than he had envisioned. The family understood the importance of books and information, as well as the need for them in the surrounding rural communities.

I hope you enjoy the photos I took during my visit. As always, I tried to avoid taking pictures with patrons, so this is not a complete “tour.” For that, you’ll have to visit yourself, which I highly recommend!

Looking into the library from the front door vestibule. Note the book above the doors. That is not just a representation of a book; it is one of John Brumback’s logbooks that his children had sealed into the plaster.

Floor tile design detail in the foyer.

The main reading room. The front entrance is on the left, as is the YA section (out of picture) and the periodicals room. The circulation desk is to the right (out of picture). Behind the pillars is a short hallway leading to the fiction section. The old card catalog is in that hallway (see below). Straight ahead is plush seating, a marble fireplace, and a grand piano, which is behind the book display.

The Young Adult/Teen department features original shelving. Take a look at those beautiful endcap sign holders. You know there was attention to detail when at least two sizes were created to proportionally fit their location.

A view looking the other direction. You can see the back entrance door to the left.

The plaque above the fireplace reads:
1829 In Memory of 1897
John Sanford Brumback
Who bequeathed to the people
of Van Wert County
this building
in which to forever maintain
a free public library

After a lovely tour of the building from one of the librarians, I sat and read for a while.

What did I read, you ask? Why, The County Library, of course! You know I had to bring my copy along and read it while in the Brumback. You can read a scanned copy of the book via the library’s website.

Looking up.

A view of the circulation and help desk on the left. The back entrance is straight ahead. I took this photo from the small hallway that leads to the fiction section. Over my right shoulder is the card catalog.

An old soldier, now at rest. I had to open a drawer and peek inside. And then took a photo of Cather on the shelf in the fiction section.

Two globes from different time periods.

Work tables and reading chairs in the adult fiction section.

One of the new features in the library is this cozy Book Nook.

Comfy reading chairs, bestsellers, and a door that closes.

The two photos above show the specially designed automatic fire door that seals off the stairwell to protect the different levels in case of emergency. The fire door hangs from the ceiling track and is hidden within the wall paneling when not in use.

The nonfiction section is on the second floor and includes public research computers, microfilm readers, and work tables. The edge of the reference desk is to the right.

Genealogy and local history resources in the nonfiction section. The librarian told me that the wheeled shelf between the two reading chairs is an original shelving cart from the library’s earliest days.

Close-up of the shelving cart with books waiting to be reshelved.

In the nonfiction stacks. Check out the ceiling height. It was a pleasant surprise.

Another surprise. I’ve often seen shelving units where the lowest level is angled for easier viewing, but not three shelves. I appreciate this feature as a short person and imagine tall folks love it.

The Children’s Department is on the lower level. It was added in 1917.

A view of the Children’s Department from the librarian’s desk.

Restrooms, access to the inter-library loan station, and a large activity room are also on the lower level. Original hardware on the door leading into the activity room.

The back entrance to the Brumback. Visitors walk into a small vestibule, and then to the right is the circulation desk.

On the right is the 1991 addition, which added 10,500 square feet to the library (and that tall ceiling in the nonfiction section). The small roofed structure to the far right, behind the bike rack, is a drive-up book return.

The book return.

The view from the parking lot.

Another view from the parking lot, this time with me and my friend Linda, who drove about 90 minutes to meet me for lunch.

Mr. Brumback’s office was located in this building, which is kitty-corner from the library. His office looked out on the park where the library now stands.

Not exactly the view Mr. Brumback would have had, but close. Those are peony bushes in the foreground. Van Wert is home to an annual Peony Festival.

One more look at the front of this remarkable library. Look closely and you’ll see the cornerstone, A.D. 1899, to the right of the stairs.

The Brumback Library
215 W. Main Street
Van Wert, Ohio
Website: brumbacklib.org