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Local News

Monday, September 14, 2009

Local teenager helps out Findlay library
Scrambler Marie's Breakfast Bistro & Lunch
By MICHELLE REITER

STAFF WRITER

Ohio libraries are struggling through some tough financial times in the wake of severe state budget cuts, but the Findlay-Hancock Public Library has at least one young sympathizer.

Anna Mars, 15, of rural Findlay, donated $225 to the library late last month, money she received from her Quinceanera, a Latino coming-of-age ceremony for 15-year-old girls.

"Instead of keeping the money, I decided to donate it," she said last week. "I chose the library."

She said she had heard about the library's recent budget problems and wanted to help. After all, she has been borrowing books from the library all of her life.

The library is facing state budget cuts in 2010 that could be from $741,000 to $865,000 less than 2008 levels. To deal with the loss, the library laid off employees, continued its 10 percent hour reductions for full-time staff and 50 percent hour reductions for part-time staff members.

It also reduced its hours twice.

For avid readers like Mars, a student at Liberty-Benton High School, watching the library struggle has been hard.

"I love reading," she said. "Lately I can only check a few books out at a time, but when I can I will borrow five or six books at once and read them in two or three weeks."

Anna's mother, Linda Mars, said the family agreed to try to do something with the Quinceanera money that would benefit the community.

"We said, 'What if we tried something else,'" she said. "We wanted the gifts to mean something more. The library holds a special place in her heart, so she chose that one."

Jeff Winkle, the director of the Hancock County Public Library, said he was touched by the girl's donation. He was especially pleased at the impact the library has had on the teenager.

"If I were her parents, I would be very proud of this young lady," Winkle said. "I can't say how happy we are that we've made that kind of impression on her life."

Reiter: 419-427-8497,

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3 Comments

Latest comments listed first.
Tamsco wrote:
Library
“ What an asset to the community! Anna's generosity gives us hope for the generation that will be in charge of our futures someday. What a fine role model and inspiration to other young community members.

Kids can and do make a difference! ”
Monday, September 14, 2009 1:04:06 PM
Brian Whitta wrote:
Anna
“ Kudos to you, young lady. I hope you continue to remember how important it is to support institutions like your local library. Your generosity is certainly a model for other folks your age. ”
Monday, September 14, 2009 9:17:37 AM
j wrote:
Great
“ It is nice to hear that Anna Mars enjoys the books available at the library. Providing reading material and a place to do educational research is why libraries were created in the first place. But modern libraries have lost their focus. They have decided to become entertainment destinations that has nothing to do with school or educational research. How much of Findlay library current budget problem is due to providing services other than educational services. And how many businesses in Findlay that provide video rental, sell magazine and provide other pure entertainment services are suffering because they must compete with a competitor that is being funded by the state and taxpayers money. Library need to get back to what they were created for. Let private industry provide entertainment services, not the taxpayer. ”
Monday, September 14, 2009 3:38:52 AM
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This event is free.

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