Chillicothe-Ross Northside Branch Library Hosts Open House
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(Ross County) – The Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library invites the community to an open house at the Northside Branch at 550 Buckeye Lane. This free event will be held on Wednesday, November 9, from 5pm-6:30pm to celebrate 26 years since its doors opened. Due to COVID restrictions still being in effect last year, the 25th year milestone could only be a small recognition.
There is much more to celebrate this year, including the anniversary. A lot has been happening this summer, with the addition of outdoor landscaping and new architecture for patrons to enjoy. The most significant change is the new outdoor children’s area east of the building. Outdoor musical drums and chimes create a hands-on music-making experience accessible to everyone. There are climbing logs and rocks that are low to the ground — perfect for young kids to develop balance and coordination in a safe environment. A fence encloses the area so parents and caregivers can sit and enjoy the outside.
“When Northside was built, there were plans even then to include an outdoor children’s area,” said James Hill, Chillicothe, and Ross County Public Library Executive Director. “It has taken 26 years, but we’re finally able to see the project through. Having an area for kids to get outside while still at the library is an important part of their development, and it makes the library a destination.”
In addition to the outdoor children’s area, a large pergola was installed right outside the Myers Meeting Room, expanding the use of the space for events, activities, or to sit on a nice day. “Making the Myers Room an indoor/outdoor space just makes sense,” explained Hill. “A patio has existed there from the beginning, but has always been in full sun and not always inviting. The new pergola provides an abundance of shade but still allows plenty of light to shine through into the meeting room. As we learned during the pandemic, sometimes meetings need to be outside. We have a large shelter house behind the building, but this increases our capacity to outdoor space that’s closer to the actual building.”
When Northside Branch opened in 1996, it was not only a busy branch library, but it also housed growing technology services and other non-public functions taking up space at the Main Library. It remained that way until August 2009, when Northside had to close due to budget reductions. All the backroom functions supporting the entire library system were moved back to the Main Library. Many developments took place after that to get Northside Branch back up and running. In May 2010, the library passed a levy to support the reopening of the Northside Branch and purchased the vacant Central Elementary School building adjacent to the Main Library that provided extra space for processing, administrative offices, and meeting rooms.
Since then, Northside Branch has grown — with spaces for meetings, programs, and technology training, as well as plenty of room to browse new materials to sit and read. There are numerous public computers available, or you can bring your laptop and use the free public Wi-Fi. Self-checkout and a drive-thru for self-pickup have streamlined processes and increased access for all patrons. The Northside Branch continues to bring quality services and innovative resources, establishing them as an asset to this community.
