Peru Public Library History
The Beginning
“A life without books would be a world without life.”
– Martha Shirk (Librarian at the Peru Public Library from 1897-1903)
– Martha Shirk (Librarian at the Peru Public Library from 1897-1903)
In July 1897, the Peru Public library officially began. The library was housed in the high school building, which stood at the corner of 6th and Broadway. The library was overseen by the school board and was supported by a tax levy upon the property owners who lived in Peru city limits. (Those who did not live in the city could pay $1 to receive a library card.) The library began with a collection of 2,240 volumes. Martha G. Shirk was named the first librarian and her tireless work and love of the library helped build the legacy which is still the Peru Public Library today. Large crowds attended the opening of the library and they were regaled by music from an orchestra. Ms. Shirk went to great lengths to promote the library. She held contests and community functions within the facility to raise community awareness. Within a few years, the library had so many books that it was quickly outgrowing the space at the school. By 1900, the circulation of books was reported at 26,168 for the year. This was much higher than the year before, which only circulated 13,573 items.
1900's
In 1901, a Carnegie grant was sought to help construct a building in which to hold the Peru Public Library (read more about this process under the Carnegie Libraries section). Carnegie provided Peru with $25,000 to build a library. Work on this project began in February of 1902 and was completed the following year. The opening of the library in its new building took place in May of 1903. It housed around 4,000 materials at the time, 1,000 of those being juvenile items. The reading room for all age groups was located on the first floor of the library. The second level was an auditorium for programs and such.
In July of 1903, Martha Shirk resigned as librarian and Gertrude Thiebaud took her place. At this time, the library was still supervised by the school board of trustees.
During this time period, Saturday afternoon story hours were instituted. Members of the community would read books in the assembly room on the second floor to children. These gatherings appear to have been extremely popular. By February of 1905, it was decided that two story hours would be held every Saturday afternoon, due to the size of the crowds. To attend, children had to have a ticket. The number of tickets was limited to 50 for each session. The tickets were free, but had to be picked up at the library prior to the event.
In March 1906, the library was burglarized. Someone broke into the library and stole all the money from the cash box. The cash box held the entire savings of the library, nearly $15. Around the same time, the libraries in Wabash, Huntington, and Fort Wayne all reported similar burglaries. Community members generously donated money to the library to make up for this financial loss. Donations totaled around $13.10.
In 1906, there was a smallpox epidemic in Peru. Due to this, the children’s story hour was cancelled and did not resume until November 1907. Attendance at the first story hour after this long break was 230 children.
In July of 1903, Martha Shirk resigned as librarian and Gertrude Thiebaud took her place. At this time, the library was still supervised by the school board of trustees.
During this time period, Saturday afternoon story hours were instituted. Members of the community would read books in the assembly room on the second floor to children. These gatherings appear to have been extremely popular. By February of 1905, it was decided that two story hours would be held every Saturday afternoon, due to the size of the crowds. To attend, children had to have a ticket. The number of tickets was limited to 50 for each session. The tickets were free, but had to be picked up at the library prior to the event.
In March 1906, the library was burglarized. Someone broke into the library and stole all the money from the cash box. The cash box held the entire savings of the library, nearly $15. Around the same time, the libraries in Wabash, Huntington, and Fort Wayne all reported similar burglaries. Community members generously donated money to the library to make up for this financial loss. Donations totaled around $13.10.
In 1906, there was a smallpox epidemic in Peru. Due to this, the children’s story hour was cancelled and did not resume until November 1907. Attendance at the first story hour after this long break was 230 children.
1910's
In 1910, the head librarian, Gertrude Theibaud, took a leave of absence to attend library school. Mabel Fleming took her place as acting librarian. The total number of volumes in the library at this time were 7,267.
In 1912, the Peru Public Library set up a deposit station on the west end of town for citizens who could not easily visit the library. Transportation was not what it is today and for some patrons, it was hard to go to the library as often as they would have liked. At this station, patrons could borrow and return library materials. A librarian would visit the station every Wednesday from 3:00-5:00. If patrons wanted a particular book, they would notify the main library and the librarian would bring it along to the deposit station. The station was located at the confectionary store on the corner of Grant and Main Street.
The Great Flood of 1913 occurred in March of that year. The overflowing of the Wabash River, coupled with days of rain and snow caused a disaster in Peru. The water rose so quickly that residents were not prepared. It is estimated that 2/3 of Peru was destroyed, resulting in over 3 million dollars-worth of property damage. The library did not escape unscathed. The basement of the library flooded, destroying newspaper and magazine files. Yet, during the flood, around 300 refugees were housed in the library, on the first and second floors.
In October of 1914, local women met at the Peru Public Library to listen to Dr. Amelia Keller (President of the Women's Franchise League of Indiana). The discussion surrounded women's suffrage and fighting for the right to vote. The women created the Peru Franchise League. Ellen Cole Fetter was elected the first President and Marie Stewart Edwards was elected as the first Vice-President. Marie Stewart Edwards went on to become a founding member of the National League of Women Voters and the first treasurer on the national level. On March 25, 1916, a Franchise League Convention was held at the Peru Public Library. The Peru Franchise League held their meetings at the library every two weeks until December of 1920.
In 1916, America joined World War I. Not much is recorded about the library during this time. We do know that the head librarian, Gertrude Theibaud, took another leave of absence during the war. She left to engage in work for the War Library Service with the American Library Association. It is also known that the Peru Public Library took part in a campaign known as “Books for Soldiers and Sailors.” The goal of this national campaign was to provide books and library services to U.S. soldiers and sailors who were serving in Europe. Libraries would collect book and magazine donations to be sent overseas to camp libraries.
During 1918, in order to help offset the expenses the library incurred in attempting to contribute to this campaign, additional money needed to be raised. A campaign was launched in Miami County to collect tin-foil which was sold to help fund the project for the servicemen.
In 1919, Marie Stewart Edwards was elected to the Peru School Board of Education. She was the first woman to ever be elected to this board. During this time, the school board still oversaw the library. As such, Marie Stewart Edwards was the first woman trustee on the board of the Peru Public Library.
1920's
In 1920, Gertrude Theibaud resigned as head librarian of the Peru Public Library. On June 1, 1921, May Hurst Fowler took over the role of head librarian.
In 1922, the library was closed for eight days while redecorating was done by the library janitor and three school janitors. They also added a down-stairs toilet during this time.
Another exciting event that happened for the library in 1922 was the addition of a new branch. A branch of the Peru Public Library was opened at Grant School, at the request of the principal of the school. She was concerned about the distance the children would have to travel to reach the library.
In general, 1922 was a thrilling time period for children’s services at the Peru Public Library. An assistant had to be added to the children’s area to help with the after-school rush of children every day. Many teachers were encouraging their students to use the library for school work and businesses downtown hung pictures to advertise the children’s department at the library. The library was very popular with children across Peru.
In 1925, May Hurst Fowler resigned as head librarian and Inez Colby took her place.
In 1927, the Ellen Cole Fetter Book Fund was established by her son to commemorate Mrs. Fetter’s 90th birthday. Ellen Cole Fetter was born in Peru, residing in the town until her death in 1935. She had a love of reading and books. She was also the first President of the Peru Franchise League, which met in the library from 1914-1920. The income of the Ellen Cole Fetter Fund would be used to purchase books at the Peru Public Library (this fund is still active today, almost 100 years later).
After over 30 years of serving Peru, the Peru Public Library reported the struggle to incorporate more of Miami County into its service area. As the school board oversaw the library, Peru Township (which falls in the Peru school district) began receiving library service in 1912. In her 1929, yearly report, Inez Colby conveyed the following statement, “Several attempts have been made to extend library services to the other townships, but the citizens of the townships have not been willing to pay the extra taxes. This is a step that is necessary in order that the residents of Miami County may enjoy the same privileges as the Peru citizens today.”
In 1922, the library was closed for eight days while redecorating was done by the library janitor and three school janitors. They also added a down-stairs toilet during this time.
Another exciting event that happened for the library in 1922 was the addition of a new branch. A branch of the Peru Public Library was opened at Grant School, at the request of the principal of the school. She was concerned about the distance the children would have to travel to reach the library.
In general, 1922 was a thrilling time period for children’s services at the Peru Public Library. An assistant had to be added to the children’s area to help with the after-school rush of children every day. Many teachers were encouraging their students to use the library for school work and businesses downtown hung pictures to advertise the children’s department at the library. The library was very popular with children across Peru.
In 1925, May Hurst Fowler resigned as head librarian and Inez Colby took her place.
In 1927, the Ellen Cole Fetter Book Fund was established by her son to commemorate Mrs. Fetter’s 90th birthday. Ellen Cole Fetter was born in Peru, residing in the town until her death in 1935. She had a love of reading and books. She was also the first President of the Peru Franchise League, which met in the library from 1914-1920. The income of the Ellen Cole Fetter Fund would be used to purchase books at the Peru Public Library (this fund is still active today, almost 100 years later).
After over 30 years of serving Peru, the Peru Public Library reported the struggle to incorporate more of Miami County into its service area. As the school board oversaw the library, Peru Township (which falls in the Peru school district) began receiving library service in 1912. In her 1929, yearly report, Inez Colby conveyed the following statement, “Several attempts have been made to extend library services to the other townships, but the citizens of the townships have not been willing to pay the extra taxes. This is a step that is necessary in order that the residents of Miami County may enjoy the same privileges as the Peru citizens today.”
1930's
“Books, unlike humans, never grow old. In fact, the older they grow the better we should like them, because the worthwhile books will live forever.”
– Inez Colby (Librarian at the Peru Public Library from 1925-1942)
– Inez Colby (Librarian at the Peru Public Library from 1925-1942)
In summer of 1932, the addition of a museum was being added to the library building. When Mrs. Moses Puterbaugh had died in 1922, she had left $12,000 for the construction of an addition on the Peru Public Library. This addition was to house a museum collection, which had previously been located on the fourth floor of the courthouse. She also left $10,000 as an endowment to be used for upkeep of the collection and building. The addition of the museum on the north side of the library meant that the windows had to be closed in on that side of the building. The museum was built on the rear of the library, with the upper and lower floors connecting to the Carnegie building. The museum and library also shared a heating system. The museum was completed and dedicated on December 11, 1932 and became known as the Puterbaugh Museum.
Even though the addition of a museum was exciting for Peru, it could not detract from the hardships facing the residents. During the 1930’s the country was feeling the effects of the Great Depression. The city of Peru and the Peru Public Library were no exception. The library budget was tighter than ever, but more citizens needed library services during this time. The library had to find a way to do more with less. During 1932, all staff salaries were cut by 10% to help meet the growing needs of the unemployed who would visit the library.
By July of 1933, funds were so low that the library was only open on Monday and Saturday afternoons. This was the only time the library has every closed due to lack in funding since opening in 1897. The library fund was depleted as a result of the tax levy being cut down to a fraction of the revenue needed to run the library. Even in the face of declining funds and an aging collection, the Peru Public Library carried on through the Great Depression. The librarians saw the need in the community as being so great, that they worked through July, August, and September of 1933 without receiving an income.
In the fall of 1933, community members and clubs stepped in to help secure the funds to open the library part-time. By January 1934, the library was open seven hours a day, excluding Sundays.
Because of the tax cuts in Peru, repairs to books were not able to be made. These books were removed from the collection and stored for later repair. With the removal of damaged books, circulation of materials was down. Several hundred dollars were required to mend the books, but only $60 was available for the task.
During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt established the Civil Works Administration (CWA), a program to help establish temporary jobs across the country. The Peru Public Library was fortunate enough to receive CWA workers. These workers were not paid by the library, but through CWA funds. For three years, the CWA workers helped mend the damaged books at the library. The head librarian, Inez Colby, taught the workers how to mend the materials. It was reported that there were four or five women who worked on the repairs. The CWA also supplied the library with male workers who redecorated sections of the library, cleaned library walls, and helped in janitorial work.
By July of 1933, funds were so low that the library was only open on Monday and Saturday afternoons. This was the only time the library has every closed due to lack in funding since opening in 1897. The library fund was depleted as a result of the tax levy being cut down to a fraction of the revenue needed to run the library. Even in the face of declining funds and an aging collection, the Peru Public Library carried on through the Great Depression. The librarians saw the need in the community as being so great, that they worked through July, August, and September of 1933 without receiving an income.
In the fall of 1933, community members and clubs stepped in to help secure the funds to open the library part-time. By January 1934, the library was open seven hours a day, excluding Sundays.
Because of the tax cuts in Peru, repairs to books were not able to be made. These books were removed from the collection and stored for later repair. With the removal of damaged books, circulation of materials was down. Several hundred dollars were required to mend the books, but only $60 was available for the task.
During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt established the Civil Works Administration (CWA), a program to help establish temporary jobs across the country. The Peru Public Library was fortunate enough to receive CWA workers. These workers were not paid by the library, but through CWA funds. For three years, the CWA workers helped mend the damaged books at the library. The head librarian, Inez Colby, taught the workers how to mend the materials. It was reported that there were four or five women who worked on the repairs. The CWA also supplied the library with male workers who redecorated sections of the library, cleaned library walls, and helped in janitorial work.
1940's
In 1940, more remodeling was done to the library with the help of Works Progress Administration (WPA) workers. The WPA was another initiative created by President Roosevelt to put unemployed American’s to work. During this time, the desk was moved forward on the main floor, new linoleum was laid, and each floor was redecorated. Around 280 chairs were added to the assembly room on the second floor.
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor which led to the United States entering World War II. Once again, Americans were called to action both oversees and here at home. Mrs. Colby, head-librarian at the Peru Public Library, was appointed by the state library as a local director of the Victory Books campaign. This was a national campaign promoted by the American Library Association with the goal of collecting 10 million books for men in military service. Mrs. Colby organized three local committees to help accomplish the goals of the campaign. The three committees that were formed were an Organizing Committee (chaired by Mrs. Harvey Hawley), a Publicity Committee (chaired by Mrs. Clare Holley), and a Distribution Committee (chaired by Miss Alice Clifton). The books collected would be stored at the Peru Public Library. Boxes for the book donations were placed in various locations around town, including the library, local churches, the schools, the court house, the Redmon Basket Factory, the Cox Manufacturing Company, and Square D. Local dairies also contributed to the project by allowing the milk delivery men to collect book donations on their delivery routes and then take these books directly to the library. The collection of books began on January 12, 1942 and by February 18 the Miami County Victory Books Campaign had collected 2,724 books. These books were sorted into two shipments. One was sent to Camp Custer in Michigan and the other was sent to Battle Creek in Michigan.
On February 21, 1942, a Defense Conference for Women was held at the Peru Public Library. Women from local organizations met on the second floor of the library. The theme of the conference was “What are women doing for defense.” The speakers included Mayor William Long and Defense Director C.J. Burke.
For most of 1942, Inez Colby, the head librarian, was ill. She passed away at Dukes Memorial Hospital in December of 1942. In May of 1943, Alice Clifton was named as head librarian of the Peru Public Library.
In November of 1946, the boiler in the library overheated and burst. A new boiler had to be installed. The reading room in the library had to close temporarily. It was closed for more than a month, giving patrons only partial access to the library during this time.
In 1948, Alice Clifton (now Barber due to getting married), resigned from the library. Helen McPhail replaced her in August of 1948 as head-librarian.
In 1949, there was a coal shortage due to a strike among coal workers. Because of this shortage, the library did not open until noon and closed at 8:00 pm. After the coal shortage ceased, the library kept these hours. This schedule was kept for the next twelve years.
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor which led to the United States entering World War II. Once again, Americans were called to action both oversees and here at home. Mrs. Colby, head-librarian at the Peru Public Library, was appointed by the state library as a local director of the Victory Books campaign. This was a national campaign promoted by the American Library Association with the goal of collecting 10 million books for men in military service. Mrs. Colby organized three local committees to help accomplish the goals of the campaign. The three committees that were formed were an Organizing Committee (chaired by Mrs. Harvey Hawley), a Publicity Committee (chaired by Mrs. Clare Holley), and a Distribution Committee (chaired by Miss Alice Clifton). The books collected would be stored at the Peru Public Library. Boxes for the book donations were placed in various locations around town, including the library, local churches, the schools, the court house, the Redmon Basket Factory, the Cox Manufacturing Company, and Square D. Local dairies also contributed to the project by allowing the milk delivery men to collect book donations on their delivery routes and then take these books directly to the library. The collection of books began on January 12, 1942 and by February 18 the Miami County Victory Books Campaign had collected 2,724 books. These books were sorted into two shipments. One was sent to Camp Custer in Michigan and the other was sent to Battle Creek in Michigan.
On February 21, 1942, a Defense Conference for Women was held at the Peru Public Library. Women from local organizations met on the second floor of the library. The theme of the conference was “What are women doing for defense.” The speakers included Mayor William Long and Defense Director C.J. Burke.
For most of 1942, Inez Colby, the head librarian, was ill. She passed away at Dukes Memorial Hospital in December of 1942. In May of 1943, Alice Clifton was named as head librarian of the Peru Public Library.
In November of 1946, the boiler in the library overheated and burst. A new boiler had to be installed. The reading room in the library had to close temporarily. It was closed for more than a month, giving patrons only partial access to the library during this time.
In 1948, Alice Clifton (now Barber due to getting married), resigned from the library. Helen McPhail replaced her in August of 1948 as head-librarian.
In 1949, there was a coal shortage due to a strike among coal workers. Because of this shortage, the library did not open until noon and closed at 8:00 pm. After the coal shortage ceased, the library kept these hours. This schedule was kept for the next twelve years.
1950's
In 1955, the school board (who still oversaw the public library), approved a proposal to transfer all of the library’s newspapers to microfilm. By 1957, about 45 years of newspapers had been microfilmed.
The upgrade in technology during this decade did not end with microfilming. In 1957, the library rented an electrical charging machine from Gaylord Library Supply Company. Up until this time, due dates were stamped by hand in the back of the books and the patron’s card number was written on a card belonging with each book. The electrical charging machine saved a great amount of time for the librarians.
In 1957, fluorescent lighting was also added to the main floor of the library.
The head librarian during this time, Helen McPhail, would invite the junior high English classes to the library each fall. Other lower grades would also occasionally visit the library. In a 1958 report, Helen McPhail wrote, “I have allowed the teachers in the county to bring their classes here for library instruction during the hours we are not open to the public, hoping that might encourage them to push the county library project. The teachers who have brought their classes are the ones who are most anxious for a county library system.” This attempt did not work, and the Peru Public Library remained a city library.
In July of 1959, Helen McPhail resigned as head librarian. She was replaced by Harriet-Anet Engelage.
The upgrade in technology during this decade did not end with microfilming. In 1957, the library rented an electrical charging machine from Gaylord Library Supply Company. Up until this time, due dates were stamped by hand in the back of the books and the patron’s card number was written on a card belonging with each book. The electrical charging machine saved a great amount of time for the librarians.
In 1957, fluorescent lighting was also added to the main floor of the library.
The head librarian during this time, Helen McPhail, would invite the junior high English classes to the library each fall. Other lower grades would also occasionally visit the library. In a 1958 report, Helen McPhail wrote, “I have allowed the teachers in the county to bring their classes here for library instruction during the hours we are not open to the public, hoping that might encourage them to push the county library project. The teachers who have brought their classes are the ones who are most anxious for a county library system.” This attempt did not work, and the Peru Public Library remained a city library.
In July of 1959, Helen McPhail resigned as head librarian. She was replaced by Harriet-Anet Engelage.
1960's
In December of 1963, the school board received a letter from the League of Women Voters, requesting that a separate library board be formed. The school board had been trustees over the library from its beginning in 1897 until that time. The school board unanimously decided to work on the formation of a separate library board. The new board consisted of seven members: two appointed by the school board, three appointed by the county judge, and two appointed by the city council. The first official Peru Public Library board of trustees was appointed in 1964.
When the school board was governing the library, all children and teachers who were members of the Peru Community School System were allowed to check out library materials. When the library board took over, it was decided that this would be continued. This meant that Erie and Peru Townships, which were part of the Peru school system, would be contributing to the library’s funds. The trustees of each township consented to this, but when the 1965 budget was published, the citizens of Erie Township objected. They did not want to pay a tax for library service. The Peru Public Library Board consulted the Indiana State Library as to whether the Peru Public Library district was the same as the Peru Community School district. There was some confusion because the library and school had been governed by the same board for so long that certain lines were blurred. In December of 1964, the Indiana State Board Tax Commission ordered the removal of the library tax levies from Erie and Peru Townships. This meant that only residents living inside of the city of Peru would receive library service. This significantly lowered the library’s budget.
In December of 1964, the head librarian, Harriet-Anet Engelage became seriously ill. In April of 1965, she was placed on indefinite leave and Dorothy Sargent was named as acting librarian until January of 1966. In December of that year, the board hired David Bucove as the new head librarian.
In April of 1967, the library purchased a film projector and other necessary equipment to start a film program.
In July of 1967, the children’s room was moved to the southeast corner of the basement. Prior to this, it had been located in a section of the main floor. The new room had carpet and air conditioning. It could hold 18 or more children at one time.
In 1968, a coin operated copy machine was placed in the library. In April of that same year, air conditioning was added to the east and west reading rooms.
In 1968, a bookmobile was utilized to serve Miami County students. The first school that used the bookmobile was Nead School. Over 400 students used the bookmobile on the first day. The bookmobile would serve all elementary school children in the three school corporations of Miami County. It would visit each school every two weeks, allowing every child to check out one book to take home.
The bookmobile was part of a federal grant from the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA). This grant was awarded to the Peru Public Library and the Converse Jackson Township Public Library (another Carnegie library in Miami County). Together, they began to function on an experimental basis as the Miami County Public Library. If the trial was positively received by citizens, the plan was to officially form a county library in 1970. If the experimental program was successful, the LSCA donated bookmobile would become the property of the new library district. Between the bookmobile and the books, this property was worth about $116,000. The libraries also had a plan to start a program for adults with the bookmobile service.
In the fall of 1968, Peru Public Library became a local distribution center for the State Library’s Talking Books program. As the distribution center, the library served Miami, White, Tippecanoe, Cass, Carol, Tipton, Clinton, Howard, Grant, Madison, Delaware and Randolph counties. The Talking Books program was started through a federal grant awarded to the Indiana State Library to help serve blind citizens. Blind patrons would be loaned a free specially designed record player and audio books on records. These would be mailed to patrons who qualified for the program. Patrons would call the Peru Public Library to submit their book requests. To qualify, patrons had to have a statement from their doctor describing their disability.
In 1969, an Indiana History and Genealogy room was made in the southwest area of the basement. In February of that year, head librarian, David Bucove submitted his resignation. He was replaced by Keith Burns.
When the school board was governing the library, all children and teachers who were members of the Peru Community School System were allowed to check out library materials. When the library board took over, it was decided that this would be continued. This meant that Erie and Peru Townships, which were part of the Peru school system, would be contributing to the library’s funds. The trustees of each township consented to this, but when the 1965 budget was published, the citizens of Erie Township objected. They did not want to pay a tax for library service. The Peru Public Library Board consulted the Indiana State Library as to whether the Peru Public Library district was the same as the Peru Community School district. There was some confusion because the library and school had been governed by the same board for so long that certain lines were blurred. In December of 1964, the Indiana State Board Tax Commission ordered the removal of the library tax levies from Erie and Peru Townships. This meant that only residents living inside of the city of Peru would receive library service. This significantly lowered the library’s budget.
In December of 1964, the head librarian, Harriet-Anet Engelage became seriously ill. In April of 1965, she was placed on indefinite leave and Dorothy Sargent was named as acting librarian until January of 1966. In December of that year, the board hired David Bucove as the new head librarian.
In April of 1967, the library purchased a film projector and other necessary equipment to start a film program.
In July of 1967, the children’s room was moved to the southeast corner of the basement. Prior to this, it had been located in a section of the main floor. The new room had carpet and air conditioning. It could hold 18 or more children at one time.
In 1968, a coin operated copy machine was placed in the library. In April of that same year, air conditioning was added to the east and west reading rooms.
In 1968, a bookmobile was utilized to serve Miami County students. The first school that used the bookmobile was Nead School. Over 400 students used the bookmobile on the first day. The bookmobile would serve all elementary school children in the three school corporations of Miami County. It would visit each school every two weeks, allowing every child to check out one book to take home.
The bookmobile was part of a federal grant from the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA). This grant was awarded to the Peru Public Library and the Converse Jackson Township Public Library (another Carnegie library in Miami County). Together, they began to function on an experimental basis as the Miami County Public Library. If the trial was positively received by citizens, the plan was to officially form a county library in 1970. If the experimental program was successful, the LSCA donated bookmobile would become the property of the new library district. Between the bookmobile and the books, this property was worth about $116,000. The libraries also had a plan to start a program for adults with the bookmobile service.
In the fall of 1968, Peru Public Library became a local distribution center for the State Library’s Talking Books program. As the distribution center, the library served Miami, White, Tippecanoe, Cass, Carol, Tipton, Clinton, Howard, Grant, Madison, Delaware and Randolph counties. The Talking Books program was started through a federal grant awarded to the Indiana State Library to help serve blind citizens. Blind patrons would be loaned a free specially designed record player and audio books on records. These would be mailed to patrons who qualified for the program. Patrons would call the Peru Public Library to submit their book requests. To qualify, patrons had to have a statement from their doctor describing their disability.
In 1969, an Indiana History and Genealogy room was made in the southwest area of the basement. In February of that year, head librarian, David Bucove submitted his resignation. He was replaced by Keith Burns.
1970's
To continue the bookmobile program, the library board filed a letter with the county commissioners requesting them to form a county library system. This letter was presented in February of 1970. The hope being that this system would come into effect in 1971. At the March 3, 1970 commissioners meeting, the commissioners delayed approving the request in the hopes of hearing from county residents. If the commissioners turned down the request, the library could still achieve its goal by obtaining 20% of registered voter signatures on petitions. Those opposed to the plan would have to obtain more signatures than those favoring the proposal to kill it.
After the commissioners meeting on March 16, 1970, the Peru Daily Tribune reported that the commission denied the library board’s request for a county-wide library system. This meant that the library would have to carry petitions to gain signatures. The commissioners decided to leave the decision to the taxpayers. One group that came forward in strong opposition to the proposed plan and the bookmobile was the Miami County Farm Bureau.
By September of 1970, Keith Burns reported to the library board that there were not enough signatures gathered on the petitions in Allen, Butler, Clay, Deer Creek, Harrison, and Pipe Creek townships to form a county library. The proposal for a county library system had been defeated. As such, the bookmobile and all the books that came with it (about 10,000 volumes) would have to be returned to the federal government by December 31, 1970. Non-residents of Peru would have to continue to pay the fee of $15 a year for a library card.
On March 15, 1971, Keith Burns resigned as the head librarian. On April 1, 1971, Jennie Glock became the head librarian of the Peru Public Library.
On October 30, 1971 a fine free day was held at the library. Patrons could return late materials without receiving a fine on this day. The library was attempting to get back books that had been long overdue.
On June 26, 1972, the Peru Public Library and the Peru Township entered into a library agreement. The citizens of Peru Township would be able to have library services from January 1-December 31 of 1973. The township would pay the library $5,000 for this service. For the following years of 1974 -1979, the township contracted with the library again, although the payment offered was lowered to $3,000.
Jennie Glock resigned from the library on April 1, 1973. She was replaced by Charles Wagner who would now be the director of the library.
In 1973, the library’s Children’s Story Hour program was being broadcast over the WARU radio station.
In February 1974, it was proposed at the library board meeting to remodel the auditorium on the second floor for a children’s library space. This led to a remodeling project that would include roof repairs, office repairs, repairs on the main floor and exterior of the building, and the remodeling of the auditorium. The extensive project took quite some time to be finished, but when the project was completed, the children’s department moved from the basement to the second floor of the library.
In 1974, the Peru Public Library acquired the Whitehead property, which was located immediately east of the library on Main Street.
At the February 13, 1978, library board meeting the trustees voted to send a proposal to the County Commissioners for county-wide library service. At the County Commissioners meeting on March 27, 1978, the commissioners tabled the request. At the May 18, 1978 Library Board of Trustees meeting, Mr. Wagner reported that the county wide library request had been denied.
The summer of 1979, a Read-A-Rama event was held at the South Peru Ball Diamond. Free books were given out and Mr. Steven’s Hummel Puppets put on a show. The library publicized this event by sending out mailers. 335 books were distributed that day. This event was continued annually throughout the 1980’s at Maconaquah Park. Each year hundreds of children attended and enjoyed entertainment, including puppet shows, story times, and magicians. Every summer hundreds of free books were distributed at the Read-A-Rama events. 1985 saw the largest number of books issued in one year, which was 546.
After the commissioners meeting on March 16, 1970, the Peru Daily Tribune reported that the commission denied the library board’s request for a county-wide library system. This meant that the library would have to carry petitions to gain signatures. The commissioners decided to leave the decision to the taxpayers. One group that came forward in strong opposition to the proposed plan and the bookmobile was the Miami County Farm Bureau.
By September of 1970, Keith Burns reported to the library board that there were not enough signatures gathered on the petitions in Allen, Butler, Clay, Deer Creek, Harrison, and Pipe Creek townships to form a county library. The proposal for a county library system had been defeated. As such, the bookmobile and all the books that came with it (about 10,000 volumes) would have to be returned to the federal government by December 31, 1970. Non-residents of Peru would have to continue to pay the fee of $15 a year for a library card.
On March 15, 1971, Keith Burns resigned as the head librarian. On April 1, 1971, Jennie Glock became the head librarian of the Peru Public Library.
On October 30, 1971 a fine free day was held at the library. Patrons could return late materials without receiving a fine on this day. The library was attempting to get back books that had been long overdue.
On June 26, 1972, the Peru Public Library and the Peru Township entered into a library agreement. The citizens of Peru Township would be able to have library services from January 1-December 31 of 1973. The township would pay the library $5,000 for this service. For the following years of 1974 -1979, the township contracted with the library again, although the payment offered was lowered to $3,000.
Jennie Glock resigned from the library on April 1, 1973. She was replaced by Charles Wagner who would now be the director of the library.
In 1973, the library’s Children’s Story Hour program was being broadcast over the WARU radio station.
In February 1974, it was proposed at the library board meeting to remodel the auditorium on the second floor for a children’s library space. This led to a remodeling project that would include roof repairs, office repairs, repairs on the main floor and exterior of the building, and the remodeling of the auditorium. The extensive project took quite some time to be finished, but when the project was completed, the children’s department moved from the basement to the second floor of the library.
In 1974, the Peru Public Library acquired the Whitehead property, which was located immediately east of the library on Main Street.
At the February 13, 1978, library board meeting the trustees voted to send a proposal to the County Commissioners for county-wide library service. At the County Commissioners meeting on March 27, 1978, the commissioners tabled the request. At the May 18, 1978 Library Board of Trustees meeting, Mr. Wagner reported that the county wide library request had been denied.
The summer of 1979, a Read-A-Rama event was held at the South Peru Ball Diamond. Free books were given out and Mr. Steven’s Hummel Puppets put on a show. The library publicized this event by sending out mailers. 335 books were distributed that day. This event was continued annually throughout the 1980’s at Maconaquah Park. Each year hundreds of children attended and enjoyed entertainment, including puppet shows, story times, and magicians. Every summer hundreds of free books were distributed at the Read-A-Rama events. 1985 saw the largest number of books issued in one year, which was 546.
1980's
In January of 1980, the library was in correspondence with the Miami County Historical Society over heating issues in the Puterbaugh Museum (the Museum attached to the library). The heating costs for the Museum were greater than the payment received for the heat, forcing the library to pay the museum’s heating costs. The library requested that the museum install a separate heating unit, which never happened. In response, members of the Miami County Historical Society asked the library board if there would be a possibility of the library taking over the whole building. In this situation, the museum would move to a different location. The idea was favored, but nothing was finalized at this time.
Children participating in the summer reading program at the Peru Public Library in 1980. See the girl on the right? One day she will grow up to be a librarian. In 2014, she will become the director of the same library. That's young Maryann Farnham.
Images by Tom Loy via Peru Daily Tribune Shopping Guide,
July 9, 1980
In August of 1980, the Area Library Service Authority (ALSA) extended their service of Area #4 to include Miami County. An Interlibrary Loan and Reference Referral Center was established at the Kokomo Public Library for the region, which included Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Wabash, and Tipton counties. In October of that year, the Peru Public Library joined the ALSA and was able to use Interlibrary Loan services with other libraries across the country. Interlibrary loan is when one library borrows a book from another library for use by a patron.
Peru Township continued to contract for library service with the library through most of the 1980s. From 1980-1985 they contracted for $5,000 and from 1986-1987, for $5,500. These contracts meant that residents of Peru Township were provided library services without paying non-resident fees. In 1986, the cost of a non-resident library card was $40.
In the summer of 1982, the library board decided to demolish the Whitehead property. This property was located directly east to the library on Main Street. The property had been purchased by the library several years earlier and leased to tenants for a time. The demolition would be completed before October of 1983. The library hoped for a future parking lot in this area.
In 1983, vandalism became an issue in the boy’s restroom located in the Children’s area of the library. Locks had to be installed in both the girl’s and boy’s restroom in this section. To use the restrooms, patrons had to sign a log and borrow a key.
In December 1983, the library began to provide VHS cassettes and VCR’s for circulation. This collection was started with a small collection of films, with the intent to add two or three titles every month.
In March of 1984, the library received information from the State Library concerning library board appointments. It stated that the board would hereby consist of the following appointments: one member from the county commissioners, one from the county council, three from the school board in which the library is located, one from the mayor, and one from the city council.
In August 20, 1984, proposals for design and funding of a parking lot next to the library were discussed at the library board meeting.
In April 1985, the board voted to take actions to complete the parking lot plan. The new parking lot was open to the public on August 13, 1985.
On July 14, 1986, Judge T. Michael Smith appeared at the library board meeting and offered the board ownership of the Puterbaugh Museum building, which was attached to the rear of the library. In return, the library would need to establish a Cole Porter museum on the lower level of the building and provide library services to all county residents for a three-year period. The three-year period would be a trial run for a county-wide library. The library had concerns over this plan because of the condition of the Puterbaugh building, but agreed to the terms. A contract was signed between Judge Smith, the Board of Commissioners, and the Peru Public Library. The terms of this contract included a payment from the county to the library per year for the length of three years from the Ballard Fund for the extended county library services.
In accordance with the plan initiated by Judge Smith, the three-year county wide library service began on November 1, 1986. Within that first week of November, 488 new library cards were issued to county residents. By January 5, 1987, 1,658 library cards were issued to individuals living in the county.
On January 29, 1987, the county commissioners sent payment for the first year of contractual county library service, along with a letter to the library stating the following: “The Board of Commissioners are totally in favor of this agreement for the three year period, however, at the present time, they have no way of funding the second and third year of the agreement. The State Board of Tax Commissioners have ruled that the county cannot use county funds to contract services from a library. The Ballard Fund was not considered a county fund, therefore it could be used for that purpose.” The letter goes on to state that the balance in the Ballard Fund is insufficient to make another annual payment.
In February of 1987, the Miami County Historical Society sent a letter to the library, explaining that they had nearly completed the removal of all artifacts from the Puterbaugh Museum. The Society requested to leave the old bell and the date stone, which were located outside the Puterbaugh Museum, in their current place. The date stone came from the old Peru High School building. As the Society did not have a place to display the artifacts, it was approved for them to remain in their place, outside the museum addition at the library.
Peru Township continued to contract for library service with the library through most of the 1980s. From 1980-1985 they contracted for $5,000 and from 1986-1987, for $5,500. These contracts meant that residents of Peru Township were provided library services without paying non-resident fees. In 1986, the cost of a non-resident library card was $40.
In the summer of 1982, the library board decided to demolish the Whitehead property. This property was located directly east to the library on Main Street. The property had been purchased by the library several years earlier and leased to tenants for a time. The demolition would be completed before October of 1983. The library hoped for a future parking lot in this area.
In 1983, vandalism became an issue in the boy’s restroom located in the Children’s area of the library. Locks had to be installed in both the girl’s and boy’s restroom in this section. To use the restrooms, patrons had to sign a log and borrow a key.
In December 1983, the library began to provide VHS cassettes and VCR’s for circulation. This collection was started with a small collection of films, with the intent to add two or three titles every month.
In March of 1984, the library received information from the State Library concerning library board appointments. It stated that the board would hereby consist of the following appointments: one member from the county commissioners, one from the county council, three from the school board in which the library is located, one from the mayor, and one from the city council.
In August 20, 1984, proposals for design and funding of a parking lot next to the library were discussed at the library board meeting.
In April 1985, the board voted to take actions to complete the parking lot plan. The new parking lot was open to the public on August 13, 1985.
On July 14, 1986, Judge T. Michael Smith appeared at the library board meeting and offered the board ownership of the Puterbaugh Museum building, which was attached to the rear of the library. In return, the library would need to establish a Cole Porter museum on the lower level of the building and provide library services to all county residents for a three-year period. The three-year period would be a trial run for a county-wide library. The library had concerns over this plan because of the condition of the Puterbaugh building, but agreed to the terms. A contract was signed between Judge Smith, the Board of Commissioners, and the Peru Public Library. The terms of this contract included a payment from the county to the library per year for the length of three years from the Ballard Fund for the extended county library services.
In accordance with the plan initiated by Judge Smith, the three-year county wide library service began on November 1, 1986. Within that first week of November, 488 new library cards were issued to county residents. By January 5, 1987, 1,658 library cards were issued to individuals living in the county.
On January 29, 1987, the county commissioners sent payment for the first year of contractual county library service, along with a letter to the library stating the following: “The Board of Commissioners are totally in favor of this agreement for the three year period, however, at the present time, they have no way of funding the second and third year of the agreement. The State Board of Tax Commissioners have ruled that the county cannot use county funds to contract services from a library. The Ballard Fund was not considered a county fund, therefore it could be used for that purpose.” The letter goes on to state that the balance in the Ballard Fund is insufficient to make another annual payment.
In February of 1987, the Miami County Historical Society sent a letter to the library, explaining that they had nearly completed the removal of all artifacts from the Puterbaugh Museum. The Society requested to leave the old bell and the date stone, which were located outside the Puterbaugh Museum, in their current place. The date stone came from the old Peru High School building. As the Society did not have a place to display the artifacts, it was approved for them to remain in their place, outside the museum addition at the library.
After obtaining the museum building, renovation projects were put into place to update the facility for library use. One of the projects was installing a lift to make upper sections of the library handicap accessible. In the summer of 1987, the library began to use the upstairs room of the Peterbaugh Museum as the new auditorium.
In November 1987, the library received a grant from the Library Services and Contruction Act (LSCA) to maintain library services for the county residents in 1988. This grant was needed as the county commissioners previously stated that they lacked the funds to finance all three years of the contract that was signed when transferring the Puterbaugh Museum to the library. The library received $42,000 through the grant. This amount did not cover actual service costs to county residents, but was greatly appreciated by the library. The library hoped to reach an agreement with the county commissioners regarding county service before 1989. The county commissioners were interested in pursuing a source of funding that would allow the county to contract with the library without using property taxes. The state tax board asserted that this method was illegal, yet both the library and the commissioners were hopeful that some sort of agreement could be made. The Peru Public Library continued to be a city library and under state law could only be a county library system through a levy on property tax to county residents.
State Representative, Raymond Musselman began to draft a bill that would allow for other funding to pay for a county library project. In February 1988, the Indiana House and Senate passed a bill that allowed local income tax revenue to pay for library service. This was a pilot bill that was created for Miami County and authored by Representative Musselman. This would allow the county to use County Option Income Tax (COIT) to pay for county residents who were not paying a library tax to have library services. Within the whole state, this bill only applied to Miami County.
July 1988, the county commissioners presented a contractual offer to the library board of 51,200, to be paid from COIT funds, for a contractual library agreement beginning in 1989. The amount proposed would only cover about 59% of the actual service costs that were annually being rendered to county residents at that time. In spite of this, the library board excepted the proposal out of an eagerness to serve the county residents. This payment covered the third year of the existing contract that was signed when transferring the Puterbaugh Museum to the library. The county contract, which began in 1989, would continue throughout the 1990's and beyond.
On July 19, 1988, Mr. Wagner received a letter from the Indiana State Library in regards to reciprocal borrowing through Interlibrary Loans. It was determined that residents living outside of the library’s taxing district (the city of Peru), would not be eligible to participate in reciprocal borrowing. Only resident card holders would have this privilege.
In November 1987, the library received a grant from the Library Services and Contruction Act (LSCA) to maintain library services for the county residents in 1988. This grant was needed as the county commissioners previously stated that they lacked the funds to finance all three years of the contract that was signed when transferring the Puterbaugh Museum to the library. The library received $42,000 through the grant. This amount did not cover actual service costs to county residents, but was greatly appreciated by the library. The library hoped to reach an agreement with the county commissioners regarding county service before 1989. The county commissioners were interested in pursuing a source of funding that would allow the county to contract with the library without using property taxes. The state tax board asserted that this method was illegal, yet both the library and the commissioners were hopeful that some sort of agreement could be made. The Peru Public Library continued to be a city library and under state law could only be a county library system through a levy on property tax to county residents.
State Representative, Raymond Musselman began to draft a bill that would allow for other funding to pay for a county library project. In February 1988, the Indiana House and Senate passed a bill that allowed local income tax revenue to pay for library service. This was a pilot bill that was created for Miami County and authored by Representative Musselman. This would allow the county to use County Option Income Tax (COIT) to pay for county residents who were not paying a library tax to have library services. Within the whole state, this bill only applied to Miami County.
July 1988, the county commissioners presented a contractual offer to the library board of 51,200, to be paid from COIT funds, for a contractual library agreement beginning in 1989. The amount proposed would only cover about 59% of the actual service costs that were annually being rendered to county residents at that time. In spite of this, the library board excepted the proposal out of an eagerness to serve the county residents. This payment covered the third year of the existing contract that was signed when transferring the Puterbaugh Museum to the library. The county contract, which began in 1989, would continue throughout the 1990's and beyond.
On July 19, 1988, Mr. Wagner received a letter from the Indiana State Library in regards to reciprocal borrowing through Interlibrary Loans. It was determined that residents living outside of the library’s taxing district (the city of Peru), would not be eligible to participate in reciprocal borrowing. Only resident card holders would have this privilege.
1990's
On January 8, 1990 the Puterbaugh Library Room opened at the Peru Public Library. This room was located on the lower level of the former Puterbaugh Museum. All reference books, videos, records, and audio cassettes were moved to this facility. During this month, the offices were also moved from the Children’s Department on the upper level of the library to the Puterbaugh building. The old office was then used as a staff lounge.
In May of 1990, the library board and county and school representatives discussed the funding of new air conditioning in the library building. The estimate of the project was $21,240. After discussion, it was determined that the county council would contribute $13,020 to the project. This request was approved by the county commissioners.
Also, in May of 1990, the board decided to start selling discarded books through the Friends of the Library, instead of destroying old material.
In national news, the Persian Gulf War began in August of 1990. There was some concern that director, Charles Wagner, would be deployed into active military service. In November of 1990, the board voted on a contingency plan that would instate Jan Hippensteel as acting director should Mr. Wagner be deployed as part of his U.S. Army Reserve status. In January of 1991, Mr. Wagner reported that he had been summoned to active duty. Jan Hippensteel was named acting director until the return of Mr. Wagner. He resumed his duties as director On March 25, 1991.
It was decided in April of 1991 that an InfoTrac computer would be leased by the library for 14 months. In 1993, a computer was purchased for the library’s office.
In January 1993, Public Library Access Cards (PLAC) were enacted by the Indiana General Assembly. By purchasing a PLAC card, patrons could borrow materials directly from any library in Indiana.
In 1993, the library started a compact disc (CD) collection for circulation.
December 1996, the library applied for a grant through the Indiana State Library for internet service. In February 1997, the library learned that it had been approved for a $10,000 grant to install public internet access. An Internet Usage Policy was drafted shortly after. Computers were installed in the spring of 1997 and internet was installed by August of that year. Computer classes began at the library in September for the internet and for 7.0 word processing. The staff took a word processing class so that they could help patrons.
Carnegie buildings are beautiful, but because of their age, they often require a lot of care to keep them from falling into disrepair. In 1997, the Peru Public Library began installing new windows. In 1998, the stain glass windows in the library were removed, restored, and replaced. In 1999, the library underwent a concrete and railing project. As part of this project, the steps on Main Street and on Huntington Street were replaced and the entrance sidewalks were rebuilt.
Throughout the 1990’s the county continued to contract with the library for service for county residents. During this period, the county paid the library between $51,200 and $55,000 annually. By the end of each year, county card holders outnumbered city card holders. For example, by December of 1996, there were 4,446 county residents using the library, compared to 3,094 city residents. November of 1999 saw 4,055 county users and 2,574 city users. Each year, the money paid by the county was only around 1/6 (at times less) of the library’s yearly income. By this analysis, it is fair to say that city residents were helping to fund the use of the library for county residents throughout the 1990s.
In May of 1990, the library board and county and school representatives discussed the funding of new air conditioning in the library building. The estimate of the project was $21,240. After discussion, it was determined that the county council would contribute $13,020 to the project. This request was approved by the county commissioners.
Also, in May of 1990, the board decided to start selling discarded books through the Friends of the Library, instead of destroying old material.
In national news, the Persian Gulf War began in August of 1990. There was some concern that director, Charles Wagner, would be deployed into active military service. In November of 1990, the board voted on a contingency plan that would instate Jan Hippensteel as acting director should Mr. Wagner be deployed as part of his U.S. Army Reserve status. In January of 1991, Mr. Wagner reported that he had been summoned to active duty. Jan Hippensteel was named acting director until the return of Mr. Wagner. He resumed his duties as director On March 25, 1991.
It was decided in April of 1991 that an InfoTrac computer would be leased by the library for 14 months. In 1993, a computer was purchased for the library’s office.
In January 1993, Public Library Access Cards (PLAC) were enacted by the Indiana General Assembly. By purchasing a PLAC card, patrons could borrow materials directly from any library in Indiana.
In 1993, the library started a compact disc (CD) collection for circulation.
December 1996, the library applied for a grant through the Indiana State Library for internet service. In February 1997, the library learned that it had been approved for a $10,000 grant to install public internet access. An Internet Usage Policy was drafted shortly after. Computers were installed in the spring of 1997 and internet was installed by August of that year. Computer classes began at the library in September for the internet and for 7.0 word processing. The staff took a word processing class so that they could help patrons.
Carnegie buildings are beautiful, but because of their age, they often require a lot of care to keep them from falling into disrepair. In 1997, the Peru Public Library began installing new windows. In 1998, the stain glass windows in the library were removed, restored, and replaced. In 1999, the library underwent a concrete and railing project. As part of this project, the steps on Main Street and on Huntington Street were replaced and the entrance sidewalks were rebuilt.
Throughout the 1990’s the county continued to contract with the library for service for county residents. During this period, the county paid the library between $51,200 and $55,000 annually. By the end of each year, county card holders outnumbered city card holders. For example, by December of 1996, there were 4,446 county residents using the library, compared to 3,094 city residents. November of 1999 saw 4,055 county users and 2,574 city users. Each year, the money paid by the county was only around 1/6 (at times less) of the library’s yearly income. By this analysis, it is fair to say that city residents were helping to fund the use of the library for county residents throughout the 1990s.
2000's
On May 15, 2000, Mr. Wagner presented a plaque commemorating full time employees who served the library for 15 years or more. The employees honored were Harriet Annett Englage, Charlet Smith, Deloris Hippensteel, Carla Murtha, and Charles Wagner. This plaque was hung in the foyer for public display.
In the Summer of 2000, a new library sign with changeable letters was installed on the front lawn of the library.
In December of 2000, Mr. Wagner reported that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation would be giving the library five free computers with a printer and free software.
In the summer of 2001, the county council and county commissioners approved an increase to the annual funds contributed to the library for service to the county residents. Beginning in 2002, the county would contribute $75,000 to the Peru Public Library. As the library was not funded by a county-wide tax levy, it remained a city library, as it had since 1897.
After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the library board decided that an American flag should be displayed at the library. It was determined that a flag pole would be purchased for the front lawn.
In the Summer of 2000, a new library sign with changeable letters was installed on the front lawn of the library.
In December of 2000, Mr. Wagner reported that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation would be giving the library five free computers with a printer and free software.
In the summer of 2001, the county council and county commissioners approved an increase to the annual funds contributed to the library for service to the county residents. Beginning in 2002, the county would contribute $75,000 to the Peru Public Library. As the library was not funded by a county-wide tax levy, it remained a city library, as it had since 1897.
After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the library board decided that an American flag should be displayed at the library. It was determined that a flag pole would be purchased for the front lawn.
An open house was held at the library on Febuary 26, 2002, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the cornerstone being laid for the Peru Public Library’s Carnegie building. Refreshments were served.
The library offered computer classes to the public for several months of 2004. The classes were held on Saturdays. Some of the topics covered included: setting up an email account, mouse basics, resumes, Microsoft word, and using search engines.
In January 2005, the cost of a non-resident card was raised to $45. This was the first time the cost had been raised since 1986, when it was $40.
In November of 2005, Wi-Fi (Wireless Internet Access) became available in the Reference Room of the Library.
In June of 2006, the library board reviewed the history of the Miami County contract receipts, dating back to 1989. Throughout the 90’s, the figure paid by the county was between $51,200 and $55,000. On occasion, the Miami County Council assisted in financing some library improvement projects during those years as well. In 2001, the Library Trustees requested and received an increase amounting to $75,000 yearly. Although that payment amount was approved, in 2005 and 2006, the library had only received between $69,000 and $72,000, which was thousands of dollars short of the contracted amount. The library board moved to request $78,000 for 2007. The additional funds were requested because the county library card holders made up 52% of the library’s yearly circulation, yet contributed less than 15% of the annual budget. The requested amount of $78,000 was denied by county officials, leaving the contractual amount at $75,000.
The 2006 Summer Reading Program reached an all-time high with over 1,000 children participating.
The library offered computer classes to the public for several months of 2004. The classes were held on Saturdays. Some of the topics covered included: setting up an email account, mouse basics, resumes, Microsoft word, and using search engines.
In January 2005, the cost of a non-resident card was raised to $45. This was the first time the cost had been raised since 1986, when it was $40.
In November of 2005, Wi-Fi (Wireless Internet Access) became available in the Reference Room of the Library.
In June of 2006, the library board reviewed the history of the Miami County contract receipts, dating back to 1989. Throughout the 90’s, the figure paid by the county was between $51,200 and $55,000. On occasion, the Miami County Council assisted in financing some library improvement projects during those years as well. In 2001, the Library Trustees requested and received an increase amounting to $75,000 yearly. Although that payment amount was approved, in 2005 and 2006, the library had only received between $69,000 and $72,000, which was thousands of dollars short of the contracted amount. The library board moved to request $78,000 for 2007. The additional funds were requested because the county library card holders made up 52% of the library’s yearly circulation, yet contributed less than 15% of the annual budget. The requested amount of $78,000 was denied by county officials, leaving the contractual amount at $75,000.
The 2006 Summer Reading Program reached an all-time high with over 1,000 children participating.
In 2007, the Peru Public Library began the process of computerizing the library’s catalog. Employees were trained on the new system in August, with the automated system up and running in September. In October, the process of adding bar codes to all of the books and materials began. Employees worked very hard for several months to barcode all the books and add them to the computerized system. The automated circulation of the collection began on March 17, 2008.
In 2009, the Library Board of Trustees began to seriously discuss a building renovation project. The Carnegie library was over 100 years old, and although improvements to the structure had been made over the years, many felt it was time for major updating. The board began to meet with architects and look at financing options for the project.
In 2009, the Library Board of Trustees began to seriously discuss a building renovation project. The Carnegie library was over 100 years old, and although improvements to the structure had been made over the years, many felt it was time for major updating. The board began to meet with architects and look at financing options for the project.
2010's
2010
On October 29, 2010, an Autumn Celebration took place in the library parking lot from 6:00-8:00 pm. The celebration included a costume parade of storybook characters, games, music, food, and prizes.
Beginning in 2010, Circuit Breaker Tax Credits began impacting the amount of property taxes residents paid. The process of adding these Circuit Breaker tax caps to the Indiana Constitution began in 2008, but organizations did not see the full impact until 2010. Those paying property taxes in Indiana had their bill capped at a certain percentage of the assessed value of their property. For instance, residential properties cannot be taxed for more than 2% of their assessed value. As this was added to the Indiana Constitution, these tax caps would now be the new normal. Unfortunately, the tax caps had a dire effect of the budgets of many public entities. The Peru Public Library was no exception. The 2010 annual budget of the library was reduced by around $60,000. As the library already had a tight budget, this was a significant blow.
Throughout 2010 and 2011, the library board continued to move towards a renovation project to improvements to the 1902 Carnegie building. In 2011, the library board approached the city council about a $3 million renovation. The Peru City Council approved a $2 million bond to help fund the library with the stipulation that the County Commissioners would bond for $50,000 a year for a 20-year period. The city officials felt this was fair as all county residents had access to the library through a contract. The city thought renovating the library would be good for economic development. Although the County Commissioners agreed that the renovation was needed, they decided to not help fund the renovation project.
2011
In 2011, the library entered the world of social media by starting a Peru Public Library Facebook page. This page was used to promote library events and services.
2012
In June 2012, the library decided to join the Evergreen consortium. The Evergreen consortium is a group of over 100 Indiana libraries. These libraries share materials, meaning that a patron can view the catalogs and borrow materials from other member libraries. This gives the Peru Public Library patrons access to millions of books and other items. The staff began training on the new system in January of 2013. The system was up and running and available for use with patrons by the end of February 2013. New Evergreen library cards were issued to patrons.
2013
In March 2013, the library board raised the non-resident fee to $75 for one year of library service. This decision was made after reviewing the amount of money the library spends on each patron. The library board also reviewed non-resident fees applied by libraries within the regional area.
By May 2013, Peru Public Library was a member of the eIndiana Digital Consortium. This gave patrons access to a wide variety of eBooks that could be read online.
In the summer of 2013, the library purchased 18 new computers through a grant from the Northern Indiana Community Foundation. This grant replaced staff computers and helped upgrade the computer lab that was used by patrons.
In the fall of 2013, the library board was disappointed to announce that they couldn’t fund a full-scale renovation of the whole 1902 Carnegie building, due to lack of governmental support and financial backing. A smaller renovation would occur, one which focused on remodeling only the main floor of the library.
2014
After over 40 years at the Peru Public Library, Charles Wagner, library director, retired on April 30, 2014. Assistant Director Maryann Farnham was appointed as the new director of the library, effective May 1, 2014.
On October 29, 2010, an Autumn Celebration took place in the library parking lot from 6:00-8:00 pm. The celebration included a costume parade of storybook characters, games, music, food, and prizes.
Beginning in 2010, Circuit Breaker Tax Credits began impacting the amount of property taxes residents paid. The process of adding these Circuit Breaker tax caps to the Indiana Constitution began in 2008, but organizations did not see the full impact until 2010. Those paying property taxes in Indiana had their bill capped at a certain percentage of the assessed value of their property. For instance, residential properties cannot be taxed for more than 2% of their assessed value. As this was added to the Indiana Constitution, these tax caps would now be the new normal. Unfortunately, the tax caps had a dire effect of the budgets of many public entities. The Peru Public Library was no exception. The 2010 annual budget of the library was reduced by around $60,000. As the library already had a tight budget, this was a significant blow.
Throughout 2010 and 2011, the library board continued to move towards a renovation project to improvements to the 1902 Carnegie building. In 2011, the library board approached the city council about a $3 million renovation. The Peru City Council approved a $2 million bond to help fund the library with the stipulation that the County Commissioners would bond for $50,000 a year for a 20-year period. The city officials felt this was fair as all county residents had access to the library through a contract. The city thought renovating the library would be good for economic development. Although the County Commissioners agreed that the renovation was needed, they decided to not help fund the renovation project.
2011
In 2011, the library entered the world of social media by starting a Peru Public Library Facebook page. This page was used to promote library events and services.
2012
In June 2012, the library decided to join the Evergreen consortium. The Evergreen consortium is a group of over 100 Indiana libraries. These libraries share materials, meaning that a patron can view the catalogs and borrow materials from other member libraries. This gives the Peru Public Library patrons access to millions of books and other items. The staff began training on the new system in January of 2013. The system was up and running and available for use with patrons by the end of February 2013. New Evergreen library cards were issued to patrons.
2013
In March 2013, the library board raised the non-resident fee to $75 for one year of library service. This decision was made after reviewing the amount of money the library spends on each patron. The library board also reviewed non-resident fees applied by libraries within the regional area.
By May 2013, Peru Public Library was a member of the eIndiana Digital Consortium. This gave patrons access to a wide variety of eBooks that could be read online.
In the summer of 2013, the library purchased 18 new computers through a grant from the Northern Indiana Community Foundation. This grant replaced staff computers and helped upgrade the computer lab that was used by patrons.
In the fall of 2013, the library board was disappointed to announce that they couldn’t fund a full-scale renovation of the whole 1902 Carnegie building, due to lack of governmental support and financial backing. A smaller renovation would occur, one which focused on remodeling only the main floor of the library.
2014
After over 40 years at the Peru Public Library, Charles Wagner, library director, retired on April 30, 2014. Assistant Director Maryann Farnham was appointed as the new director of the library, effective May 1, 2014.
In the summer of 2014, the library learned that it had received a $400,000 grant from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) towards the renovation project. This money combined with a grant from the Dukes Healthcare Foundation (which provided $214,900 to use for an elevator and handicap restrooms) and money saved in the library’s renovation fund, would finance the smaller renovation the library had planned. The library began to make preparations for the renovation project.
In the fall of 2014, the library board learned that the County Commissioners and County Council decided to reduce the funding provided to the library for county residents without prior notification the library board. As the Peru Public Library is a city library, the library and county officials had contracted service for the Miami Country residents in 1989. The contractual agreement had been in place for 25 years. When the contract first began, the county agreed to pay the library $51,200 from COIT funds for service to all the county residents residing outside of Peru city limits. Throughout the years, county library users consisted of about half of all library users. In 2001, the county officials approved an increase to the payment, making the yearly total contribution $75,000 (about 16% of the overall budget). Then in 2014, the county officials reduced funding to $50,000 a year, which was less than the amount provided in 1989 (25 years earlier). After learning of the reduction in funding, the library board requested the funding to be returned to $75,000. It was not restored to this amount. Due to inadequate compensation, the library board realized that they would not be able to afford to service the patrons outside of the library’s taxing district. It would not be fair to city residents to expect them to contribute the majority of the library’s budget which helped pay for services by county residents. After much discussion and sadness, it was decided to end the contract with the county. As of January 1, 2015, county residents would no longer be able to receive a free library card, but would have to purchase a non-resident card each year.
Also, in the fall of 2014, the library began to prepare to move to a temporary location as the renovation project was drawing near. The library would be moving to the Broadway Plaza for a length of time. In September, the librarians began packing up books for storage. It took nearly three months to prepare for the move. The Carnegie library building closed on December 15, 2014. While closed, the staff moved over 500 boxes of books to the temporary facility. They moved about 1/3 of the collection, the rest remained in storage. The library at the Plaza location opened to patrons on January 5, 2015.
In the fall of 2014, the library board learned that the County Commissioners and County Council decided to reduce the funding provided to the library for county residents without prior notification the library board. As the Peru Public Library is a city library, the library and county officials had contracted service for the Miami Country residents in 1989. The contractual agreement had been in place for 25 years. When the contract first began, the county agreed to pay the library $51,200 from COIT funds for service to all the county residents residing outside of Peru city limits. Throughout the years, county library users consisted of about half of all library users. In 2001, the county officials approved an increase to the payment, making the yearly total contribution $75,000 (about 16% of the overall budget). Then in 2014, the county officials reduced funding to $50,000 a year, which was less than the amount provided in 1989 (25 years earlier). After learning of the reduction in funding, the library board requested the funding to be returned to $75,000. It was not restored to this amount. Due to inadequate compensation, the library board realized that they would not be able to afford to service the patrons outside of the library’s taxing district. It would not be fair to city residents to expect them to contribute the majority of the library’s budget which helped pay for services by county residents. After much discussion and sadness, it was decided to end the contract with the county. As of January 1, 2015, county residents would no longer be able to receive a free library card, but would have to purchase a non-resident card each year.
Also, in the fall of 2014, the library began to prepare to move to a temporary location as the renovation project was drawing near. The library would be moving to the Broadway Plaza for a length of time. In September, the librarians began packing up books for storage. It took nearly three months to prepare for the move. The Carnegie library building closed on December 15, 2014. While closed, the staff moved over 500 boxes of books to the temporary facility. They moved about 1/3 of the collection, the rest remained in storage. The library at the Plaza location opened to patrons on January 5, 2015.
2015
The library served its patrons from the Plaza for the next 18 months, while the Carnegie building was being renovated.
The library served its patrons from the Plaza for the next 18 months, while the Carnegie building was being renovated.
During the renovation, the Psi Iota Xi sorority donated $24,000 towards the completion of the first-floor auditorium. The Northern Indiana Community Foundation and the Dukes Foundation also granted the library money towards the renovation project.
Renovation images by Terri Hall via Peru Public Library's Facebook page.
In the spring of 2015, the library board president and library director, Maryann Farnham, attended the Peru Township Advisory Board meeting to try to gain support to expand library service into the unserved areas of Peru Township. This meant the library taxing district would be expanded to include all of Peru Township, not just the city of Peru. This would turn the Peru Public Library into a township library, rather than a city library as it had been since 1897. The plan was turned down by the Peru Township Advisory Board.
2016
The last day at the temporary location was June 30, 2016. The library staff worked hard over the next few weeks to move everything back into the Carnegie building. The library at its East Main Street location opened to the public on July 18, 2016.
2016
The last day at the temporary location was June 30, 2016. The library staff worked hard over the next few weeks to move everything back into the Carnegie building. The library at its East Main Street location opened to the public on July 18, 2016.
2017
On May 5, 2017, the Peru Public Library hosted the Indiana Library Federation’s (ILF) District 2 conference. About 80 librarians from libraries throughout the district gathered at the library for a day of educational sessions about topics pertaining to library service.
On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse, called the “Great American Eclipse,” was visible in a belt that ranged from the west coast to the east cost of the United States. Indiana was not in the direct line of the total eclipse, but was able to see a partial eclipse. On this date, the library had a solar eclipse party on the front lawn. They provided free solar eclipse glasses to guests and snacks (Moon Pies and Capri Sun). Patrons brought lawn chairs and blankets to sit on while viewing the eclipse. For those patrons who preferred to be inside the library, there was a live NASA feed of the eclipse on the television in the auditorium. Over 100 people attended this event.
On May 5, 2017, the Peru Public Library hosted the Indiana Library Federation’s (ILF) District 2 conference. About 80 librarians from libraries throughout the district gathered at the library for a day of educational sessions about topics pertaining to library service.
On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse, called the “Great American Eclipse,” was visible in a belt that ranged from the west coast to the east cost of the United States. Indiana was not in the direct line of the total eclipse, but was able to see a partial eclipse. On this date, the library had a solar eclipse party on the front lawn. They provided free solar eclipse glasses to guests and snacks (Moon Pies and Capri Sun). Patrons brought lawn chairs and blankets to sit on while viewing the eclipse. For those patrons who preferred to be inside the library, there was a live NASA feed of the eclipse on the television in the auditorium. Over 100 people attended this event.
In the fall of 2017, a representative of the County Council reached out to the library wanting to be a liaison between the Library Board of Trustees and the County Council. There was hope that an agreement could be reached to once again provide library service to county residents. Soon, Ethan Manning, chairperson of the County Council, also began meeting with the library board about this topic. Both sides discussed ideas for county service. Under Indiana State law, the only way to have a county-wide library district is through a tax levy. As this was not something the county wanted to do, other alternatives were looked at to provide service without becoming an official county library. After much discussion between both parties and consultation with the Indiana State Library and attorneys, an interlocal agreement was reached. The County would pay the library’s $75 non-resident fee for county residents, up to $75,000. This would be paid through CEDIT (County Economic Development Income Tax) funds. CEDIT could be used to fund library services in areas with a population between 35,000 and 37,000. The population of Miami County fell into this range, so it would be allowed. This would give county card holders full access to the library for the term of one year. Each year the agreement would be re-evaluated by both parties. Beginning in March of 2018, and then again in 2019, the CEDIT funded cards were available to county residents. Many county residents were excited to have library service again. Long lines flooded the library in an eagerness to receive one of the funded cards.
2018
On March 28, 2018, the library sponsored a free movie at the Roxy theatre. The movie was A Wrinkle in Time, which is based on a book. The library staff distributed free copies of the book to viewers and promoted upcoming library programs before the movie began. The library sponsored movie sold out with over 110 people.
On March 28, 2018, the library sponsored a free movie at the Roxy theatre. The movie was A Wrinkle in Time, which is based on a book. The library staff distributed free copies of the book to viewers and promoted upcoming library programs before the movie began. The library sponsored movie sold out with over 110 people.
2019
In 2019, the Peru Public Library started offering some new and exciting services. First, the library starting using automatic renewals and became fine-free. Auto-renewals meant that a patron’s book would renew automatically if not returned by its due date. It would automatically renew up to two times. This will help patrons avoid having overdue materials. Being fine-free meant that there would be no fines for late material. Lost or unreturned material would garner a fee, but if the material was returned, all fees would be removed. The library also began circulating hotspots. These devices would allow patrons to have wi-fi access anywhere. Each hotspot could be checked-out for a one-week period.
In the fall of 2019, the library held its 3rd Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Patrons could decorate a pumpkin as a book character to be displayed at the library. For the display period, votes were collected to decide the winners. Patrons could vote in the library or on the library’s Facebook page. That year the contest reached an exciting level. Not only were the submissions remarkable, but the contest exploded on social media with over 40,000 people viewing the post. This was an all-time high in viewers for a post on the library’s social media.
In 2019, the Peru Public Library started offering some new and exciting services. First, the library starting using automatic renewals and became fine-free. Auto-renewals meant that a patron’s book would renew automatically if not returned by its due date. It would automatically renew up to two times. This will help patrons avoid having overdue materials. Being fine-free meant that there would be no fines for late material. Lost or unreturned material would garner a fee, but if the material was returned, all fees would be removed. The library also began circulating hotspots. These devices would allow patrons to have wi-fi access anywhere. Each hotspot could be checked-out for a one-week period.
In the fall of 2019, the library held its 3rd Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Patrons could decorate a pumpkin as a book character to be displayed at the library. For the display period, votes were collected to decide the winners. Patrons could vote in the library or on the library’s Facebook page. That year the contest reached an exciting level. Not only were the submissions remarkable, but the contest exploded on social media with over 40,000 people viewing the post. This was an all-time high in viewers for a post on the library’s social media.
Pumpkin images via Peru Public Library's Facebook page.
2020's
2020
At the beginning of 2020, the Library Board was still waiting to hear back from the County Commissioners about the agreement that provided county residents with library cards which were funded through CEDIT money. This agreement was established in 2017 and provided 1,000 funded library cards at the cost of $75 a card for county residents in 2018 and again in 2019. As the Peru Public Library was a city funded library, county residents had to purchase cards to check out materials. This agreement helped a large number of county residents have access to library service. Both the Library Board and the County Commissioners had agreed in June of 2019 that the program worked well and the Library Board sent the Commissioners the contract and were waiting for it to be signed. However, by February of 2020, the County Commissioners wanted to renegotiate and change the agreement. The Library Board felt that this was something that should have been done earlier in the process, as the county patrons' cards would expire in March. The changes proposed would require the library to collect a portion of the $75 non-resident fee and then send vouchers over to the county to receive payment for the rest of the fee. The Library board felt that this was not feasible for the library and would cause a lot of extra work for the staff. On January 23, 2020, the Library Board voted to accept the original agreement as is, without the changes. The County Commissioners decided to not sign the agreement and once again the country residents lost funded library service.
In 2020, a coronavirus, called COVID-19, began to quickly spread around the world. On January 31, the World Health Organization declared a Global Heath Emergency. On March 13, a National Emergency was declared in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic affected every business and organization across the country. The Peru Public Library was no exception. For the safety of patrons and the staff, the library closed from March 17 to May 4. During this time, patrons still had access to e-books, but unable to physically enter the library. When the library re-opened in May, precautions were still in place to prevent the spread of the virus. Staff and patrons were required to wear masks in the building. All books were cleaned and quarantined for 72 hours, meeting rooms were closed, and the children's play area was shut down. All in-person library programming was cancelled within the building until from March of 2020-September 2021.
At the beginning of 2020, the Library Board was still waiting to hear back from the County Commissioners about the agreement that provided county residents with library cards which were funded through CEDIT money. This agreement was established in 2017 and provided 1,000 funded library cards at the cost of $75 a card for county residents in 2018 and again in 2019. As the Peru Public Library was a city funded library, county residents had to purchase cards to check out materials. This agreement helped a large number of county residents have access to library service. Both the Library Board and the County Commissioners had agreed in June of 2019 that the program worked well and the Library Board sent the Commissioners the contract and were waiting for it to be signed. However, by February of 2020, the County Commissioners wanted to renegotiate and change the agreement. The Library Board felt that this was something that should have been done earlier in the process, as the county patrons' cards would expire in March. The changes proposed would require the library to collect a portion of the $75 non-resident fee and then send vouchers over to the county to receive payment for the rest of the fee. The Library board felt that this was not feasible for the library and would cause a lot of extra work for the staff. On January 23, 2020, the Library Board voted to accept the original agreement as is, without the changes. The County Commissioners decided to not sign the agreement and once again the country residents lost funded library service.
In 2020, a coronavirus, called COVID-19, began to quickly spread around the world. On January 31, the World Health Organization declared a Global Heath Emergency. On March 13, a National Emergency was declared in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic affected every business and organization across the country. The Peru Public Library was no exception. For the safety of patrons and the staff, the library closed from March 17 to May 4. During this time, patrons still had access to e-books, but unable to physically enter the library. When the library re-opened in May, precautions were still in place to prevent the spread of the virus. Staff and patrons were required to wear masks in the building. All books were cleaned and quarantined for 72 hours, meeting rooms were closed, and the children's play area was shut down. All in-person library programming was cancelled within the building until from March of 2020-September 2021.
In the summer of 2020, the Library Board had a discussion about a possible life-size statue of Marie Stewart Edwards on the library property. ReDiscover Downtown Peru (a local board dedicated to restoring and improving the downtown area) had received a $35,000 grant from Indiana Humanities for the project. The statue would depict Marie as a child with her bicycle, in the hopes of inspiring young people to realize that they have a voice and can make a difference in the world. Marie Stewart Edwards was pivotal in the Women's Suffrage Movement. She was a Peru resident and often held suffrage meetings at the library. She also sat on the school board during the 1920's, during the time that the school board oversaw the library. It was determined that the library would be a wonderful location for the placement of this statue. However, the Library Board had concerns regarding the upkeep and the cost of insurance for the statue. After a lengthy discussion, the Board decided against allowing the statue to be placed on library property.
In September of 2020, the Peru City Council accepted responsibility for the Marie Stewart Edwards Statue. The city would take care of upkeep and insurance, which meant there would be no cost to the library. The project was then presented to the board once again to seek permission to place the statue on library property. Now that the financial concerns were eased, the Library Board unanimously voted to allow the bronze statue to be located on the library grounds.
On October 27, 2020, Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch came to a reception at the library to present ReDiscover Downtown Peru with the grant money for the bronze statue of Marie Stewart Edwards. The grant was provided by the Indiana Humanities. Many community and state leaders attended the gathering and toured the library. Masks were worn as the country was still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In September of 2020, the Peru City Council accepted responsibility for the Marie Stewart Edwards Statue. The city would take care of upkeep and insurance, which meant there would be no cost to the library. The project was then presented to the board once again to seek permission to place the statue on library property. Now that the financial concerns were eased, the Library Board unanimously voted to allow the bronze statue to be located on the library grounds.
On October 27, 2020, Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch came to a reception at the library to present ReDiscover Downtown Peru with the grant money for the bronze statue of Marie Stewart Edwards. The grant was provided by the Indiana Humanities. Many community and state leaders attended the gathering and toured the library. Masks were worn as the country was still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the library made changes to the Summer Reading program. A program was still offered in which patrons could receive prizes for reading. However, in 2021, the library decided to offer a virtual program. Through the Beanstack app, patrons could register for the program and log their reading from anywhere. This allowed patrons to participate without having to come into the library. During the pandemic, the library was not offering in-person programming. As an alternative, Wednesdays at the Park were offered during the summer months. The library provided performers and activities at the First Farmer's Amphitheater in Maconaquah Park. This allowed the public to social distance in an outside setting. Wednesdays at the Park was so popular that it continued into the following years.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the library made changes to the Summer Reading program. A program was still offered in which patrons could receive prizes for reading. However, in 2021, the library decided to offer a virtual program. Through the Beanstack app, patrons could register for the program and log their reading from anywhere. This allowed patrons to participate without having to come into the library. During the pandemic, the library was not offering in-person programming. As an alternative, Wednesdays at the Park were offered during the summer months. The library provided performers and activities at the First Farmer's Amphitheater in Maconaquah Park. This allowed the public to social distance in an outside setting. Wednesdays at the Park was so popular that it continued into the following years.
In August of 2021, the library began to prepare for the installation of the Marie Stewart Edwards statue. Marie Stewart Edwards was instrumental to the Women's Suffrage Movement and was involved in civic work around Peru during her life. Work began on the area near the parking lot where the statue would be placed. When the statue arrived, it was covered until the unveiling. On August 26th, 2021, a celebration was held at the Peru Public Library. The statue of the girl with her bike was introduced to the community. There were over 200 people in attendance, including Suzanne Crouch, the Lt. Governor of Indiana, and Cindy Billingsley, the sculptor of the statue. Following the outside celebration, there was a reception in the library hosted by Miami County Indiana Worth Remembering.
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During the summer of 2021, library patrons John and Julie Schwartz generously donated $20,000 to the library. The money was donated in memory of Sharon Edwards, a former library board member and close friend of the Schwartz family. This money helped fund many projects for the library, including new cabinetry in the program room on the Children's Floor.
In the fall of 2021, in-person program resumed at the Peru Public Library. Children's programs (such as LEGO Club, American Girl Club, Pokémon Club, Story Time, and Movers & Shakers) and adult crafting programs were held monthly. The COVID-19 pandemic was slowing down, but still an issue. Precautions were taken by staff members, such as masks and social distancing, to slow or stop the spread during programs.
In the fall of 2021, in-person program resumed at the Peru Public Library. Children's programs (such as LEGO Club, American Girl Club, Pokémon Club, Story Time, and Movers & Shakers) and adult crafting programs were held monthly. The COVID-19 pandemic was slowing down, but still an issue. Precautions were taken by staff members, such as masks and social distancing, to slow or stop the spread during programs.
In December of 2021, the Peru Public Library hosted Silly Safaris for a Christmas themed program. They brought a live reindeer to the library. The reindeer rode up the elevator from the ground level to the program room in the Children's Department. Families came to the library to visit the reindeer and get pictures taken. This program was paid for in part by a portion of the money donated from John and Julie Schwartz.
2022
In June of 2022, the Peru Public library, in coordination with the Peru Parks Department, held a grand opening for a Story Walk at the River Walkway. The Story Walk took two years to make a reality. It was funded by grants from Northern Indiana Community Foundation, Psi Iota Xi, and John and Julie Schwartz. The Story Walk consisted of displays mounted every 40 paces or so. Each mount held a page of a book. To read the whole book, you would walk the trail stopping at each mount. The Story Walk combined reading and exercise and offered a free family friendly activity for the whole community.