Libraries can fill void as book retailers close

By Anonymous - TimesReporter.com staff report -Posted Aug 13, 2011 

Local public libraries are looking to help fill the gap when Waldenbooks closes by the end of September.

Left - The Tuscarawas County Public Library has a vast collection of materials that can be accessed digitally on electronic reading devices, such as (from left) iPhone 4, Nook Color, iPad and Nook black and white, displayed by Andrea Legg, extension and technical services manager.l

“All of us at the library were really saddened by it,” Michelle McMorrow Ramsell, director of the Tuscarawas County Public Library, said while reflecting on the July 18 announcement that parent company Borders Group would liquidate 399 stores, including the Waldenbooks at New Towne Mall in New Philadelphia.

“We all believe that bookstores are important to the community, and we’re going to miss it greatly,” she said.
But come Monday, “We’re going to sit down and try to determine how we can fill that void,” she said.
 Her group of library managers will look at the materials budget for the remainder of the year, then decide how best to spend the public’s dollars to meet their reading and resource needs.
 With branches in New Philadelphia, Bolivar, Strasburg, Sugarcreek and Tuscarawas, the Tuscarawas County Public Library will work to position itself as a viable resource for popular reading materials.

Dover Public Library intends to do the same.
“No question, we can help fill the void,” said Jim Gill, Dover Library director. “We have 300 magazines that we offer at the Dover library — more than the bookstore.”
When the next James Patterson novel comes out at the end of the month, Gill said his library will have five to 10 copies available the same time it’s available in stores.
“Both of us are buying multiple copies of best-selling titles,” Gill said, referring to Dover and Tuscarawas County libraries. “People who are relying on Waldenbooks for their reading enjoyment need to take a look at the library. We’re here; we’ve been here for 100 years.”

Full piece here.