The Perry Cook Memorial Public Library in Johnsville welcomed new Director, Patricia Dollisch on Jan. 1. She arrives following the retirement of Mrs. Sharon Baker who retired December 31 after 28 years of service in the Johnsville library.
A Mansfield Senior High School graduate, Dollisch received her BA from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and her Master of Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh. She served most recently as Head of Technical Services for the Dekalb County Public Library in Decatur, Georgia for 25 years. She also served 17 years as Head of Youth Services at the Decatur Library.
One of the surprising things Dollisch finds at Perry Cook Library is the preschool “A2Z” weekly program. She calls it one of the most unique library programs for children she has seen in her years of library experience. She notes that the program was designed by Sharon Baker with the support and advice of Kindergarten teachers at Northmor.
There has been much good feedback from Northmor teachers about the A2Z preschool program Dollisch said. The kindergarten teachers say they can tell when students have attended the program. About 22 children attend the program and learn their letters, numbers and other skills that prepare them for Kindergarten.
Dollisch is also impressed that the library building is paid for and has carried no debt. She appreciates that the board is fiscally conservative and has put a lot of forethought into planning.
Library Board member, Chris Coe has served on the board 28 years and is pleased to have Dollisch as the new Director. Coe emphasized that the community and social aspect of the Perry Cook Library is very important for Johnsville and the Northmor School District.
Along with the A2Z program the library offers story hour, summer reading program, a morning film series for seniors, exercise programs and a sewing group. The library is developing a slate of programming in cooperation with the OSU Extension office, beginning with Slow Cooker Basics. A full collection of books, DVDs and magazines are also available for checkout.
Currently Dollisch is busy adjusting to life in a more rural setting and meeting the community. She is planning a community survey to be conducted in the next few months to get a focused direction for the library collection and programming. She is now planning a special Valentine Make and Take on Monday, Feb 13 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“The staff is knock-your-socks off wonderful and our patrons have been so warm and welcoming,” said Dollisch. “I truly feel as if I’ve found the perfect venue for my skills and talents.”
For more information you can visit the website at www.perrycooklibrary.org and find them on Facebook with many photos.
