Independent student content

BG Falcon Media

Independent student content

BG Falcon Media

Independent student content

BG Falcon Media

Support BG Falcon Media!
As part of BGSU's One Day fundraising effort, every dollar you contribute to Falcon Media will go directly to helping us continue to produce quality content. Every dollar helps. Donate here
The BG News
Follow us on social
BG24 Newscast
March 28, 2024

  • Visiting Author: Sheila Squillante
    Last week, the visiting author, Sheila Squillante, presented the art of creative non-fiction at BGSU. Last year, her memoir came out. From Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA, Squillante visited BGSU, last week. Previously, she has published collections on poetry, but most recently, her memoir, All Things Edible, Random and Odd  was published in 2023. “I […]
  • Petrofiction Review: Oil on Water
    Here’s my review of Oil on Water by Helon Habila – a petrofiction novel which won The Commonwealth Prize and Caine Prize. For context, petrofiction stems from petroleum and fiction. A specific text that focuses on petroleum culture in political economics and environmental impact. Although Habila’s novel begins with a journalist investigating a kidnapping, the […]
Spring Housing Guide

Economy down, library popularity up

On Monday morning a few people quietly browsed through the stacks at Wood County Library, others sat down with a cup of coffee and read last week’s issue of Newsweek.’ The Wood County Library, which went through a major renovation in 2003, has become a space for people to enjoy a book, listen to some music or just loiter, said head of adult services Michael Penrod.’ ‘We wanted to become a place where people want to go,’ Penrod said. ‘We really try to be a community center for the city.’ In the middle of an economic crisis people seem to need the library more than ever, Penrod said. In the past year the staff at the library has seen more people entering the doors to write their resume, look for jobs over the internet or get their G.E.D. than ever before. Mark Ryan said he has been visiting the library more often to use the internet and look for work. Dressed in a tie and a white, button-down oxford, Ryan said he had a job interview later that day and was making sure he had everything together. ‘I like this place,’ Ryan said. ‘Nobody bothers you and you can relax and get work done without having to worry about someone coming along and kicking you out.’ On the first floor of the library the chairs were set up in rows, in anticipation of a voice recital later that afternoon. Over the past six years the library has hosted 1,200 programs and seen 29,000 people attend those programs. The Wood County Library is more than just a place to store books, said Penrod, it is a cultural center for the Bowling Green community. ‘We aren’t your grandmother’s library,’ Penrod said.’ ‘We are a vibrant, growing, lively place.’ Lisa Kyle, who was browsing through the library’s large mystery collection, said she enjoys what the dynamic library has brought to the city.’ ‘It is more than just a place to come and get a book, it is a place to connect with people and listen to music and have an experience,’ Kyle said. The Wood County Library strives to give its visitors a unique experience. The library hosts a variety of musical guests, authors, and theater performances, welcoming those in the community to see the library as a hub of artistic talent in Bowling Green. The library has always reflected the needs and unique wants of its community, Penrod said. ‘This is a completely diverse, educated community,’ Penrod said. ‘It is very unique to Bowling Green and a very exciting one to live in.’ In a digital age, where e-books are available from an iPhone and print media struggles to stay afloat, the Wood County Library is actually gaining visitors, Penrod said.’ ‘ ‘The internet does not have me worried,’ Penrod said. ‘There is still this tangible desire to browse and be there with the books. The physical experience of being in the stacks: it’s wonderful and it can’t be compared to anything else.’

Leave a Comment
Donate to BG Falcon Media
$825
$1500
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of Bowling Green State University. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
Donate to BG Falcon Media
$825
$1500
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

All BG Falcon Media Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *