Library reopens, new director at the helm

By Hannah Vanover

OCTN Staff

Ohio County Public Library has named a new director and is moving steadily with changes amid COVID-19 as it reopened to the public Monday.

Melanie Warga has accepted the position as the new library director taking over for Melissa Acquaviva, who retired from the position earlier this year.

Warga will be in charge of running day-to-day operations within the library, overseeing programs, community outreach and ensuring that the current library services being offered are running smoothly.

The library is officially open with limited hours of Monday and Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Following the Healthy at Work guidelines, the library is limiting the number of patrons allowed to enter the building. Computer use will also be available to a limited number of people and with a one-hour time session.

The first opening hour of each day will be limited to senior citizens, pregnant women and others at higher risk for coronavirus.

While services such as the bookmobile, homebound services and in-person programs are not currently being offered, Warga ensures the public that there are still many social distancing options available.

Virtual programs are being offered via Facebook, take and make craft bags can be picked up daily and contactless library checkouts via curbside pickup are options. For curbside service, customers can call the library with their interests and inquiries. All items will be checked out by library staff and delivered into your car trunk at the library drive-thru.

Warga said she is making the best of the current situation and adapting to the changes the best she can.

“Unfortunately, it is an odd time to take over…our hands are tied as far as what we are allowed to do,” she said.

Her biggest concern right now is adapting to the needs of the community to ensure that they do not become stagnant.

Warga has worked at the library for 20 years taking on various roles and duties including front desk assistant, bookmobile driver, bookkeeper, public relations and assistant director.

Receiving her bachelor and master’s degree in library science, Warga said it has allowed her to explore many different opportunities throughout her career. When Warga quickly lost interest in the first summer job she had as a teenager, her parents told her about a job at the library.

“It’s not something that was planned…I just kind of fell into it,” she said.

Warga said she has always been amazed at the various career opportunities and options available with her background and spoke on the stereotypes associated with being a librarian.

“Everybody still sees librarians as these little old ladies with the buns in the hair and the glasses on the bridge of their nose, shushing everybody, but we’ve come so far. Even in the 20 years that I’ve been doing it. It’s amazing what’s available,” she said.

Warga said she is committed to meeting the needs of the community during these odd times and wants all customers to feel comfortable with the transitions being made at the library.