staff@delphosherald.com

DELPHOS — The Delphos Public Library will lose three staff members to retirement at the end of the year, including 26-year Director Nancy Mericle.

After several executive session meetings, the board voted unanimously to allow Brumback Library Assistant Director Kelly Rist to fill Mericle’s shoes and made if official at Wednesday’s regular meeting.

“Kelly stood out during the interview process because we were looking for an individual with public library experience, management experience and strong people skills. I think we found exactly what we were looking for in Kelly,” Board President Leila Osting said.

“Technology is changing libraries and books and Kelly is enthusiastic about moving the library forward in that area. She has ideas about bringing more people into the library for different programs and activities and is excited to get started.”

Rist has held the post of assistant director at the Brumback Library in Van Wert since 1998. Osting says Rist understands the diverse needs of the patrons.

“Kelly realizes that there are patrons who will always enjoy reading an actual book and like the feel of an actual book in their hands,” she said. “These are patrons who do not own computers or e-readers and we can’t forget these people as we move the library forward.”
Also retiring from the Delphos Public Library are Assistant Librarian Margaret Suever and Technology Coordinator Jane Sadler.

Following an executive session, the board settled upon a 25-cent raise for all library personnel for the new year, except for the new page position, which will receive a 15-cent raise per year.

It was also announced that the library received $14,000 from the Dienstberger Foundation to be earmarked for microfilm equipment and $1,000 for children’s programs.