John McIntire Library to host community brainstorming forum

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- As we continue moving forward in a digital age libraries are working hard to keep up with the changing times.

The Muskingum County Library System is working to adapt by offering eBooks and streaming music and movies. They even allow residents to sign up for a library card online instead of having to visit the library. Sean Fennell, Marketing and Community Relations Director of the Library System, said they are continuing to update the branches and fully bring them into the digital age.

“We just renovated our Dresden Branch Library to include more power so that people can plug in and charge up. You know we are increasing our wifi. We actually are pushing some of the wifi out into the park as well. So we want to be able to push our internet access outside of the building.”

Fennell said people still use the libraries as a meeting place and to have community involvement. He says they enjoy hearing feedback from residents on what they can do to continue to improve the Library System.

“We are having a community brainstorming event about the future of libraries here in Muskingum County. It’s hosted by architects that actually specialize in public libraries specifically those libraries with historic Carnegie buildings like we have. And it will be a community forum to share ideas and collaborate and really gather the input of the community of we serve.”

The forum will take place Thursday, February 22nd from 6 to 8 p.m. at the John McIntire Branch. There will also be a Facebook live for those who can’t attend.