'Great libraries build communities.' Rittman breaks ground on new Wayne County branch

Linda Hall
·3 min read

RITTMAN − A crowd of about 100 gathered for the Friday morning groundbreaking ceremony for the new Rittman branch of the Wayne County Public Library, indicating libraries have many fans.

Sure, anyone can use a smartphone to find information quickly, but you can never be too sure about the source behind the info, said Doug Drushal, president of the library's Board of Trustees.

Google may generate 100,000 answers to a question, quipped Drushal, but "a librarian will give you the right answer."

"Great libraries build communities," Drushal said.

The estimated $5.9 million facility, funded by a low-interest loan, is expected to be completed by next June.

Ritman Library branch Manager Pam Schemrich addresses the nearly 100 people at a Friday groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility.
Ritman Library branch Manager Pam Schemrich addresses the nearly 100 people at a Friday groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility.

The continuing story of the Rittman library

The community of Rittman, ranging from longtime patrons to children of all ages, who helped with the celebratory groundbreaking, were on hand at the cusp of what Mayor Bill Robertson called "the next piece of the future of Rittman."

The library — first located in Rittman High School — has a 90-year history. It moved to the basement of City Hall before becoming a branch of the Wooster Public Library and subsequently, the Wayne County Public Library.

"I'm honored to be part of the library's continuing story," said Wayne County Library Director Jennifer Shatzer.

Wayne County Public Library Director Jennifer Shatzer addresses the crowd at the new Rittman branch groundbreaking.
Wayne County Public Library Director Jennifer Shatzer addresses the crowd at the new Rittman branch groundbreaking.

"It has been 23 years since its most recent chapter began," Shatzer said, referring to planning for a new Rittman branch.

"Without further ado, let's turn the page to the next chapter and break some ground," she said, for "an accessible, flexible, modern library."

Library patron Paul Rufener said, "The library is the best return for my local taxes, hands-down."

Rufener is looking forward to more materials on the shelf and more space in the new library.

School children in Rittman help shovel ground Friday at the site where a new Wayne County Public Library branch will be constructed.
School children in Rittman help shovel ground Friday at the site where a new Wayne County Public Library branch will be constructed.

Calla Dotterer and her three children visit the library multiple times a week for crafts and other programs. Library personnel "look out for us," she said, making sure they are apprised of upcoming activities that her family will enjoy.

Dotterer said the accessible floor plan of the new building will be beneficial.

The library is one of Judy Sabo's "go-to places," she said, adding, "It will be nice to have a new building," with more public space and meeting areas for organizations.

Bill Fulton echoed the sentiments of many others, saying, "I'm really excited."

Love of reading turns into career for library director

The community of Rittman, ranging from longtime patrons to children of all ages, were on hand Friday at the cusp of what Mayor Bill Robertson called "the next piece of the future of Rittman."
The community of Rittman, ranging from longtime patrons to children of all ages, were on hand Friday at the cusp of what Mayor Bill Robertson called "the next piece of the future of Rittman."

Sheila Stoll, president of the Rittman Friends of the Library, was already recruiting new members.

On hand, along with all three Wayne County Commissioners and other guests, was former Rittman branch manager Barb Silchuk, who said she "loved every minute" of her career.

Pam Schemrich, now the director of the Rittman branch, said Silchuk "turned my love of reading into a career."

Rittman is Schemrich's home, as it is for Trustee Francey Morris, who recalled getting her first library card as a child when the library was on the upper floor of City Hall. Now she is honored to be part of making "this fabulous project become a reality."

The Rev. Alex Barnes of Milton Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Rick Thompson of Hillside Baptist Church offered the invocation.

"The library is much bigger than just words and books," Barnes said. "The library is about people and stories. That's what we're blessing today."

This image shows what the Rittman branch of the Wayne County Public Library is expected to look like.
This image shows what the Rittman branch of the Wayne County Public Library is expected to look like.

Thompson said Jesus would have loved the library because he was "a prolific storyteller" and also chose the written word to communicate.

Thompson said he brings his two young children to the library on his day off to participate in activities and pick out books. They are going to enjoy the reading garden, he said.

Schemrich, noting the new library's accessibility and up-to-date features such as a drive-thru window, is eager to create "new memories on this spot," the Main Street location of the former middle school.

Bobby Beshara mentioned still another change coming to Rittman. The existing branch library on Ohio Avenue "will be our new City Hall," she said.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Rittman Library branch groundbreaking draws excited Wayne County crowd