Library News

If you want to be part of the popular ancestry search trend, you may not need to look any further than the local library. The Washington-Centerville Public Library (WCPL) is now a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, which means it has access to more genealogy resources to help you make more family discoveries.

There are only a few hundred affiliate libraries in the country; WCPL is the only Dayton area affiliate library. The designation means local library patrons will now have greater and more convenient access to the wealth of genealogical resources available through FamilySearch. The popular web service has over 6 billion searchable names and 2 billion images of historical genealogical records-and you get the helpful assistance of library staff. "Interest in our ancestral roots continues to grow with the popularity of DNA tests, reality tv shows like Long Lost Family or Who Do You Think You Are?, and the growing access to online genealogy records. Adding FamilySearch Affiliate Library to our reference catalog will enable patrons to make many personal discoveries and family connections," said Liz Fultz, Library Director.

"Libraries are wonderful local gathering places for learning. We are excited to have Washington-Centerville Public Library as our newest FamilySearch Affiliate Library. It will help FamilySearch expand opportunities for fun, personal discoveries and family connections to the local community," said Paul Nauta, FamilySearch Public Relations Manager.

FamilySearch adds over 400 million free genealogical records and images online yearly from all over the world and manages the famous FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. It has amassed billions of birth, marriage, death, census, land and court records from more than 130 countries to help you discover and make family connections.

FamilySearch is available within WCPL branch locations. More information about FamilySearch and other WCPL databases available at wclibrary.info/research/genealogy/.

Posted: October 23, 2023

Washington-Centerville Public Library (WCPL) has purchased a 4,340 square foot building at 561 Congress Park, Washington Township for administrative and support services. This building will make more space available for public use at Centerville Library. “With the addition of this Congress Park location, we will be able to adjust the layout of Centerville Library in the near future to provide additional services and space for patrons,” said Liz Fultz, director. The Congress Park location will function as office and garage space for support services and will not serve as a library branch. The sale was finalized on September 15 for $435,000.

In 2021, WCPL sold a vacant lot on Mandel Dr. for $500,000 that was owned by WCPL since 1977, originally acquired by former long-time Trustee Dorothy Yeck, for one dollar.

Posted: September 21, 2023

Washington-Centerville Public Library invites community members to join us in welcoming The Wall That Heals to Centerville on Tuesday, July 25, starting at 2 p.m. The escort will begin at Sinclair Community College Centerville campus, 5800 Clyo Rd, and end at Yankee Park, 7500 Yankee St. Community members are invited to view the escort along the route. The route includes Alex Bell Road, Far Hills Avenue and W. Franklin Street to Yankee Street. The Wall That Heals is a traveling exhibit honoring the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. armed forces in the Vietnam War. It bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. The exhibit includes a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and a mobile Education Center. On Thursday, July 27, The Wall That Heals will open with a Welcome Home Ceremony at 10 a.m. and will remain open 24 hours until a Closing Ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 30. Volunteer opportunities and group tours are still available. Sign-up and more information about the exhibit can be found online . Representatives from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial fund and Washington-Centerville Public Library will be available for media interviews. To schedule an interview, contact Shelby Quinlivan.

Posted: July 17, 2023

Woodbourne Library, a branch of Washington-Centerville Public Library, has added a family workstation to meet the growing needs of working parents and caregivers. The dual-desk design features a workspace for a parent or caregiver while the other side is a child-safe section with interactive learning panels to keep a young child engaged. "We have seen an increase in working parents utilize the library over the past several years and wanted to offer additional accommodations to meet their needs," said Liz Fultz, Director of Washington-Centerville Public Library. The desk was made possible with a generous grant from Centerville Noon Optimist Club. Believed to be the first workstation of its kind in Montgomery County, it is located in the Children's Room at Woodbourne Library.

Posted: Thursday, February 9, 2023

Hope Bradley, an 8th grader in Mrs. Erin Bade's class at Incarnation School is the winner of the 17th annual Dottie Yeck Good Life Award Writing Contest hosted by Washington-Centerville Public Library. From a pool of 790 entries, Hope's essay about using her personal strengths and attitude to positively influence a situation earned the highest score throughout the three rounds of judging. Miss Bradley will receive a certificate of merit as well as a check for $3,000. The contest is fully funded by the Dorothy R. Yeck Good Life Award endowment.Read more.

Posted: Thursday, December 1, 2022

Washington-Centerville Public Library invites children in preschool through Grade 5 to join us for reading fun this winter by participating in our Kids Library Bingo Challenge! Get your Bingo card beginning December 3 at Centerville Library (111 W. Spring Valley Road) or Woodbourne Library (6060 Far Hills Avenue). Complete one Bingo between December 3 and February 4 to earn a prize from the treasure box. Bingo cards must be turned in and prizes must be claimed by 5 p.m. on February 4.

Posted: Thursday, December 1, 2022

Washington-Centerville Public Library invites teens in Grades 6-12 to join us for reading fun this winter by participating in Teen Winter Reading Bingo. Get your Bingo card beginning December 3 at Centerville Library (111 W. Spring Valley Road) or Woodbourne Library (6060 Far Hills Avenue). Complete one Bingo between December 3 and February 4 to earn a prize. Bingo cards must be turned in and prizes must be claimed by 5 p.m. on February 4.

Posted: Thursday, December 1, 2022

The Washington-Centerville Public Library was recently chosen as host for The Wall That Heals Exhibit. A community partner based event, the wall will be in the area July 27 - 30, 2023. Read more.

Posted: Tuesday, November 29, 2022

The Washington-Centerville Public Library seeks to commission a teaching artist for a grant funded project located at Centerville Library to begin in Fall 2022 and conclude in late Spring 2023. Proposals should be submitted to communityrelations@wclibrary.info no later than August 10 at 4PM.

Posted: Thursday, July 28, 2022

The Washington-Centerville Public Library (Library) is soliciting quotes for a color copier for the Centerville Library location. Quotes must be received by July 31, 2022. Contact Robin Poffenberger by email at rpoffenberger@wclibrary.info with questions.

Posted: Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Washington-Centerville Public Library (WCPL) has announced Richard Talda as a new member of the Board of Trustees. Appointed in late May, Talda is filling the vacancy left by Robert Hanseman, a board member who resigned in April after serving since January 2011. Talda is a Shareholder-Partner at Coolidge Wall Co LPA in Dayton, Ohio. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Wittenberg University and a Juris Doctorate from University of Toledo College of Law.

"I am proud to be joining the Library Board of Trustees and look forward to serving this community," said Talda. Talda has been an active community supporter, currently serving as general counsel for the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance and FC Dayton, as well as past board positions with South Dayton School of Dance, Artemis Center, Incarnation Church and Boy Scouts of America. He and his family reside in Washington Township.

The seven-member board governs policy for Washington-Centerville Public Library and ensures taxpayer dollars are being spent judiciously. Trustees are appointed by the Centerville City Schools' Board of Education and serve seven-year terms.

Posted: June 2, 2022

The Washington-Centerville Public Library Board announces a vacancy on its Board of Trustees for an unexpired term which ends on December 31, 2024. By Ohio law, the Centerville Board of Education appoints library trustees. Interested applicants:

• Must be a resident of the City of Centerville or Washington Township
• Must submit a letter of interest and current resume no later than May 9, 2022 which details the applicant’s background, experience and skills in serving on policy boards as well as any special expertise concerning public libraries.
• Must mail or email the letter of interest and resume to:
  President of the Library Board
  Washington-Centerville Public Library
  111 West Spring Valley Road
  Centerville, OH 45458
  libadmin@wclibrary.info
  
• Must be available for an interview if deemed necessary.

Posted: April 29, 2022

Beginning May 2, overdue fines on most library materials will be eliminated at Washington-Centerville Public Library (WCPL), in an effort to eliminate barriers to access to information the library provides.

“Recent studies have shown that eliminating overdue fines actually increases the rate of return on borrowed library materials,” said WCPL director Liz Fultz. “We want to be a welcoming establishment for the community and this is one more way to do that.”

As part of the new “Many Happy Returns” program, most previously accrued overdue fines will also be waived. Overdue fines for Express books and movies, maker kits, hotspots, and items borrowed through SearchOhio or OhioLink will remain. Fees for previously billed items will also remain. Items not returned within 21 days of the due date will be billed.

Contrary to popular belief, money collected from overdue fines is actually a small portion of overall revenue for WCPL. In 2021, less than 0.4% of total revenues was collected in overdue fines.

For more information on Washington-Centerville Public Library or the Many Happy Returns program, visit https://wclibrary.info/checkout/fines/.

Posted: April 28, 2022

The Washington-Centerville Public Library Board announces a vacancy on its Board of Trustees for an unexpired term which ends on December 31, 2025. By Ohio law, the Centerville Board of Education appoints library trustees. Interested applicants:

• Must be a resident of the City of Centerville or Washington Township
• Must submit a letter of interest and current resume no later than January 5, 2022 which details the applicant’s background, experience and skills in serving on policy boards as well as any special expertise concerning public libraries.
• Must mail the letter of interest and resume to:
  President of the Library Board
  Washington-Centerville Public Library
  111 West Spring Valley Road
  Centerville, OH 45458
  
• Must be available for an interview if deemed necessary.

Posted: Thursday, December 9, 2021

On November 2, residents of Centerville/Washington Township overwhelmingly approved a 3.0 mills renewal continuous levy for Washington-Centerville Public Library. The revenue generated from the levy, at no additional cost to local taxpayers, will support current operating expenses, including robust collections, engaging programs, responsive services and outstanding facilities. Learn more.

Posted: Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Posted: Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Washington-Centerville Public Library Board of Trustees recently approved a resolution to put a 3.0 mills renewal continuous levy on the November 2, 2021 ballot. The levy will generate approximately $5 million in revenue annually, at no additional cost to local taxpayers, and will support current operating expenses. The Library Board used the results of a recent citizen survey to guide their decision. "Survey results showed that 1 in 5 families in Centerville/Washington Township have been financially impacted by COVID-19. In light of that information, the Board decided a renewal was the most responsible decision," says Liz Cline, President of the Library Board of Trustees. Learn more.

Posted: Wednesday, May 25, 2021

For a fourth year running, Washington-Centerville Public Library has been named a 5-Star Library in Library Journal’s Index of Public Library Service. "In a year when it feels like good news is rare, we are delighted to learn our Library has been recognized as one of the best in the nation once again," says Liz Fultz, Library Director. Learn more.

Posted: Thursday, December 10, 2020

Due to limited staff availability, Washington-Centerville Public Library facilities (Woodbourne Library and Centerville Library) will be closed for in-person services the Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving. The Library is closed for all services on Thanksgiving Day and Sunday, November 29. Exterior book returns will remain open. Learn more.

Posted: Tuesday, November 24, 2020

In compliance with Governor DeWine’s reissued mask order (November 16, 2020), all library visitors are required to wear a facial covering (mask) while on the premises. Masks should be worn properly, fully covering the nose, mouth and chin. Reasonable accommodations are available for those who cannot wear a mask, including Curbside pickup and/or no-contact service, or wearing a face shield that extends below the chin. Learn more.

Posted: Monday, November 9, 2020

Washington-Centerville Public Library is adding weekend hours at its Centerville Library location effective Monday, November 9. The Centerville Library, which was previously open Monday-Thursday only, will be open Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM, and Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM. Learn more.

Posted: Monday, November 9, 2020

Washington-Centerville Public Library is offering even more digital audiobooks through Overdrive’s award-winning Libby reading app. Digital audiobooks previously available through the RBdigital app will be moved to the Library’s OverDrive service and become available through Libby starting September 16. Learn more.

Posted: Wednesday, September 9, 2020

The Washington-Centerville Public Library Board of Trustees seeks proposals from marketing, public relations and/or communications professionals to assist in conducting an environmental scan to assess the opinions and needs of the community and to construct an informative communication plan using new technology, in addition to traditional methods. Learn more.

Posted: Monday, August, 24, 2020

The phased reopening of Centerville Library has begun. The exterior book return is now open and Curbside Hold Pickup is available by appointment. Library staff are actively working on the next phase, to safely reopen the building, but no firm date has been set. The Woodbourne Library IS open Monday-Friday 10 AM – 6 PM and Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM. Learn more.

Posted: Monday, July 20, 2020

Woodbourne Library is now open for limited hours and services. The Library is open Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM, with 10-11 AM designated for seniors and at-risk populations, and Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM. Learn more.

Posted: Monday, June 22, 2020

Washington-Centerville Public Library hopes to minimize disruption to library operations by proceeding immediately with a planned removal and replacement of the Centerville Library parking lot. Learn more.

Posted: Monday, April 27, 2020

In accordance with Governor DeWine’s extended stay-at-home order and in conjunction with other public entities, Washington-Centerville Public Library will remain closed until it is safe to reopen. Library staff are working to serve patrons virtually and will reinstate select services as soon as it is possible. Learn more.

Posted: Thursday, April 2, 2020

In accordance with Governor DeWine’s extended stay-at-home order and in conjunction with other public entities, Washington-Centerville Public Library will remain closed until it is safe to reopen. Library staff are working to serve patrons virtually and will reinstate select services as soon as it is possible. Learn more.

Posted: Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Washington-Centerville Public Library leaders are actively monitoring the outbreak of novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Our interest is to continue serving your library needs while maintaining the safety and health of our staff and public. Read more.

Posted: Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Library Journal recently recognized Washington-Centerville Public Library as a 5-Star Library, for the third consecutive year, in their Index of Public Library Service. "We have consistently performed well in this index and couldn’t achieve this level of success without the hard work of our library staff, a dedicated Library Board of Trustees and a supportive community that loves its library," expressed Library Director Liz Fultz. Read more.

Posted: Wednesday, January 22, 2020

One year after its grand re-opening, Woodbourne Library is being recognized by the American Institute of Architects for its design. Library officials and LWC Inc., the architects who designed the Woodbourne Library expansion and renovation, accepted the Honor Award, the highest accolade of its kind, for Newly Completed Buildings and/or Additions. Read more about the award, then view photos from the award ceremony, expansion and renovation.

Posted: Monday, November 4, 2019

The Washington-Centerville Public Library Board of Trustees announces the appointment of Elizabeth (Liz) Fultz as the Library’s new Director. Ms. Fultz brings more than 25 years of library and management experience to the job of leading Washington-Centerville Library, a 5 Star rated Library known for exceptional customer service, collections and services.

Ms. Fultz is no stranger to Washington-Centerville Public Library or the local community. In 1996, she began her career at Washington-Centerville Public Library as the fifth person in the Reference Department, and one of only three with a Master of Library Science degree. As the Reference Department grew, so did her role. She became the Reference Team Leader and in 2009, was promoted to Centerville Library Building Manager. Most recently, in 2016, she was named Assistant Director.

Ms. Fultz has been involved in nearly every facet of library planning and operations. She has participated in and/or led three strategic planning processes, developing the mission, vision, and values of the library, and was integral in the renovation, expansion, and reopening of Woodbourne Library. “I’m eager to take on the role of Director. I have a long history with Washington-Centerville Public Library, and with the Centerville/Washington Township community. As Assistant Director, I worked hard to build a strong foundation that enabled the Library to be one of the best in the nation. This is an exciting time for libraries, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead the Library’s continued success,” says Ms. Fultz.

Ms. Fultz was selected from a pool of nearly 30 applicants in a process that included opportunities for input from library staff, members of the community and the library Board of Trustees. “After a robust selection process, the Board of Trustees feels confident Ms. Fultz will lead our library with dedication, integrity, and professionalism,” said Ram Nunna, Library Board President. “Ms. Fultz was ultimately selected for her depth of institutional knowledge, breadth of experience, proven track record of excellent library administration, and her well established relationships within the community,” continues Mr. Nunna. Ms. Fultz will assume the duties of Director immediately.

Ms. Fultz is also a member of the Centerville Noon Optimists, and has served on their Board for two years. She holds a Masters of Library Science from the University of Kentucky and a Bachelors degree in Business from Morehead State University in eastern Kentucky. She and her husband Mark have two children and reside in Centerville/Washington Township.

Posted: Monday, October 7, 2019

The Ohio Library Council recently announced that Washington-Centerville Public Library Trustee, Barbara Denison, has been selected to receive the 2019 Trustee Award of Achievement. Read more!

Posted: Thursday, August 29, 2019

After 10 years of service with Washington-Centerville Public Library and 35 years of service in the library profession, Kim Senft-Paras will retire on September 30. Kim is a true advocate for the library profession, has a passion for life-long learning and relishes the opportunity to link people with books and other library services in special ways.

Under her leadership, WCPL has significantly grown the number and variety of innovative collections, programs and services available to patrons, all while being a careful steward of taxpayer dollars. In just 10 years, she successfully led an informational campaign for passage of a 3 mil operating levy, established an award-winning Friends of the Library group that has raised more than $180,000 to support short-term library projects, and improved safe egress from Woodbourne Library with the addition of a rear driveway. Most recently, she led the $5.7 million, 9,000 square foot Woodbourne Library expansion and renovation. The project, completed on time and under budget, has received outstanding community response.

Kim’s contributions however, have not been limited to the Library. Since moving to Centerville in 2009, Kim has immersed herself in the community, adding value to numerous community groups. In 2011, Kim was named Centerville Rotarian of the Year for her tireless efforts in leading the club's community service efforts. Under her term as Centerville Rotary Club President, the Club received the prestigious Rotary Presidential Citation. Kim has also served on the Washington Township Recreation Center Advisory Board, providing input on the services the Center offers the community and collaborated with Centerville History to provide multiple opportunities to share the history of Centerville with Library patrons. In partnership with the Centerville-Washington Park District and a local architect, Kim initiated the installation of Little Free Libraries in several local parks.

In the coming months, the Library Board of Trustees will conduct the search for the next Director of Washington-Centerville Public Library.

Posted: Monday, July 15, 2019

Centerville Mayor, Brooks Compton, learns more about the library’s rich history and new facilities improvements, as well as a behind the scenes look at library operations. Watch video.

Posted: Wednesday, May 22, 2019

In 2013, Washington-Centerville Public Library set the wheels of a future Woodbourne Library Expansion Project in motion by purchasing the McDonald’s property, located at 6004 Far Hills Avenue. The Library now owns three adjacent properties along Far Hills Avenue (including the current Library Cataloging Center and Woodbourne Library). The purchase of the property along with the expansion and renovation are being funded with money set aside in the Library’s capital projects fund for improvement of the property.

Ultimately the three properties will become one unified "library campus" aimed at "unpacking" the collections, services and programs at Woodbourne Library, increasing parking capacity and improving traffic flow. Follow the progress of the project below by enjoying a slide show below featuring new and old photos of the Woodbourne Library property, reading the latest announcements and viewing the selected artwork.

Posted: 9/21/2018 - Enjoy these photos from the ReDiscovering Woodbourne Fundraising Gala and Woodbourne Public Grand Opening.

Posted: 8/23/2018 - Centerville Reports: Woodbourne Library Reopening

Posted: 8/1/2018 - Woodbourne Library Celebrates Re-Opening

Posted: 9/6/2017 - Woodbourne Artist Announcement

Posted: 6/8/2017 - Woodbourne Library History