It might be hard to believe, but it was 25 years ago — on July 3, 1991 — that the Ostrander branch library opened to the public as the first branch in the Delaware County District Library system.
DCDL had officially been a “system” since 1951, but it wasn’t until 40 years later that physical branches were built.
This year, the Ostrander branch library celebrates its 25th anniversary. So in the true community style of Ostrander, the branch is throwing an anniversary party to say “thank you.” The bash will be on Saturday, July 2, and kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with a storytime celebrating the branch’s inaugural year. Listen to stories, see pictures, and sing songs that were popular in 1991.
At 11 a.m. the family activities continue with a LEGO challenge. Kids can think creatively and see what they can make with just 25 LEGOs. Continuing the trend of 25 with some fitness fun, the 11:30 a.m. activity is called “Give Me 25!” It will encourage kids to move, jump, drop and “give me 25!” Throughout the day, patrons will have a chance to participate in a trivia contest, learn about some library and village history, and view a slideshow of photographs from the past quarter of a century.
Formal remarks will begin at 1 p.m. with statements from DCDL Director George Needham, branch manager Harla Lawson, DCDL board president Michael Butler and Ostrander Mayor Larry Crile. At that time refreshments will also be served — provided by the Friends of the Delaware County District Library group. Wrapping up the day at 1:30 will be acoustic guitar music, provided by Ostrander resident and musician Terry Schmitter.
Topping off the celebration will be the Ostrander Fourth of July parade where the Ostrander branch library staff and volunteers will serve as the grand marshal. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and runs through the downtown from the corner of Henry and Second streets to the ball fields at Buckeye Valley West Elementary School. We’d be honored if you spent some of your Independence Day weekend with us, celebrating 25 years of community.
As you stop by, you may hear some of these classic children’s stories, which were published in 1991:
• “Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear?” by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle. Zoo animals from polar bear to walrus make their distinctive sounds for each other, while children imitate the sounds for the zookeeper.
• “Old Mother Hubbard and her Wonderful Dog,” illustrated by James Marshall. In a fresh take on a favorite nursery rhyme, Old Mother Hubbard visits a host of shops in search of a treat for her dog.
• “If You Give a Moose a Muffin” by Laura Numeroff. If a hungry moose comes to visit, you might give him a muffin. If you give him a muffin, he’ll want some jam. When he’s eaten all your muffins, he’ll want to go to the store to get some more muffin mix!
