By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Public Library Board of Trustees heard updates about the library’s focus on partnerships during an Oct. 21 meeting.

WCPL Director Heather Barron said her work both in and outside the library at events has resulted in several partnerships. One collaboration is with Warsaw Adult Education. The library is working with the organization to host English Language Learning classes at WCPL twice a week.

“(Warsaw Adult Education) partners with Grace College, so not only will we be able to have class here for the students, but we’ll be able to offer childcare through Grace (for students) as well, which is pretty awesome,” said Barron.

Barron also said she got in contact with Kosciusko CARES about bringing resource navigators to the library for possible future activities.

“That is a lot of stuff and appears to be a lot of work, getting out into the community and spreading the message,” said WCPL Board Treasurer Ben Rice. “I appreciate the direction we’re going. Thank you (Heather) and to the staff for making those efforts and continuing those efforts.”

With collaborations, WCPL Business Manager Renee Sweeny noted recent donations from the Friends of the Library. The group recently donated close to $13,000 to the library.

In other business, the board heard MKM architecture + design will be in attendance at the board’s November meeting to give an update on the library’s feasibility study. The firm recently met with four groups of stakeholders to discuss aspects such as the community’s needs and the current study progress.

The board also:

• Learned WCPL will be closed on Thursday, Oct. 24, for a staff development day.
• Learned this week is the Friends of the Library’s annual membership drive.
• Adopted the 2025 budget, with the total being $4,392,900.

The board’s next meeting is at 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18.