Stephanie Buchanan was born in Shelby to Roger and Donna Smith, and she has a brother Aaron. Stephanie was raised in Greenwich but, after a few years, her father — a National Guardsman — moved the family to Marion.
They later returned to Greenwich, where she was active in school. English was a “favorite,” and she also served on student council. Stephanie was a cheerleader and was “one of those kids that loved it all.” She graduated from South Central High Schooland settled there and raised her threechildren on her own. During that time, Stephanie also attended Tiffin University, studying business administration.Looking back, she wonders how she handled the load of both family and college.
While taking her children to Greenwich Public Library for storytime, Stephanie read about an opening for a job and thought it would be a fun place to work. She began working at the front circulation desk, and it was the start of her career in libraries: “It gets in your blood.”The work is rewarding, and you can’t finish a day without a smile. The children don’t hide their feelings; they are honest, like it or not.
She was bitten by the library bug and became passionate about the programs they offer; you get excited.When the manager position opened at Greenwich library, she jumped at the chance.She did everything she felt she could for the community by adding programs and services and then promoting them.She feels there is something for everyone in the library, including researching genealogy, reading a good story and so much more. Patrons can also receive help getting their GED or notary services, not as well known.
Stephanie was the branch manager at the Greenwich Public Library for 21 years, but she wanted more.She became the director of the Bellevue Public Library in 2014. The position gave her the opportunity to promote libraries and the things patrons love about them.The position allowed her to meet with elected officials, community leaders and business owners. Those discussions brought on more opportunities to serve the community.
She was also able to lobby state libraries for funding projects.The state library helps if you are seeking a grant. She can support and encourage other library professionals and still help the local communities connect with resources they need.Lots of good things.A typical day goes from scrubbing toilets to meeting with commissioners — or just reading stories to little kids.
After five years at Bellevue Public Library, Stephanie felt like she had her dream job, which she absolutely loved. One problem:she wanted to be located more central in Ohio.Bucyrus was a city she always enjoyed. She was humbled and grateful to be offered the job as the director of the Bucyrus Public Library at summer’s end in 2019.
After a few months on the job, she can honestly say it is a vibrant city.The parks are beautiful, there is opportunity for involvement and a rich history.All the people have been kind and helpful, and she just loves it here.She smiles on her 35-minute drive from Greenwich on her way to work.She wishes to live and work in the same community,is on a waiting list for an apartment and plans to move here.It just makes sense.
What sets the Bucyrus Public Library apart from other libraries is the customer service.The staff genuinely cares about the people and the community.It’s not just the staff but also the board members.It’s very encouraging to “come in” as a director and see how genuine everyone is here.There is a beautiful historical building set in a forward-thinking community and staffed with innovative individuals.It’s a perfect equation for a perfect library; it’s so exciting.
The goal of the library is to be a destination within the county, she said. Bucyrus Public Library wants to continue to evolve and improve and looks forward to collaborating with other agencies and expanding their services. They want to add some “not so traditional items” to the collection and do more outreach.Some of things currently happening, even with the pandemic, includestory timethrough Zoom, take-home craft kits for adults, wireless hotspots that are loaned out, working space for a business incubator and a collection of business startup materials.
They will offer learning opportunities that have startups. They hope to offer a story walk. It’s so important what the library is doing for the community. They ask themselves“what does success look like for Crawford County and what can Bucyrus Public Library do to support and encourage that success?”
One can easily see what a motivator Stephanie is for the library and the community.She is also enjoying her family — Kyle, who is a concrete finisher; Nate, who is a chimney sweep; and Emily, an ultrasound technician.She also has two grandsons, Parker and Grayson.
Readers: if you are interested in sharing a story, writeMary Fox, 931 Marion Road, Bucyrus, OH 44820 or email littlefoxfactory@columbus.rr.com
