John McIntyre Library, Zanesville, Ohio

Today we rode from Senecaville Lake to Buckeye Lake, Ohio, a total of about 65 miles. Halfway through the day we stopped in Zanesville to buy supplies and to visit The John McIntire Library. And so very glad we did. We had many conversations with the librarians, staff, and volunteers. Alyssa Fisher and Scott Horst told us some interesting things-- like anyone can get a library card at this library, they just need to show an ID. So even North Carolina bicycle tourists like us can take advantage of everything the library has to offer. Alyssa said they do have bicycle tourist use the library as they travel through Zanesville. They generally use the computers and take time to relax. Scott told us the library has strong support from the community, especially from the county. It was obvious during our visit that the library was a very busy place.
Jeffrey Cornett showed us the Carnegie Wing of the library. Walking towards the wing, one can see the outer walls of the original building. Inside the wing are beautiful stain glass ceilings. Whoever designed the addition (built in the 90s) did a wonderful job mixing the old with the new.
And Beth got the chance to visit the Book Sale room and the Genealogy Library, both staffed by volunteers. The book sale was huge, shelves and shelves of books, hard back and paperback. The Genealogy Library receives lots of out-of-town visitors researching their lineage. Beth had a great conversation with Luvadia and Rebecca (both volunteers) and Helen (patron). I learned about the Y Bridge, the only such bridge in the United States (we crossed it as we left town) and the fact that Zane Grey, western and adventure author, grew up in Zanesville.
Thanks to everyone that took time to speak with us, it was a wonderful visit.

John with Alyssa Fisher and Scott Horst.

Luvadia, Helen, and Rebecca in the Genealogy Library.

John with Jeffrey Cornett, outside the Carnegie Wing where you can still see the original exterior.