Holmes County Weighs Funding for $460,000 Library Bookmobile Replacement

The Holmes County District Public Library appealed to county leaders on Monday, November 17 for assistance buying a new Bookmobile after the cost of a replacement climbed to roughly $460,000. Library Director Paula Cicconetti told commissioners the vehicle the library hopes to retire is a 2006 model with major mileage and mechanical problems, and the rising price tag poses a significant funding gap despite the library having saved for a future purchase.

Cicconetti said the library applied for a State Library of Ohio grant and expected to hear back in early December. "I haven’t heard back about that grant yet, and it will probably be early December that we hear back," Cicconetti said. "It is through the State Library of Ohio. A lot of times they like to see new and innovative projects to dole out their grants. I don’t know if they will perceive this as routine operations in replacing a Bookmobile, but in any case, I thought it was worth pursuing. I’m trying not to leave any stone unturned."

The director reminded the commissioners that a similar vehicle purchased about a decade ago cost about $230,000. "That number is far in the past. That same model today costs around $460,000," Cicconetti said. The library currently operates two Bookmobiles to serve Holmes County’s wide geography and a large Amish population that relies heavily on mobile service. With one vehicle out for frequent repairs the system has been reduced to a single vehicle running a six week rotation rather than the former four week schedule.

"What we’re running into is finding replacement parts, and it’s 20 years old, and it’s time to stop pouring money into a sinking ship, so to speak," Cicconetti said. "We’re tired of taking it to a stop and having to tow it back when it won’t start again." She also presented statewide comparisons showing Holmes County among the highest in circulation per capita for Bookmobile service, noting similar usage in counties with large Amish communities. "We are one of the top dogs, right up there with Wayne County and Geauga County," Cicconetti said. "That speaks to the need for the Bookmobile and how heavily used it is." She added that the longer rotation "also puts a burden on the rest of the system when we have to wait six weeks to get a book back into circulation."

Commissioners acknowledged the library’s stewardship of funds and said they admired the staff and board. Commissioner Dave Hall told Cicconetti, "I like that you have a plan. That’s what we want." County leaders recalled previous support when the county contributed funds toward the last Bookmobile purchase and indicated they would evaluate options during the upcoming budget season. The library said its savings would cover roughly half of the new cost at previous estimates, and that a county contribution comparable to the prior $100,000 would bring the total closer to the target while the library pursues local fundraising and grant decisions. Officials also face broader fiscal pressure as state library funding appears set for a five percent cut in 2026, a factor that could influence final budget choices.