Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

“I love learning and sharing with other people,” said Emily Kruse, director of the Osgood Public Library. Kruse has been the director of both the Osgood and Milan branches since December 2008. It’s a natural fit.

“Literacy has been an important part of my life since I was a kid,” she said. While in high school, Kruse worked at the Batesville Memorial Public Library. She continued her education in Indiana University and the University of Georgia, receiving her Masters degree in Sociology.

A typical day finds Kruse selecting books and DVDs for the patrons of the library while making sure everything runs smoothly. Her favorite part? “I like working at the check-out desk,” she said. “I like to help the patrons to find what they need.” For instance, Kruse related how she was able to help find information on the Internet for someone who had never used a computer before.

Kruse expressed excitement over the new programs coming to the library. The summer reading program will start in June, and includes the adults as well as students. And there is story time for preschoolers.
“I would like to see more participation in the children’s programs,” said Kruse. “It’s critical for kids to start using the library at an early age.”

Plans are being made to create more programs for the teenagers. According to Kruse, the Osgood Library will sponsor a Teen Tech Week, which will include a texting contest and a game design workshop this month. Kruse is considering offering computer classes.

The Osgood library offers inter-library loans and Public Library Access Cards (PLAC). It is also a part of the reciprocal library program. According to Kruse, those outside of the library district with library cards from certain area libraries can get a library card from the Osgood Library.

There is the Indiana Room for those who are interested in genealogy. “We hope to have the records online soon,” said Kruse.

The Osgood Public Library serves Center, Delaware, Franklin, and Washington townships. Currently, a new building is being built for the Milan branch and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. “I’ve seen the plans for it,” said Kruse. “It’s going to be beautiful.”

For more information on the programs offered by the Osgood Public Library, or for hours of operation, call 812-689-4011 or the Milan branch at 812-654-1963.

BETH RUMSEY PHOTO Emily Kruse, director of the Osgood Public Library, is pictured at her computer where she spends a lot of time. What she loves most is meeting the public and helping them with specific needs.