Branch Recommendations

Sebring Library
195 W. Ohio Ave.
Sebring, OH, 44672
(330) 938-6119

Photo:
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Service Area:
1990 Census Population of Primary Service Area: 11,351
2000 Census Population of Primary Service Area: 11,438
2003 Population Estimate for Primary Service Area: 11,384
2008 Population Projection for Primary Service Area: 11,283

Six-Year Circulation History:

Circulation Trend:

2003 circulation dropped sharply after several years of significant increases. 2003 circulation is at the low point of the six-year period. A reduction in hours and the proximity of the Rodman Library in Alliance may account for some of the decline.

Year Built: 1965

Year(s) of Additions: None

Year(s) of Major Remodeling: None

Year(s) and Nature of Refurbishing Projects: None

Total Size: 3,750 sq. ft.

Space Currently in Use: 3,750 sq. ft.

Reason(s) Total Space Not in Use: All space is in use

SF per capita (using service population): .33 sq. ft. per capita

Physical Condition Rating:
(5 point scale - 1 = Very Poor, 2 = Poor, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent)

Overall Condition: 3
Structural Integrity: 3
Roof: 3
HVAC: 3
Electrical: 3
Plumbing: 3
Fenestration: 3
Ambiance: 2 (very dated)
ADA Accessibility Issues: 2
Other (specify):

Site/Location Rating:
(5 point scale - 1 = Very Poor, 2 = Poor, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent)

Overall Site/Location Rating: 3
Convenience: 4
Visibility: 4
Curb Appeal: 2
Parking: 1
Size of Site/Expansion Potential: 1
Proximity (to shopping, services, etc.): 3

Distances to Nearest Branches/Main:
Rodman Pub. Lib. 4.4 miles (Alliance)
Carnation Mall Branch 7.5 miles (Branch of Rodman - Alliance)
Greenford 13.2 miles
Lake Milton 15.8 miles
Canfield 18.6 miles
Main 28.3 miles

Current Hours of Operation: http://www.libraryvisit.org/locations.htm

Estimated Annual Operational Cost (2003):

$ 163,697

Estimated Staffing Costs (2003):

$ 96,796

Professional/Clerical Bi-Weekly Pay Percentage (2003):

50.48% Professional, 49.52% Clerical

Current Collection Size:

29,484

Cost per Circulation:

$ 3.35

Circulation per Sq. Ft.:

13.01

Circulation per Hour Open:

31.48

Visits per Capita:

3.45

Visits per Hour Open:

25.33

Reference Transactions per Hour Open:

1.42

Turnover Rate:

1.65

Sebring summary:
The Sebring Library, built in 1965, serves over 11,000 people. Population in the area has remained very stable over the last several decades. The Sebring Library is 3,750 square feet, which translates into .33 square feet per capita; well below the .6 square feet per capita recommended for neighborhood/community libraries.

The Library is quite dated in appearance and lacks off-street parking. In spite of a lack of ambiance and structural deficits that include restrooms that do not meet ADA guidelines and aging mechanical systems, the Library as been circulating well over 50,000 items per year. Circulation dropped significantly in 2003 after hours at the branch were reduced.

The Sebring Library is located over twenty-eight miles from the Main Library. Other than the Rodman Public Library, located in Alliance in Stark County, the next closest full-service public library is in Canfield, nearly nineteen miles away.

Recommended Action for Sebring, adopted by Library Trustees on March 18, 2004:
PLYMC should explore the possibility of acquiring adjoining properties to allow for the addition of off-street parking, a reorientation of the entrance to the parking area and potential expansion to bring the branch closer to the .6 square feet per capita ratio recommended for neighborhood/community libraries. If the acquisition of adjacent properties is not possible, PLYMC should explore other sites in the community for the eventual relocation of the Library to a site with more interior space and ample off-street parking. In the short-term, a general renovation of the interior to improve its appeal is recommended.