Culver -Union Township Public Library 1990 - Present

Expansion Needed

The mid-1990s heralded a sometimes-heated debate surrounding the library. The library board recognizing a need to expand and modernize the old Carnegie, gave serious consideration to erecting a new building, possibly on the north end of Culver near Park N' Shop.

1996 -

• September 25 – The Culver -Union Township Public Library board agreed to meet with the architect who designed North Judson’s expansion, which included saving the town’s Carnegie library…
• December 4 – The Culver -Union Township Public Library Board declined to sponsor a feasibility study to learn whether the present Carnegie library building could be preserved in an expanded library facility, but the Antiquarian and Historical Society of Culver said it would sponsor the study on its own…
The AHS, in fact, decided to fund a feasibility study in December, 1996, to learn whether the Carnegie could be preserve and expanded, when the library board declined to fund it. A concluded the old second floor of the bank couldn't withstand the weight of book stacks).

Fort Wayne architecture firm Morrison Kattman Menze began planning for the total 18,400 square foot "new" library, slated to be constructed between Jan., 2001, and May, 2002.

2000 - Library vacated downtown quarters an establishes temporary quarters at 415 Lake Shore Dr. while the new portion of library was being constructed and Carnegie library portion was remodeled.

Tragedy struck during the construction when, in two separate incidents, two workers were killed while on the job, leaving the entire community jolted and stunned.

Eventually the work was completed, however, and what had once been almost the entire upper floor of the Carnegie, of course, became the children's and young adult room.

A magazine area with comfortable seats, a fireplace, and that portrait of old Mr. Carnegie was added, as was the carpet depicting Lake Maxinkuckee and the library's location on it.

The "new" portion of the library, created following the tear down of what had been the Norcen Insurance building, (formerly NIPSCO) included the director's office, circulation desk, and of course the stacks.

The decision to surround the book space with windows meant that almost no added room for books actually entered the design.

For the first time, an elevator was added to the library, along with a downstairs staff lounge, a large lower-level meeting room, and a room at one point planned to be a museum, in conjunction with the AHS.

Interestingly, the old Carnegie lower level wasn't developed as part of the renovation, but left unfinished and almost untouched, for future boards to decide what to do with and to its west was the new boiler room.

The library received a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation U. S. Library Program Computer Grant.

The idea of museum, in conjunction with the Antiquarian and Historical Society of Culver fell through, and by 2004, ever-growing computer usage led to the room on the north end of the downstairs being declared a computer lab.

2006 - Scott Pelka leaves as director; Carol Jackson becomes new director.

The old Carnegie lower level wasn't developed as part of the renovation, but left unfinished and almost untouched, was renovated starting in 2006 by the Antiquarian and Historical Society to act as a museum and research center to house both the library's and the AHS' local and regional history collections among other functions.

Board members as of 2007 are: Ron Cole, Rita Lawson, Phil Mallory, Kathleen Kline, Rebecca Church, David Campbell, and Peg Schuldt.

Sometime between 2006 and Aug. 2008 A part of the new boiler room, part of which was converted into a small meeting room. Around the same time, the children's area received a second overhaul, the circulation desk re-situated and a number of changes made in hopes the space would be more attractive to teens and better accommodate children. -

2006 - Dec - grant from the Marshall County Community Foundation for a Konica Minolta digital microfilm reader

2007 - A museum, historical and genealogical room is under way; with support form the Antiquarian Historical Society.

Aug. 2008 Carol Jackson resigns her position as director and leaves and replaced by Colleen Carpenter Rowe now McCarty is appointed interim director and submitted a resume for the full time post ion as director.

2013 - Antiquarian Historical Society has to vacate their room, library board resends their agreement

2014 - Dec. - The canopy over the front patio is removed because of snow and ice sliding off of it

2017 - NOTICE OF DECISION TO ENTER INTO AN ADDENDUM TO LEASE

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Trustees (the "Board') of Culver-Union Township Public Library (the "Library") did, on December 20, 2016, adopt a resolution making a decision to enter etc a third addendum (the 'Addendum") to the Lease dated as Of July 1, 2000, as amended by an Addendum to Lease dated as of December 12, 2000, and as further amended by a Second Addendum to Lease dated as of April 5, 2006 (collectively, the "Lease") in excess of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) between the Library, as lessee, and the Culver Union Township Public Library Building Corporation (the 'Building Corporation'), as lessor, to conjunction with the Addendum. the Building Corporation expects to issue its first mortgage refunding and improvement bonds for the purpose of refunding all or a portion of its outstanding First Mortgage Refunding Bonds of 2005 (the "Refunding') and to pay for the costs of certain renovations to the Library to include, but not limited to, advancements in technology, new equipment, roof improvements, HVAC improvements and renovations to the courtyard and the media commons, which improvements shall not cost more than $400,000 and will be leased to and operated by Library pursuant to the Lease as amended by the Addendum, The Addendum amends the term of the Lease to extend it by three (3) years to a term not to exceed twenty-five years, such term ending on January 1, 2026 and increases the annual lease rental for the remaining term of the Leave to an amount not to exceed $220,000 per year which is payable in equal semiannual installments on January 1 and July 1 of each year during the term of the Lease

The front entrancre patio to the new addition was redone between 2019-2022

2023 - Mar 3 - Laura Jones Named Director of Culver-Union Township Culver, Indiana – The trustees of the Culver-Union Township Public Library (CUTPL) are pleased to announce that Laura Jones of Argos has joined the CUTPL staff as Director, and will lead the library effective March 1, 2023. Concurrently, Erin Lawrence will transition from Director to Assistant Director, continuing on as full-time library staff effective April 1st. Laura was previously the Northwest Regional Coordinator Librarian with the Indiana State Library. As a book blogger and bookstagrammer, Laura has reviewed books extensively at librarianlaura. com and on Instagram (@ laurapeden peden jones). She has reviewed for both the School Library Journal and Library Journal. Additionally, Laura served with distinction as Chair of the Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award Selection Committee for three years. Prior to her role with the Indiana State Library, Laura was a K-12 School Librarian with Argos Community Schools and a public librarian at both the Argos and Culver-Union Township public libraries. She holds a BA in English from Purdue University, a Masters in Library Science from Indiana University, and an Indiana teaching license. Laura lives with her husband, two sons, and two dogs near Argos, Indiana. Her favorite genres to read are romance and thrillers. In her free time, Laura enjoys reading, camping, hiking, crafting, and baking. Laura has a passion for literacy, community and service to the others. She volunteers as a youth soccer coach and is an active member of the Argos Lions Club. Laura notes, “Culver-Union Township Public Library has been my choice library for many years, and I'm both fortunate and excited for this opportunity. I look forward to getting even more connected with the Culver community and sharing the many wonderful benefits and resources available at the Culver-Union Township Public Library.” The CUTPL Board of Trustees is truly thankful for the outstanding efforts of outgoing Director Erin Lawrence, who initiated this transition, recruited Laura Jones to CUTPL and will continue on with the CUPTL team as Assistant Director. Under Erin’s leadership the library forged a deeper relationship with the community, saw significant improvement in its finances, and strengthened youth programming efforts. About Culver-Union Township Library: We strive to be the community’s vibrant, forward- thinking hub for activity, access and engagement. Welcoming and helpful, we provide a comfortable space, convenient services, and an attractive location. We provide a wide variety of resources and services that make an impact in the lives of our patrons. We value confidentiality and provide inclusive and individualized personal service. We help build community by identifying needs, forming relationships, and creating partnerships.

2023 - Sep 15 - Sudden termination of beloved Culver librarian sparks calls for change

By: Julianne Grohowski, ABC57 New

MARSHALL COUNTY, Ind. -- In a small town like Culver, Indiana with just over 1,000 residents, the local library is the heartbeat of the community.

When parents and children realized their favorite librarian was no longer there, it became the buzz of the town.

The librarian claims there's a much bigger issue behind it all.

“It’s become much more than Esmie’s job,” says her husband, Brian Rodgers. “It’s become, ‘Wow, there’s something going on here that’s not right.’”

The sudden termination has left Esmie Rodgers and the Culver community confused.

“She didn’t give me an explanation, she didn’t give me things to work on, all of a sudden I was terminated,” recalls Esmie Rodgers, former Youth Services Manager at Culver-Union Township Library.

For the past 16 years, Rodgers has served as the face of the Culver-Union Township Public Library.

Famous for her ‘Storytimes’ and nine weekly outreach programs, Rodgers was known for reading to students in local schools and youth clubs.

“Esmie had an outreach program to the elementary school, the middle school, the high school, and the preschools and those are all gone,” explains Brian Rodgers.

Esmie says the out-of-the-blue termination comes just a couple months after a new director took over operations at the library.

She claims she was told there was a ‘breach of duty’, something she says she doesn't understand with the amount of time and energy she's devoted into children’s programs at the library.

Despite the overwhelming feeling that comes with suddenly losing a job you love, Esmie has a seen an overwhelming amount of support.

“Kids that Esmie had 10, 12 years ago, are writing letters in support of her saying ‘Hey, we learned to read because of what Esmie was doing,’” Brian Rodgers says.

The library’s board of directors posted about the decision to remove Rodgers on Facebook last month, saying ‘all decisions made are with the library’s mission in mind – strive to be the community's forward-thinking hub for activity, access, and engagement.”

An online petition with now over 500 signatures calls for the resignation of the director that terminated Rodgers, as well as the assistant director of the library, and the president of the library board, claiming the lack of transparency with the firing is eroding public trust.

They say it’s about more than just Esmie losing her job, but children losing a friendly face to teach them the basics of reading.

“We’re just pushing forward and we’re just hoping that public outrage and public opinion is going to be the one that’s going to sway it,” explains Brian Rodgers.

The two library directors and library board president did not return requests for comment at the time this was published.

On Monday evening, the Culver Community Schools Corporation Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing regarding removing the board president from his position

2023 - Sep 18 - All but one Culver library board members resign amid community backlash By: Annie Kate, ABC57 News

CULVER, Ind.-- Outraged community members were ready to go after the board of trustees for the Culver-Union Township Public Library (CUTPL), demanding their removal or resignation after the firing of librarian Esmie Rodgers. However, before they could oust these board members at Monday night’s school board meeting, all but one resigned.

Scattered throughout Culver are “I’m with Esmie” yard signs, following the termination of the former youth services manager. Rodgers says her career at the library spans 16 years, and said being fired was a shock.

“Me, myself, I didn’t really expect that was going to happen because all my programming is doing well,” she said. “I’m doing everything right, my outreach is doing well, my summer reading program is well attended.”

Rodgers says she wasn’t given a specific reason why she was being fired, citing excuses from her boss like having an attitude or showing rude behavior. But Rodgers said prior to new leadership, she had never been written up before.

“She’s been kind of a pillar, the heart of the library for quite a few years,” Esmie’s husband, Brian Rodgers, said. “I think that was the most frustrating thing; it was just quiet at the other end. And there was really no explanation.”

Many in the Culver community simply wouldn’t stand for it.

A Facebook group called “Stand with Esmie” was set up with support flooding in.

“It’s overwhelming,” Rodgers said. “I cried for like, at least two weeks constantly reading all those comments.”

A petition to remove the library board president garnered hundreds of signatures. “I knew it was going to be something that the library’s going to have a hard time explaining,” Brian Rodgers said.

And as some mobilized to try and oust the library board from power, all members but one r esigned.

ABC57 obtained the resignation letters. In her letter, former board director Laura Jones wrote in part:

“Never in my life have I had such ugliness and hate aimed at me after making a necessary, justified decision.”

Former director Erin Lawrence wrote in part:

“A disgruntled former employee and a small group of agitators have engaged in a four-week campaign of false allegations and vitriol.” And later said: “CUTPL has been ‘cancelled’ by the community it serves.”

Now, it's left to the remaining board member, Karen Boland, to lead the charge to rebuild the board.

“We wish no ill will, you know? We’re happy it turned out the way it did, we’re thankful for this great little town,” Brian Rodgers said. “The library is up and running and it’s going forward and we’re excited about it. Really good future. And this town really came through.”

2023 0 Oct 9 - Esmie Rodgers Agrees to Rejoin Culver Library Staff

October 9, 2023 – Following a thorough, board-level review of the circumstances surrounding the departure of Esmeralda (Esmie) Rodgers from the staff at the Culver-Union Township Public Library (CUTPL), Interim Director Cathy Thomas has extended an offer to Ms. Rodgers to rejoin the CUTPL staff. Esmie has agreed to rejoin the staff effective this Wednesday, October 11th.

Karen Boland, president of the CUTPL board of trustees says: “On behalf of the entire board I would like to say we are very happy to welcome Esmie back. We are confident she will do an outstanding job and bring our Youth Services programming back to our best-in-class standard.”

Esmie will manage Youth Services at CUTPL with responsibility for managing the daily operations and staff. The responsibilities include programming and outreach to youth, reader’s advisory, and maintaining a friendly and relevant environment in the department.

Boland will shortly be announcing an Open House event at the Culver library in November. At that event all will be welcome to tour the library, meet with our staff and trustees, and learn our plans for future library events and services.

2024 - Feb 15 - Joseph Fox named Director of, Culver-Union Township Public Library The trustees of the Culver-Union Township Public Library (CUTPL) are pleased to announce that Joseph (Joe) Fox has joined the CUTPL staff as Director. His first day at work was Monday, Feb. 5. Please stop by and say hello! A graduate of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis with a Masters in Library Science, Joe has a wealth of experience, having filled roles at libraries in Indianapolis, Fishers, Wabash and Marion. Most recently, Joe was the Youth Services Librarian at the Peabody Public Library in Columbia City, IN. According to CUTPL trustee board president Becky Strati, "Joe is a great fit for Culver. He has an eye for detail and a strong view of what's possible for smalltown libraries. He blends a calm leadership style with a passion for community outreach." Fox notes, "I see my role as supporting the growth and well-being of the staff,while overseeing changes to the facility and services we provide. The library is the cultural and educational heart of Culver, and we want to provide the best experiences and materials for our patrons." - Citizen

Joseph Fox is the new director of the Culver-Union Township Public Library BY Gavin Greer, Staff wrtier. April 18, 2024, Citizen CULVER- In February the Culver- Union Township Public Library welcomed Joseph Fox as their newest library director. Fox has a long history with libraries as he has been working in different roles in libraries since he was 18. He officially became a librarian in 2010. "I had always wanted to be a librarian ever since I was six or seven years old. I grev up across Lie r1road tracks from a library that was pretty similar to the library I work at now," Fox said when describing what led him to work in libraries. Befôre taking the position as the CUTPL's director, Fox had worked at the Public Library of Columbia City. He spent a few years working here as their children's librarian. "I really enjoy service to the people and I think it's a grand that we have a resource that is free, or collectively we all pay for it. We're all treated equally, I think a library is a beautiful expression of democracy," Fox said when talking about what he enjoys about libraries. Fox shared that he always saw being in library administration in his future. This began to come true around Thanksgiving of last year when CUTPL reached out to him. He then spent time getting to know the library's board members and the Culver area. "It is a really super community. I pretty much fell in love with it. I could definitely see myself living here someday," Fox said. He currently lives in Wabash County, but this may change in the future as he spends more time in the area. "It means a great deal. This is sort of the pinnacle of my career. I've worked in different positions in different types of libraries, but to be a director is extra meaningful because you get to be part of all the decision making. You get to oversee some really cool initiatives and foster so much creativity among the staff. We have a very passionate and imaginative staff here," Fox said when talking about what being the CUTPL director means to him. As he starts his time at the CUTPL Fox is working on creating new services at the library. Recent new programs or services include a seed library and a notary service. The new seed library allows for anyone to come in and get seeds to use to grow their own vegetables and flowers. Fox is a notary himself so he is able to offer this free service to the community. Work is also currently being done to create more chilren's programming and more children's outreach. Fox also has plans for his future with the library. "I want to restore a number of the services that were either put on hold or canceled during the pandemic. I think a lot of it is going to be playing catch up as far as staffing and in-services. Once we have tackled a lot of that, I'd like to return to the conversation regarding larger scale renovation plans," Fox said. Fox also shared a bit about what he enjoys outside of his job. He enjoys time with his son, growing plants and working on models. Fox and his 10 year old son enjoy playing flag football and going on hikes amongst other things. Gardening and raising house plants are things that Fox enjoys. He joked, "I love working with plant life, probably because it doesn't talk back". Last year he grew tomatoes, okra, asparagus and strawberries in his garden. Every year Fox grows asparagus and strawberries, he will change the other plants every year. When doing models Fox enjoys doing plastic cars and planes. He recently finished a Chevelle car model and a Korean War era fighter jet.

1914-1915 ~~~ 1916-1900 ~~~ 1990-Present