Huron County Librarian and Director of Cultural Services says Cultural Services has a Long History of Partnering with Community Organizations

By Bob Montgomery

Huron County's Cultural Services Director Beth Rumple says the Cultural Services Department has a long history of partnering with organizations both within the community and beyond.

Rumble says there are a number of reasons for seeking out partnerships ranging from shared goals with those partners, which sometimes allows them to increase their capacity, to building new relationships and new audiences, and sometimes improving access to funding. Rumble explains, often if they're applying for a grant, being able to say who they're partnering with helps to strengthen their application.

A few examples of the many successful partnerships Cultural Services has had recently include the library's object library, which is the culmination of items purchased using county funds as well as partner contributions. Huron Perth Public Health and local municipalities have donated activity items and pool passes to be included in the library’s collection for circulation to residents throughout Huron County. Working with Huron and Area Search and Rescue , the Museum invited members of that organization to engage with recent PA Day camp participants. Campers learned survival strategies and went home with an activity package, whistle and survival blanket. And the library provides space, printing, office supplies and flow-through funding to ensure that the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program can continue to support Huron County residents file their income tax returns.

Rumble says altogether they have almost one hundred partners that they work with.