Jessica Hermiller always wanted to be librarian - ever since she was a page at Lima Public Library at age 14. The Lima native grew up and got her wish, first in Pennsylvania, and then on Jan. 2, she became director of the Bluffton Public Library at 145 S. Main.

She replaces Cindi Chasse who retired in December. Hermiller may be known best as the daughter of Mike and Tammy Bradshaw. Tammy works at The Food Store, also on Main Street, Bluffton.

Moving here from Grove City, Pa., where she was library director in a library similar in size of Bluffton, she reflects, “It’s a step back home for me (returning to Allen County).”

Speaking about the purpose of a library in a community, Hermiller said, “The library should be the community connection. Bluffton Library is well on its way to be that. We receive lots of questions from people. We want to provide the most resources that we possibly can in this community.”

In meeting that goal, Bluffton Public Library has over 38,000 materials available for checkout. It averages 1,500 visitors each week.

What books does Bluffton’s new librarian read? She answers:
“I’m a multi-reader. I may be reading two or three books at the same time. I read e-books, books on audio, and books on paper. I like all the formats.”

As for her all-time favorite, she says, “I can’t count the number of times I’ve read “The Phantom of the Opera. Maybe 15 times.”

How about your favorite children’s book?
“That would be ‘The Secret Garden’.”

In her attempt to keep up with all the new books coming out, Hermiller says that in 21014 she hopes to read at least one book in each of these genres: non-fiction, biography (women or literary character), history and science.

To our question, “What will the Bluffton library look like in five years?” she replied, “The shelves won’t be gone. There is always a need for a paper reference. Books have been here since the dawn of history. They just have different formats through the ages.”

Although it’s only January, the library staff is already focusing on this summer’s reading program.

In addition to annual programs, new ones are in the works. One being launched this year is “Tech Help 101.” In that program, Hermiller said that the library will be available to offer patrons assistance with tech devises.

Hermiller is a graduate of Ohio State University, Lima, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in English. She also holds a master’s of science degree from Clarion University in Pennsylvania.

She and her husband, Aaron, are parents of one daughter Zaeda, 3. For Aaron, the return to Ohio is also a step back home. He is a Pandora-Gilboa High School grad.