Williams County Public Library

09/04/2026

from the LHC Huffman Photographic Archives: Northwest Township School – Cooney School
C.1950’s Source: Huffman Photo Archives - WCPL
The 1939 construction of the Northwest Local School in Cooney was part of a sweeping national effort to modernize American infrastructure through Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, specifically the Works Progress Administration (WPA). As one of thousands of public buildings erected during the Great Depression, the Cooney school reflected the WPA’s mission to put unemployed Americans back to work while replacing outdated rural facilities with safer, standardized, and more durable structures. Cooney School became a cornerstone and a point of pride of the Cooney community. The group photograph captures the 1st and 2nd grade students of Cooney School dressed as cowboys and cowgirls, complete with hats, bandanas, and toy revolvers. Though several former students were asked about the occasion, none could recall exactly what event inspired the western theme. If you remember the story behind this moment, we’d love to hear from you in the comments.

09/03/2026

Williams County Public Library is excited to host the annual Fountain City Fandemonium on Saturday, September 26th, at the Bryan Main Library. More than just a comic convention, Fountain City Fandemonium is an event where icons collide, fandoms unite, and pop culture reigns supreme!

Starting at 10am and running to 3pm, Fandemonium is open to all ages, with a little something for everyone to enjoy. There will be balloon art, food trucks, and door prizes! Get a photo with Optimus Prime throughout the day or with a princess from 11am to 1pm. Meet special guests, pro cosplayers, and many local artists, vendors, and authors.

Costumes are encouraged, as there will be a Costume Contest at 2pm. Sign up is required to participate in the Costume Contest. Fountain City Fandemonium is FREE to attend. The Bryan Main Library is located at 107 E High St, Bryan, OH 43506. To learn more call 833-633-7323 x 282.

09/02/2026

The power is currently out at the West Unity Branch Library. We apologize for any inconvenience.

09/02/2026

Make sure to visit the “Community Resource Fair” TODAY, September 2nd at Northwest State Community College. Visit the Williams County Public Library table and speak with WCPL Outreach Manager, Loni Smith about all the FREE services the library offers to the public. The event will run until 1pm. We hope to see you there!

09/02/2026

The Williams County Public Library, with branches in Bryan, Edgerton, Edon, Pioneer, Stryker and West Unity, will be closed on Monday, September 7th, in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

from the LHC Huffman Photographic Archives: Conrad Shoup – Farnham Cemetery
Buried in Farnham Cemetery along the Indiana state line in St. Joseph Township is Conrad Shoup. Conrad was born on December 27, 1843, to Peter and Catherine Shoup. The Shoup Family settled along the Ohio and Indiana state line in DeKalb County and were farmers. When Conrad was 19, he volunteered for the Army during the Civil War in October of 1862 and was attached to Company D, 10th Regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. At the regiments Camp in Cleveland, Conrad fell ill and died of typhoid fever on March 9th, 1863. Conrad is buried in Farnham Cemetery, alongside his father and two brothers.

09/01/2026

September is Library Card Sign Up Month! The Williams County Public Library is celebrating by offering the public the opportunity to win some amazing prizes by simply signing up for a library card and/or checking out books throughout the month.

1 Adult/Teen Bundle and 2 Kid Bundles will be awarded at each WCPL location in Bryan, Edgerton, Edon, Pioneer, Stryker, and West Unity. The Adult/Teen Bundle is for ages 13+ and includes a Kindle 16GB Newest Edition in the color "Matcha", a WCPL tote bag, and other merch from the library. The Kid Bundle is for ages 0-12 and features an “Story Crafter's Kit” to create your own book, with printing and delivery of your finished book included in the kit. Other items in the Kid Bundle include an "Ultimate Dinosaur Activity Kit", and other WCPL merch.

Interested in winning a prize? Here’s how to participate. If you are new to WCPL, receive 10 entry tickets when you sign up for a library card. 2 forms of address verification are needed to sign up. Example: Piece of mail & driver’s license. Those under the age of 18 will need a guardian signature on the library card sign up form. If you have a library card you will receive 1 ticket for each book checked out through September. The more you read the more chances you have to win! Drawing for winners will be held at the beginning of October.

09/01/2026

The Williams County Public Library is currently hiring for a Substitute Library Assistant at Pioneer Branch Library. Hours will be as needed. Applications can be picked up at any Williams County Public Library branch with locations in Bryan, Edgerton, Edon, Pioneer, Stryker, & West Unity. Application and current resume required. High School diploma or GED preferred. Must be flexible to meet scheduling needs.

Please send application along with resume to:
Katie Grine, Branch Manager
Pioneer Branch Library
106 Baubice St, Pioneer, OH 43543

09/01/2026

Calling all teens! Enjoy creativity, crafts, games, and snacks on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Stryker Branch Library's "Jumpin' Teens" program. Starting at 5pm, hang out with your peers at the library and have some fun! This is a FREE EVENT. The Stryker Branch Library is located at 304 S Defiance St. To learn more call 833-633-7323 x 5.