Renovo Library Opens New Children’s Section, Dedicates Space to Longtime Supporter Charles Dahr
By Kevin Rauch
RENOVO – After many years in the making, the Renovo Area Public Library held their grand opening of their new children’s library, as they marked the occasion to coincide with the dedication of that section of the library to Charles E Dahr. The avid reader remembered one of his favorite places to visit following his passing through one of the largest single donations that the Renovo library has ever received.
Although it took much longer than anyone could have imagined to get to this moment- Charles Dahr passed away on July 23, 2010- not only was the newly remodeled children’s area worth the wait, but as keynote speaker and library board member Martha Sykes noted, there was more than one reason to celebrate.
“As I was preparing this dedication I realized that May 10, 2025 would have been Charles Dahr’s 100th Birthday, so this is more than a tribute, it’s a celebration” noted Sykes.
Charlie, as he was known to the library staff including Branch Manager Barb Rauch, was far from a man about a town. A WWII Veteran, he retired as a foreman from Lowery Engineering as well as a water analyst. He lived a humble, quiet life spending his golden years on his beloved land along Young Woman’s Creek.
“He was a frequent visitor after moving to Renovo where he would stop in and visit Barb at the library, he often mentioned to her that one day he’d take care of the library, but Barb of course had no idea what that meant” Sykes told the crowd which included other board members, volunteers of the Friends of the Renovo Library, retired Renovo Librarian Betty Cowfer and area elected officials including Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding.
“This Renovo Library is so instrumental to this community, by holding community events and being a safe space for people in the community to come and rely on for various things” Harding offered of the library to the audience.
“Whether it’s research, or entertainment or painting or learning, they have access to books and things here that they otherwise wouldn’t always have access to” Harding continued. “But the importance of this room is the opportunity for children to have a safe space where they can come and imagine, dream and interact with each other is far greater than anything that we could have hoped for”.
“I want to thank Barb and Pat (Hartman, library assistant) for their dedication and pushing this forward and making it happen,” Harding continued.
Ross Library Catalog Director and current Co-Director Jim Kownacki said, “I’ve known Barb for six years now having been the County Librarian, making drop-offs to the Ransdorf Manor and the Renovo Library” Kownacki explained. “In that time you can see what an integral part the library is to the community here in Renovo”.
“Barb has done just a fantastic job in bringing people together, this room alone speaks volumes to all of the hard work and dedication that she has, we’re proud to have her as a member of the Clinton County Library” the Ross Library Co-Director finished.
Sykes also applauded those that make the library such a unique place to visit.
“I would like to thank Barb for doing a great job as always to make this library what it is today, Pat, her dedicated assistant, Kevin Nevins for his great artwork that you see hanging all around as well as Amy Strong who has until recently been a tremendous liaison for us through Ross Library” Sykes offered.
Also mentioned were youth volunteers Caleb Youells, Cecilia Shaffer, Mathew Miles, Mya Embick and the Renovo Area Heritage Park as well as Joanne Ransom who have recently helped store books during the renovations.
The new upgrades marking the dedication of new furniture, book shelves and carpet, which includes new sectioning such as reading, crafts and books, the library offers many programs dedicated to the youth such as pre-k programs, summer reading programs and special visitors that often include things like reptiles and magicians visiting the library.
Still though, this afternoon was all about the memory of Charles Dahr and his impact on the Renovo Library that will reflect upon visitors for decades to come.
