The Pickerington Public Library will seek to connect residents with everything from food and job help to mentoring and opportunities to give back during their first Community Resources Expo.

On June 9, the library will host representatives from more than 40 service organizations, government agencies, religious organizations, and other nonprofits during the Mass, scheduled for 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the 201 Opportunity Way headquarters.

It is part of the library’s ongoing mission to connect people with service and information. These efforts have taken on new meaning because of the COVID-19 pandemic, said library director Tony Howard.

“We know the pandemic has changed many habits among library users and non-users,” said Howard. “Our annual goals this year have focused on three areas: keep, win back, and recover.

“This year, we’re looking at our business model to keep the customers who continued to use the library during the pandemic. We’re making adjustments to our business model to attract customers who have been lost due to changed habits. Finally, we’re looking for opportunities.” to help the community recover from the pandemic through partnerships and outreach. ”

The full list of exhibition participants and additional information about the event can be found at pickeringtonlibrary.libnet.info/event/5061593. Offerings include Fairfield County Job and Family Services, Fairfield County Job Corps, Fairfield County Parks and Recreation, Meals on Wheels, Ohio Means Jobs, the Pickerington Food Pantry, and United Way of Fairfield County.

Andrea Spiers, United Way of Fairfield County’s Community Impact Director, said her organization is involved in educating residents about the programs and services on offer, including those designed to help people file taxes, get food aid and Develop reading and writing skills.

“We want to make sure people know we’re serving all of Fairfield County,” said Spiers. “We have 24 agencies that we work with including the Pickerington Food Pantry and Project WISE, a mentoring program with (Ridgeview STEM Junior High School) to provide guidance and support to children.

“We also want people to know how they can work with us and give something back to the community.”

Another agency that will be attending the show is Lancaster Transit, which offers public transportation throughout Fairfield County, including Pickerington.

Carrie Woody, director of Lancaster Transit, said the pandemic and social distancing had resulted in a drop in driver numbers from 129,764 in 2019 to 89,357 in 2020.

But she said the numbers have been increasing over the past three months and she wants to make sure the people of Pickerington are aware of local and regional routes.

“Although we are a division of the City of Lancaster, we operate transportation for the entire county,” said Woody. “We have a different, fixed route that runs Monday through Thursday in Pickerington and Violet Township, and we offer a door-to-door call-ahead service where people can call us at least a day in advance. to get a ride together anywhere in Fairfield County. ”

Woody said she also hopes to raise awareness of Lancaster Transit services, which provide transportation to areas in and around Rickenbacker International Airport. Those routes, she said, can be connected by buses that go up and down the city of Columbus and the US Route 33 corridor.

According to Woody, Lancaster Transit will hire drivers during the show.

“We actually hope to attract at least one or two drivers,” she said. “If we can attract additional drivers, we can expand our services.”

The exhibition is free to the public, takes place outside of the library’s main office, and includes several local food trucks.

Library officials said they are especially excited because it will be an opportunity for library users and other residents to meet in person with representatives to learn about work and business opportunities, family resources, agency services, and community volunteering.

“We are delighted that so many agencies and organizations are taking part,” said Jennifer Hrusch, information and research manager at the library. “It is clear that people not only need services, but these services are (also) ready to get in touch with them personally.”

Howard called the fair a one-stop shopping event for community resources.

“There will be many local organizations and agencies from cities, towns, areas and counties at the show,” he said. “It’s not often that they come together in one place outside of Lancaster, the county seat.

“The organizations at this event want to help the citizens of Violet Township and Pickerington. What could be better than bringing them all together in one place? This is an opportunity for people not only to learn about the resources they have, but also to Learn more about volunteer opportunities. “

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