COLUMBUS — This week, the Columbus Metropolitan Library system is celebrating its 148th year and Wendy Ramsey has been there for 40 of them.

What You Need To Know

  • The Columbus Metropolitan Library opened its doors in 1873

  • Wendy Ramsey has been there for 40 of those years

  • She’s had nine roles during her time with the library

  • Ramsey currently coordinates book deliveries for students and seniors

The library opened its doors in 1873. 

She’s had nine roles during her time with the library, right now she coordinates book deliveries for students and seniors.

“When the customers place a reserve, their cards are coded with an abbreviation of the site they live in and so it comes in here and we know what shelf to put it on so you see books that are waiting to be delivered,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey started with the library in 1981 but has spent even longer working with books.

“I actually have been working in libraries since I was a junior in high school. I started working at my hometown library in New Philadelphia. I was a page, which is a shelver in the children's department, and I was instantly hooked.”

Between contactless pickup and delivery to quarantining materials for four days after they are returned, this 148th year has been different but it hasn’t slowed the library or Ramsey ​down.

“It's really what keeps you going. I like having a purpose. I think that's one of the reasons I'm still working because I still feel like I'm providing a vital service to the community.

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