Our Board & Friends
Board Members & Meetings
PPL Board of Trustees Members
A seven member appointed Library Board of Trustees governs the Library.
They are charged with both setting policies and are accountable to the residents of the taxing district to ensure effective, efficient use of resources.
Current Board of Trustees:
President: Carmen Bross
Vice President: Joel Frank
Secretary: Mark Parker
Christopher Bechtold
Angela Bauer
Kianne Doty
Madeline Grable
To contact the Peabody Public Library Board of Trustees you may email them at boardoftrustees@ppl.lib.in.us
If you would like to speak to the Board of Trustees at a meeting instead, then please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- You must live in the service area for the Peabody Public Library (Columbia City, Columbia Township or Thorncreek Township) or have a current PPL non-resident card.
- Complete and submit the Request to Speak to the Library Board form 10 days before the regularly scheduled Board meeting.
- E-mail the completed form to librarian@ppl.lib.in.us. You can also drop it off at the Administration Office at the Peabody Public Library, located at 1160 E SR 205, Columbia City, IN, 46725, if you prefer.
- Afterwards, make sure to check that your name has been placed on the agenda to speak at the upcoming meeting.
- Don't see your name yet? Please be patient as, generally, no more than 3 people will be placed on the agenda to speak at one meeting.
- Finally, you will be permitted 3 minutes to address the Board of Trustees.
PPL Board Meetings & Minutes
Budget Notices
Budget notices are now available at BudgetNotices.IN.Gov or by calling (888) 739-9826.
Board Meeting Videos
Board meetings are held at the library on the second Wednesday of every month starting at 6 PM. All meetings are open to the public. Click below to see what is on the agenda for the next meeting or to view video recordings on YouTube. To view older board meetings, check out our PPL Board Meetings playlist.
Board Meeting Minutes
Stay informed on what is happening at board meetings by viewing copies of our board meeting minutes. Minutes are available after being approved at the subsequent meeting.
August 2025
Friends of the Library
Officers, Mission & More
The Friends of the Peabody Public Library was established in 1997.
We are a non-profit group of spirited citizens who value the educational role played by the library in our community. Additionally, we enjoy working together to make the library the best it can be for people of all ages.
Officers
Marsha Ruesch – President
Sandy Slone – Vice President
Sandy Slone – Secretary
Linda Marrs – Treasurer
Our Mission
The mission of the Friends of the Library (FOL) is to support the library as it strives both to encourage literacy and lifelong learning, as well as, the love of reading throughout the community. We seek to not only enhance the library's resources, but also, increase the community’s access to information and knowledge, thus providing a vibrant cultural gathering place.
How We Accomplish Our Mission
The Friends of the Library are responsible for conducting the Old Settler’s Day annual book sale and monthly book sales to support the Peabody Public Library’s programs, for instance, the Summer and Winter Reading Programs, and needed items for the library. Funds from these book sales have also provided the library with meeting room tables, reading chairs, flagpole, digital camera, gaming hardware, picnic tables, book carts, Evergreen Indiana T-shirts, and book bags.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the Friends of the Library or would like to make general comments or suggestions, you may email:
Marsha Ruesch at mhruesch44@gmail.com
Sandy Slone at sandraslone44@gmail.com
Donate
Check out our Book Donation Policy here.
- Just drop them off at the Peabody Public Library by going to the Checkout Desk any time during the year.
- If the library is closed, simply drop the items in the Discover book bins at the end of the parking lot.
Volunteer
Work at one of our books sales.
Become a Member
We encourage all interested people to join in our efforts to help build a strong and diverse library and community.
Benefits
- Early admission to book sales
- Interesting volunteer opportunities at the library
- The great feeling you get from helping the library
- A forum to express your opinion on improving the library
Membership Categories and Yearly Dues
Individual $5.00
Family $10.00
Business/Professional $50.00
Regardless of which level you choose, you can simply pick-up a FOL brochure at the main checkout desk in the library and then fill out the membership form on the back. You may email the form to mhruesch44@gmail.com or send it to:
Peabody Public Library
Friends of the Library Membership
P.O. Box 406
Columbia City, IN 46725
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