Last Saturday at the Dedication of the Joan M. Steinlage Wing of the new library at 111 East Lake Avenue, more than one person told me that we would not be standing in that building had it not been for the late Mrs. Steinlage.
“Without Joan there would be no library,” said Dick Zsambok, President of the Board of Trustees.
“Joan was a kind and gentle soul who could move mountains to get things done,” he said. “Some of them were probably mixed into the concrete to make this building.”
More than 100 community members and family filled the adult wing of the library, and remembered Steinlage’s leadership toward building the first new library building and acquiring an adjacent building and linking them into a library complex that is the envy of other small cities.
Photos of Mrs. Steinlage were placed throughout the wing, and guests enjoyed refreshments while they listened to classical guitar music by Kevin Mulhall. Mulhall had played at the original dedication of the first new building more than a decade ago.
As the ceremony began, Dr. Andrew J.O. Wright, Pastor of the New Carlisle Church of the Brethren, told the assemblage that “her spirit is throughout this place.” Steinlage’s efforts to help people of all ages enjoy reading goes on.
Clark County Commissioner Lowell McGlothin read a proclamation that recognized Joan Steinlage’s decades of work with the construction of the new library, as a volunteer with Hospice and as Religious Education Director at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Mayor Mike Lowrey added that Joan’s accomplishments were the “perfect example of what a community can do if they work together. “
But it was Joan’s husband, Dale Steinlage who captured the hearts of all attending as he spoke through tears with their daughters Sara, Megan, and Molly beside him. Seven grandchildren and many relatives were nearby.
“Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way,” he said, quoting from a book she had a home. He felt it described all she did perfectly.
As he explained, she started as a volunteer teacher at Sacred Heart and ended up as the Director of Religious Education. Understanding the important role Hospice has in our community she volunteered, even after her own health began to fail.
He spoke of his wife’s enthusiasm, warmth and compassion. Remembering the day 20 years ago in their living room when in a magazine she discovered a federal grant for library construction, he added that only a few years later the new library with its additional wings had been built.
“She was terrific at deflecting credit,” he said. ” If she was here today she would protest to the board and say you guys are nuts.”
But he also added that she was proud of the library and of her work, and proud that she had been on the Board of Trustees and at one time president of that board. Joan, he said, would be pleased to be honored in this way, and he thanked all involved on behalf of his family.
“Joan is in good company. It is usually presidents who get their own library.”
Zsambok concluded the ceremony with this statement .
“I would like to issue each of you a personal challenge. In Joan’s memory, I would ask that you use her example of community leadership and find your place to become involved if you aren’t already. Raise your hand and volunteer with an organization you are passionate about. Look around and see where you can give back. Find your passion and dive in. As Joan’s example has shown, one person can make a difference.”
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