Warsaw woman uses social media in grassroots fundraising effort to repair and maintain Warsaw's century old library

WARSAW, Ind. -- Some Warsaw residents are drumming up support for their local library in hopes it stays open.

The century old library is in need of funding for critical repairs and renovations, after a proposed bond was struck down by the Warsaw Common Council last week.

Now, there's a grassroots effort to make sure the library stays open for the next generation, and one Warsaw woman is taking that effort to social media. 

"Hi BookTok, um, my public library needs your help," says Mallory Bartel in a TikTok video. 

Mallory Bartel is otherwise known as @onmalsshelf on her social media platforms. She was born and raised in Warsaw and doesn't remember a time when her local library wasn't a part of her life, except when she moved for college.

"My mom would always bring me here; we would spend time in the children's section and everything," Bartel explains. "The first thing I did when I got back from college was make sure my library card was up to date."

Now as an adult, Bartel says she visits the library at least once a week. "I think I spend more time here now as an adult than I might have then," Bartel admits.

Not only has she built a community of friends by frequenting the library, but she's also part of an online community where likeminded readers chime in on book reviews and recommendations on the next good read. Instead of Instagram and TikTok, it's Bookstagram and BookTok. 

In the midst of book reviews on Bartel's pages, there is a post asking for help. "The library is in desperate need," Bartel says in the TikTok video.

Last week, the Warsaw Community Public Library went in front of the Warsaw Common Council asking for a $17 million bond for critical renovations and repairs to improve infrastructure, safety, and accessibility.

The council voted down the proposal; some members citing possible rising property taxes for residents, if approved.

"I decided to post on TikTok about the crowdfunding going on for the library repairs," says Bartel.

The Friends of the Warsaw Community Public Library has started an online campaign to raise the money for the needed repairs and are spreading the word by reaching out to local businesses and putting up "We (LOVE) our Library" yard signs.

Bartel says she's doing her part by using her platform and calling out to the online 'Bookish' community.

"I've seen what the Bookish community can do to raise money, mostly on Instagram side of things. The community has raised money for car seats in Texas, food banks in Maine, helped to get people housing," Bartel explains. "I know if you put the word out, there will be people to help."

Just as much as she can't remember a time without her library, Bartel says she can't imagine a future without it either for her or her community's sake.

"If there becomes a risk of losing it, I'm scared of what it means for people who actually need it in the community," says Bartel. "Elderly who have been widowed and they come here to talk to people, parents that bring their kids here for preschool activities during the day for something to do, it's at risk to putting some people to not have a community to come to."

In their presentation to the Common Council, library leadership shared they are seeing increased visitors each year with more than 114,000 visitors last year and more than $10 million saved by cardholders.