The pages of her book ruffle in the wind as Polly Verbanic turns to speak to her audience, a group of more than a dozen youngsters and their parents who have gathered outside Viewpoint Books to listen to her read a story. Captivated by her dramatic storytelling and love for books, the children hang on her every word. 

For 26 years, Polly has been “The Story Lady,” hosting children’s storytime at our local independent bookstore, and becoming a household name for many book-loving families. 

“In one way or another, I’ve been affiliated with the store for 32 years,” she says, “Twenty-six of them as The Story Lady.” Even long before her Viewpoint years, Polly was falling in love with children’s literature, earning her the title of High School State Champion in Children’s Prose and Poetry Recitation. 

As longtime residents, Polly and her husband, Mark, have been writing Columbus into their story for many years.

“Mark and I have been married for 34 years,” Polly says. “We met in Indiana through mutual friends, but our families, surprisingly, lived fairly close to one another in Ohio.” 

Following graduation from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, Mark relocated to Columbus, Indiana, to begin a career with Arvin Industries. He was instrumental in establishing the Arvin Tube Manufacturing facility in Walesboro (now Cliffs), prior to Arvin’s dissolution. He currently is self employed serving as a consultant/representative to both Imperial Auto Industries in India and Potter and Associates stateside.

Shortly after graduation from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, Polly landed a job as the Associate Director of Admissions. “I really enjoyed the “marketing” of the liberal arts,” she says. “It was a joy to work with students and families during decision-making. Plus, admissions work provides an incredible variety of experiences: writing, travel, public speaking. I loved every moment of it.”

As a young couple, Mark and Polly enjoyed several years together in Columbus before starting their family. “We biked, golfed, traveled, but ultimately were focused on building our family,” the couple tells me, “which included both traditional means and international adoption.”

Mark and Polly have two children, Ben (26), and Charlotte (25). “It’s impossible to imagine life without our kiddos,” says Polly. “It has been a privilege to enjoy children at every age, including young adulthood, and it’s been particularly satisfying to see them both find their passions and begin their adult lives.”

Both graduates from Columbus North High School, Ben continued his education at IUPUI, and is currently an on-air reporter for WTHI News in Terre Haute. Charlotte recently graduated from Hanover College and is a Senior Electronic Systems Engineer with Cummins. 

“Our dog, Pilgrim, rounds out our family,” says Polly. “I didn’t have pets growing up, but I get it now! So very glad I took the plunge. Worth every bit of complication, am I right?!” she says with a laugh. 

Mark and Polly both enjoy reading, exploring, and traveling. Polly, in particular, has developed a love of 18th and 19th century antiques and American folk art. 

“To say I am a frustrated collector is an understatement. The kids make fun of all the chairs that they’re not allowed to sit in…and tease me that I may need a pyramid upon death to “take it all” with me,” Polly laughs. “Mark has been a very good sport over the years shoving pie safes into cars.” 

Perhaps it is this “love for all things old” that led the Verbanics to purchase an older home in the Donner Park neighborhood.

“At our ages, Mark and I are starting to do our share of reminiscing,” Polly says. “One thing is certain. Columbus has been a tremendous place to raise a family. Our children had so many opportunities and exposures through school and church participation (First United Methodist). We have enjoyed so many of the festivals, the parks, and the people. We have built incredible friendships,” she says.

“I truly can’t imagine a better place to be writing our story than Columbus.”