What’s Happening in Ohio’s Public Libraries…
Libraries are non-partisan, but they are not indifferent. As trusted institutions that provide access to information, resources, and programs for all members of a community, public libraries are a cornerstone for civic engagement. Despite the pandemic, libraries have been very busy this election season. This is just a sample of what’s happening in Ohio’s public libraries.
The League of Women Voters of Ashtabula County set up a socially-distant table at the Rock Creek Public Library for voter registration.
Bexley Public Library teamed up with the League of Women Voters, a local band, and Johnson’s Real Ice Cream for a voter registration event in the library’s parking lot.
The City Club of Cleveland partnered with nine public libraries — Cleveland Public Library, Westlake Porter Public Library, Shaker Library, Euclid Public Library, Lakewood Public Library, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Rocky River Public Library, East Cleveland Public Library, and Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library — for a civic challenge called the Five Days for Democracy.
Way Public Library and the League of Women Voters of the Perrysburg Area are holding a virtual presentation on political knowledge with Bowling Green State University professor Melissa K. Miller.
Akron-Summit County Public Library, Barberton Public Library, Cuyahoga Falls Public Library, Hudson Library & Historical Society, Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, and Twinsburg Public Library each held drive-thru and walk-up voter registration events across Summit County during National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 22.
Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library has partnered with the The Health Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati to provide COVID-19 testing at the Avondale, Covedale, Norwood, and West End branch locations.
Cuyahoga Falls Library is hosting a series of virtual health chats with Western Reserve Hospital.
Pataskala Public Library teamed up with The Works (Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology) to distribute mini-STEM kits to local children.
Rocky River Public Library is going all out to sign up new Friends to fund the purchase of a “Charlie Cart.” The cart is a mobile kitchen that teaches classes on nutrition and meal preparation.
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Columbus Metropolitan Library hosted a virtual program for entrepreneurs on navigating COVID-19 as a small business owner.
Warren-Trumbull County Public Library is hosting an online test prep and resume writing workshop.
Athens County Public Libraries teamed up with Rural Action and Passion Works Studios to reopen a local Makerspace and Tool Library.
Rodman Public Library sets up banners and displays to honor Hometown Heroes.
Lorain Public Library System has partnered with United Way of Greater Lorain County to provide local job seekers with professional clothes and dress shoes to wear to interviews.
Libraries in Southeast Ohio are loaning more mobile WiFi hotspots to address gaps in internet connectivity.
North Canton Public Library hosted a panel discussion on the whitewashing of American history with several local educators weighing in.
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Dayton Metro Library is sponsoring a virtual program, “Roots of Racism” with Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley.
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The Tuscarawas County Public Library System held a history program via Zoom on African American civil rights advocate Ida B. Well.
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Virtual learning can be tricky. Ohio’s public libraries, like Toledo Lucas County Public Library are ready to help with a variety of services.
The Carnegie Public Library in Washington Court House has created a newsletter for parents and educators that features library resources, events, and reading lists. The library also offers a special Teacher Card which lets educators request and check out more items for classroom use.
Massillon Public Library has partnered with the Children’s Hunger Alliance to distribute after-school snacks.
Greene County Public Library is offering a personalized home collection service for readers of all ages.
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From curbside delivery to walk-up windows, Ohio’s public libraries are making it easy for customers to pick up materials.
