Ohio Library News 06.19.20

The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library received a sweet surprise when they reopened the library this week!
Today is Juneteenth, the day that the Emancipation Proclamation was officially enforced on June 19, 1865. Many of Ohio’s public libraries are celebrating Juneteenth with books and events, including the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Lorain Public Library System, and Cleveland Public Library.
Westlake-Porter Public Library opened to the public this week and is reserving the first hour of each day for older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.
The library is also hosting a virtual Jesse Jukebox concert for kids!
Dayton Metro Library (DML) has teamed up with the Children’s Hunger Alliance to serve grab-and-go meals to kids over the summer months.
DML also took its popular Career Adventures Camp online this week. This program gives middle school students an opportunity to explore some of the most in-demand careers in the Miami Valley.
The economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating to many Ohioans. Wright Memorial Library hosted an online program this week with a financial coach.
Cleveland Public Library (CPL) is extending drive-up service at six more neighborhood locations and walk-up service at all 27 branches.
CPL is also teaming up with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to make sure kids don’t go hungry this summer.
The Upper Sandusky Community Library has started a new pen pal program that connects kids to home bound seniors.

Delaware County District Library gave a behind-the-scenes look at books in quarantine. Ohio’s public libraries are isolating returned materials for at least 72 hours.
The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County explained why the library is taking a slow approach to reopening and highlighted the need for everyone to have access to reliable broadband service.
Washington-Centerville Public Library is reopening its Woodbourne Library on Monday with limited hours and services. This is the latest step in a phased approach to reinstating library services. The library has been scheduling appointments for computer use. See how the library reconfigured this space.

This is an unprecedented crisis that we’re all trying to deal with. It’s great to see libraries supporting each other as we gradually reopen.
The Bluffton Public Library is holding a virtual game night for older children, teens and adults.
The North Baltimore Public Library and Wood County District Public Library have teamed up with the Wood County Park District to create story walks for all to enjoy.
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is giving parents a virtual coffee break.
The Coschocton Public Library System hosted a James and the Giant Peach scavenger hunt in the Court Square.
The Mentor Public Library held a kids photography contest.
Toledo Lucas County Public Library is hosting a virtual book discussion on Jose Antonio Vargas’ memoir, Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen as part of the library’s Immigrant Heritage Month celebration.
Many libraries are thinking about how they can engage their communities safely by taking programs and services outside. Sidewalk chalk obstacle courses and messages are popping up on library grounds across the country. Check out these great examples in Ohio:
- Dover Public Library
- Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County
- Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Cuyahoga County Public Library
- Reed Memorial Library
- Wickliffe Public Library
- Centerburg Public Library
- Oberlin Public Library
- Westerville Public Library
Mansfield/Richland County Public Library has partnered with Renaissance Performing Arts to offer library cardholders a free ticket to any production in the Park National Bank Broadway Series, the OhioHealth Symphony Series, or the Mechanics Bank Education Series.

The look of our new normal. Libraries, like Rodman Public Library, have set up sanitizing stations around the library.
The Hudson Library & Historical Society will host a virtual program with Ohio entrepreneur Matt Fish about his highly-successful grilled-cheese restaurant.
Marion Public Library created a video to welcome patrons back to the library.
Ready for movie night? Ashland Public Library is offering grab-and go binge boxes.