lorainpubliclibrary.com News

Picturing America Gallery Show At Domonkas Branch Library In Sheffield Lake

03/01/2010

Visit the Domonkas Branch Library from Monday, March 8 through Saturday, March 20 during its open hours for a self-guided tour of the Picturing America images.

Come to this free Picturing America Gallery Show to view and learn about America's history and founding principles through some of our nation's most significant masterpieces.

These beautiful reproductions by American artists are provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in cooperation with the American Library Association (ALA) and are accompanied by audio descriptions.

For more information, call the Domonkas Branch Library at 440-949-7410. The Domonkas Branch is located at 4125 E. Lake Road, Sheffield Lake.

Domonkas Branch Library hours are: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesdays from noon to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Domonkas Branch is closed on Fridays and Sundays.

Upcoming Book Sale At Avon Branch Library

02/23/2010

Get great bargains on used books and videos at the Used Book Sale at Lorain Public Library System’s Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive, Avon.

The sale will be open to the public on Friday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A special preview sale will be held, Thursday, March 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission to the Preview Book Sale is reserved for members of The Friends of the Avon Library. New members may join that evening.

The sale is sponsored by The Friends of the Avon Library as a fund raiser to benefit the Library.

Book donations for the sale will be accepted the week of March 22 during open library hours.

For more information, call the Avon Branch Library at 440-934-4743.

Columbia Branch Library Operating Levy On May 4 Primary Election Ballot

02/02/2010

The Columbia Township Trustees approved the Lorain Public Library System Board of Trustees’ request to place a 1.74 mill five-year replacement operating levy on the ballot for the May 4, 2010 primary election for the Columbia Branch Library. The 1.74 mill operating levy is the original levy of 1.44, plus another .3 mills. The Columbia Branch Library only has one levy which expires at the end of 2010. The request was approved at the Columbia Township Trustees' Monday, February 1, 2010 meeting.

Passage of the five-year replacement levy on May 4 will provide funds to operate the Library at its current level, plus:

Restore evening hours on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Restore morning hours on Tuesdays.

Restore Wednesday hours.

Increase the purchase of library materials.

Increase programming for all ages, with emphasis on computer, children’s and teen programs.

Add two part-time staff members to support restored library hours.

The increase in levy millage is necessary in part because of reduced state funding, and in part because of Lorain County’s reduction in real estate valuations.

According to Joanne Eldridge, director, Lorain Public Library System, the effective millage of the current 1.44 mill operating levy is now only at .94. It is no longer enough to operate the Columbia Branch Library. In order to deal with the drop in the state and local revenue, the Columbia Branch Library has been operating under a budget reduction plan since 2008. This has meant reduced library hours and staff, cuts to the number of library materials purchased, and limited children’s programs.

If passed, the new five year operating levy would generate $367,130 per year which is 87% of the total revenue for the Columbia Branch Library’s direct expenditures. The levy will cost an owner of a home valued at $100,000, $53.29 per year. (An additional $2.04 a month per $100,000 home valuation.)

All of the money raised by the operating levy will be used solely to operate the Columbia Branch Library.

For more information, see the Columbia Library Levy Fact Sheet

Lorain Public Library System Director Provides Budget Reduction Plan Update

02/01/2010

The Lorain Public Library System is under a budget reduction plan due to more than a $1 million shortfall in local and state funding.

“Our Library System is reducing our expenditures in response to our lowered revenues while trying to offer as much in the way of services as possible to the public,” explained Lorain Public Library System Director Joanne Eldridge.

Major cost-saving measures in the budget reduction plan include:

Reduction in library materials budgets.

Reduction in continuing education for staff.

Wage freezes for bargaining unit and non-bargaining unit staff and reduction in hours for three exempt employees.

Reduction in 20 bargaining unit staff as a result of an agreement between the Service Employee International Union District 1199 and the Lorain Public Library System Board of Trustees.

However, depending upon how many employees accept early retirement, there could be fewer than 20 staff laid off once the process is complete.

Reductions in hours of service at all Libraries, including less frequent Bookmobile stops.

Re-negotiated contracts for cleaning, landscaping and snow removal.

“While we’ve worked to reduce our expenditures in response to our lowered revenues, there have been difficult decisions to make,” said Ms. Eldridge. “The Library Board and Administration appreciate the personal sacrifices made by the staff and ask the public for its patience as we restructure our Libraries for today’s economic realities.”

Questions about the budget reduction plan may be directed to Ms. Eldridge at jeldridge@lpls.info.

For more information, read the Lorain Public Library System Budget Reduction Fact Sheet

North Ridgeville Branch Library Announces Popular Sunday Afternoon Program Series

01/19/2010

The Lorain Public Library System’s North Ridgeville Branch Library will again sponsor its popular series of free Sunday afternoon programs for all ages beginning Sunday, January 24 and ending on Sunday, March 28. For more information, call the Library at 440-327-8326. The North Ridgeville Branch is located at 35700 Bainbridge Road, North Ridgeville.

The schedule of Sunday afternoon programs includes:

Sunday, January 24 at 2 p.m.
Dolley Madison Portrayed by Carol Starre-Kmiecik
Dolley Madison was First Lady in 1810 when the earliest pioneers settled in what is now North Ridgeville, 200 years ago. In this first person portrayal, learn about this well loved woman who was married to James Madison, fourth President of the United States, the times in which she lived and her courage during the War of 1812. Ideal for upper elementary school age children through adults.

Sunday, January 31 at 2 p.m.
History Of North Ridgeville And The 2010 Bicentennial Celebration
Whether you are a new resident, or have lived in this area all your life, you are invited to take a look at some of the early buildings and people who shaped the city as we know it today. Learn how you can help with the 2010 Bicentennial celebration, 200 years since North Ridgeville was settled. This program is ideal for all ages. Copies of the North Ridgeville history book written by Carol Klear will be available for sale.

Sunday, February 7 at 2 p.m.
The Unexpected Party - Dulcimer Music Program
This popular music group will once again entertain the audience with their hammered dulcimers and other authentic instruments as they share tunes from our American musical heritage. Members of the group will also tell about the various instruments they play. Ideal for all ages.

Sunday, February 14 at 2 p.m.
A History Of Valentines
Janet Bird of the Education Staff of The Lorain County Historical Society will bring examples of Valentine cards from the 1800s for everyone to view. She will share information about the tradition of sending Valentine cards throughout history. Ideal for families.

Sunday, February 21 at 2 p.m.
From Ohio To Broadway
Produced by Eden Valley Enterprises, this program presents music and narration featuring Ohio writers and composers whose works have been performed on Broadway. Discover why Ohio writers and composers have been lighting up Broadway with their songs and stories ever since Broadway started. Performed by Bryan Bird and Bette Lou Higgins. Ideal for families.

Sunday, February 28 at 2 p.m.
History Of The Cleveland Municipal Airport
The history of the Cleveland Municipal Airport will be presented by air racing historian, Bill Meixner. Learn little known facts about Cleveland’s major airport, including how it was planned and opened in the 1920s and how it has changed over the years. Ideal for teens through adults.

Sunday, March 7 at 2 p.m.
7 Mile Isle Steel Drum Band
Enjoy the warm sounds of Trinidad and Tobago in the midst of Ohio’s wintertime as this popular steel drum band plays its unique sound of steel drums and other instruments. Ideal for all ages.

Sunday, March 14 at 2 p.m. Voices Of The Tribe: Cleveland Indians Broadcasters From The 1920s To The 1990s
Local historian John Mercer will share stories about radio broadcasters for Cleveland baseball games from the beginning of radio broadcasts to the 1990s. Hear about major radio voices, including the legendary Herb Score, Jack Graney, Pinky Hunter and Tom Manning.

Sunday, March 21 at 2 p.m.
Rhythm And Rhyme Barbershop Quartet
Old fashioned fun and entertainment will be provided by this barbershop quartet that has two members who live in North Ridgeville, including one real barber. Relax and enjoy some popular old and new tunes that will be sung in a fresh barbershop style. Ideal for all ages.

Sunday, March 28 at 2 p.m.
Old Glory: A Brief History Of The United States Flag
This program will place a special emphasis on the fifteen star flag that was being used at the time the first pioneers came to what is now North Ridgeville. Our city will be flying fifteen star flags this year to commemorate the Bicentennial of our settlement in 1810. Learn about the importance of this flag and other flag history from Jim Smith, an Education Coordinator for the Lorain County Historical Society. Ideal for upper elementary school age children through adults.

Local Pulitzer Prize Winning Literary Critic Michael Dirda Comes Home For Lorain County Reads

11/17/2009

Lorain native and Pulitzer Prize winning author and literary critic, Michael Dirda, returned to Lorain County in October to take part in Lorain County Reads. This literary project centered on his book, An Open Book: Coming of Age in the Heartland.

An Open Book is a personal narrative of how books and reading have shaped Dirda’s life, from living with his blue-collar family in Lorain during the post-World War II years to manhood. The author’s love for books ultimately led to his current role as a book columnist for The Washington Post, where he has been for more than 30 years.

To view photos from Dirda’s Lorain County Reads Author’s Luncheon and Book Talk at Lorain Public Library System’s Main Library in Lorain, visit content.aspx?PID=160.

Dirda’s Main Library Book Talk can be heard through his podcast on the LPLS website at Lorain County Reads with Michael Dirda.

Lorain County Reads was sponsored by LPLS, the Elyria Public Library System, Avon Lake Public Library, Amherst Public Library, Grafton-Midview Public Library, Herrick Memorial Library in Wellington, Oberlin Public Library and Ritter Public Library in Vermilion.

Homework Help Center At Main Library In Lorain Provides Homework Assistance

08/28/2009

The Lorain Public Library System’s Homework Help Center is now open at its Main Library, 351 Sixth Street, Lorain, for kindergarteners through eighth graders.

No appointment is needed. Students may just drop in the Library’s Meeting Room A on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the school year.

Homework assistance will be provided by helpful, friendly volunteers in a relaxed library setting.

Students may also work independently on homework. Computers and school supplies will be provided.

And, if you are 18 years old and over, consider being a Homework Help Center Volunteer Mentor. A free orientation will be provided by library staff.

For more information about the Homework Help Center, or to sign up to become a Volunteer Mentor, call the Main Library at 440-244-1192, ext. 245 or 1-800-322-READ, ext. 245.