Little Library on the Lake

Lorain Public Library System, Lorain County Metro Parks and the City of Lorain announce a collaboration on a new addition to Lakeview Park called “Little Library on the Lake.”

Though called a library, it will not offer the traditional collection of books, magazines and DVDs. Instead, this library will house all kinds of games, educational activities and sporting equipment for all ages, provided with support from Lorain County Public Health and the State Library of Ohio. “We want to offer things that people can use right there at the park that encourage fun, fitness and learning,” said Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz, CEO of Lorain Public Library System. All items are available to check out, for free, using your LPLS library card.

Included in the collection are items such as:

• Soccer balls, tether-trainer and pop-up mini soccer goals
• Tennis rackets and tennis balls
• Volleyballs
• Yoga mats
• Badminton sets
• Jump ropes
• An obstacle course kit
• Bocce Ball
• Horsehoes
• Bird-watching kits and stargazing kits (these are both loaned for up to seven days, all other items are one day loans, due back before the library closes)

“This is a great addition to the Lakeview Park experience,” said Jim Ziemnik, Director of Lorain County Metro Parks. “These items will allow people to get outside and have some fun while still social distancing and staying safe.”

The structure itself is a 20-foot cargo container refurbished by the Rustbelt Welding Company out of Cleveland to now have a sliding entry door, wood floor, wall paneling and skylights made from boat hatches. In addition, the Little Library on the Lake provides free WiFi access to a range of about 100 to 150 yards depending on the device type.

“This is only the second cargo container library in Northeast Ohio and we’re going to have it right here at Lakeview Park,” said Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley. “I can’t wait to bring my granddaughter.”

Little Library on the Lake will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Aug. 30 and will reopen again when the beach opens in spring. Grand opening date is to be determined. For more information, and to see the full list of available items for loan, visit LorainPublicLibrary.org.