Lorain Public Library System’s Upcoming Programs

PLEASE NOTE: All six branches of Lorain Public Library System will be closed Monday, Oct. 13 for staff development. All branches will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

LPLS Programming October 14 to 28

Baby and Me Story Time: Mondays, Oct. 20, 27; Nov. 3; 10 to 10:30 a.m., North Ridgeville Branch • Tuesdays, Oct. 14, 21, 28; Nov. 4; 10 to 10:30 a.m., Avon Branch • Wednesdays, Oct. 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5; 10 to 10:30 a.m., Avon Branch • Thursdays, Oct. 16, 23, 30; Nov. 6; 10 to 10:30 a.m., North Ridgeville Branch – Bounce, wiggle and play at this interactive story time. For infants, birth through 18 months, or early walkers, with their caregivers.

Books, Beats and Bubbles Story Time: Mondays, Oct. 20, 27; Nov. 3; 5:45 to 6:15 p.m., Avon Branch • Mondays, Oct. 20, 27; Nov. 3; 6 to 6:30 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch • Mondays, Oct. 20, 27; Nov. 3; 6:30 to 7 p.m., Avon Branch • Tuesdays, Oct. 14, 21, 28; Nov. 4; 10 to 10:30 a.m., North Ridgeville Branch – A high‑energy, musical story time for families with children of all ages, featuring stories, songs, instruments, dancing and bubbles.

Preschool Story Time: Tuesdays, Oct. 14, 21, 28; Nov. 4; 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., North Ridgeville Branch • Thursdays, Oct. 16, 23, 30; Nov. 6; 10 to 10:45 a.m., Avon Branch – Stories, movement, and rhymes for 3 through 5‑year‑olds with their caregivers.

Toddler Story Time: Mondays, Oct. 20, 27; Nov. 3; 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., North Ridgeville Branch • Tuesdays, Oct. 14, 21, 28; Nov. 4; 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., Avon Branch • Wednesdays, Oct. 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5; 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., Avon Branch • Wednesdays, Oct. 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5; 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., North Ridgeville Branch • Thursdays, Oct. 16, 23, 30; Nov. 6; 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., North Ridgeville Branch – Stories, movement and rhymes for active walkers through 3‑year‑olds with their caregivers.

Commemoration Film Screening Series: “Fighting Indians”: Tuesday, Oct. 14; 2 to 4:15 p.m., Main Library – A series recognizing and honoring diverse contribution to society through films that acknowledge, celebrate and educate about different communities that shape our collective experience. Watch “Fighting Indians” for Indigenous People’s Day.

City Fresh Produce Pick‑Up: Tuesdays, Oct. 14, 21, 28; 4 to 6 p.m., Main Library and South Lorain Branch – City Fresh is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program working to create access to fresh, local vegetables for all. With a weekly payment, participants receive a grab bag of the freshest seasonal produce, known as a “share.” Shares come in Single or Family sizes and are offered at tiered prices. Limited income and EBT shares are available. Order for as many or as few weeks as desired for pick up at either the Main Library or the South Lorain Branch. For more information, please visit cityfresh.org.

ABCs of Art: Edward Gorey: Tuesday, Oct. 14; 6 to 7 p.m., Domonkas Branch – Learn about American artist Edward Gorey and create a piece of art in his unique style! For school‑aged children dressed for a mess. Preregistration required.

Memory Café: Tuesday, Oct. 14, 28; Nov. 11, 25; 6 to 7:30 p.m., Avon Branch • Fridays, Oct. 24; Nov. 7, 21; 10:30 a.m. to noon, Domonkas Branch – A relaxing and comfortable gathering for people living in the early stages of memory loss and their caregivers to connect, socialize and build new support networks. Enjoy meaningful activities that promote social interaction, companionship and learning. Preregistration required.

Put Your Garden to Bed: Tuesday, Oct. 14; 6:30 p.m., South Lorain Branch – A representative from OSU Extension Lorain County will present end‑of‑the‑season garden tasks.

Family Story Time: Mondays, Oct. 20, 27; Nov. 3; 11 a.m., Domonkas Branch • Wednesdays, Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5; 10 to 10:30 a.m., North Ridgeville Branch – Children of all ages with their caregivers are invited to stories, movements, rhyme and play.

Bingocize: Mondays, Oct. 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10; 11 a.m. • Wednesdays, Oct. 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12; 11 a.m. • Friday, Oct. 17; 11 a.m., South Lorain Branch – Bingocize is a 10‑week health promotion program that combines the game of bingo with fall‑prevention exercise. Play bingo, exercise and meet new people while learning about nutrition. Preregistration required.

Quilters Club: Wednesdays, Oct. 15; Nov. 19; 1 to 3 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch – Stop on in to explore the long‑arm quilter and chat with new and seasoned quilters. Preregistration required.

Chess Club: Wednesdays, Oct. 15; Nov. 19; 4 p.m., Columbia Branch – Adults will learn how to play chess, solve puzzles, watch live international competitions and compete head‑to‑head in friendly matches. All skill levels welcome. Preregistration required.

Let’s Play Chess: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19; 4 to 7:30 p.m., South Lorain Branch – Open play sessions are for all levels, from beginner to expert. Preregistration required.

Let’s Cook: Sikil Pak: Wednesday, Oct. 15; 5:30 to 7 p.m., Avon Branch • Monday, Oct. 27; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., South Lorain Branch – Explore the power of nuts while learning to make Sikil Pak, a nutrient‑rich, Mayan‑inspired dip made from pepitas in this tasty cooking demonstration. Preregistration required.

Black Artists for Kids: Wednesdays, Oct. 15; Nov. 19; 6 p.m., Main Library – Celebrate the legacies of Black artists by learning about their work and creating a project inspired by their artform.

Writers Group: Wednesdays, Oct. 15; Nov. 19; 6 p.m., Main Library – Poetry – Join our pressure‑free and friendly writing group. Engage in writing exercises and peer critiques, as well as support for whatever project you are working on.

Leave the Leaves: Why Your Yard Can Benefit from Nature’s Cycle: Wednesday, Oct. 15; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Avon Branch • Wednesday, Oct. 22; 11 a.m. to noon, Main Library – The Black River Audubon Society explains “Leave the Leaves,” a growing environmental movement that encourages homeowners and communities to rethink traditional fall cleanup with a more sustainable and wildlife‑friendly practice.

Science Explorers: Star Wars Science: Wednesday, Oct. 15; 6:30 p.m., South Lorain Branch – Celebrate Star Wars Reads by exploring the science behind these classic films! For kindergarten to fifth grade.

Sensory‑Friendly Monster Mash: Wednesday, Oct. 15; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch – A sensory‑friendly, not‑so‑spooky celebration! Designed for children who need a quieter and less crowded environment. Preregistration required.

Book Discussions: Wednesday, Oct. 15; 6:30 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch “Wanted Man” by Lee Child • Thursday, Oct. 16; 10:30 a.m., Avon Branch “Darling Girls” by Sally Hepworth • Thursday, Oct. 16; 6:30 p.m., Speak of the Devil “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley M. Jackson • Wednesday, Oct. 22; 1:30 p.m., Columbia Branch “The Orphanage by the Lake” by Daniel G. Miller • Thursday, Oct. 23; 6:30 p.m., Domonkas Branch “Wolf Girl” by Leia Stone • Monday, Oct. 27; 6:30 p.m., Domonkas Branch “Starling House” by Alix E. Harrow • Tuesday, Oct. 28; 1 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley – Spend time each month discussing a great book and making new friends. Copies of the books are available at the library. New members are welcome. Preregistration required.

Artsy Story Time: Thursdays, Oct. 16, 23, 30; Nov. 6; 10:30 a.m., South Lorain Branch – Two through 6‑year‑olds and their caregivers will enjoy stories, songs and rhymes, then explore with art materials! Dress for a mess. Preregistration required.

Fiber Arts Groups: Thursdays, Oct. 16, 23, 30; Nov. 6, 13, 20; Noon to 3 p.m., Avon Branch • Thursday, Oct. 16, 23, 30; Nov. 6, 13, 20; Noon to 4 p.m., Columbia Branch • Mondays, Oct. 27; Nov. 24; 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch – For new and long‑time knitters, crocheters, quilters and needleworkers. If you have a “UFO” (an Unfinished Object) that you would like to work on with us, bring it or start something new! Preregistration required.

Kids Crafternoon: Mondays, Oct. 27; 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. • Thursdays, Oct. 16; Nov. 13, 20; 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. • Wednesdays, Oct. 22; Nov. 5; 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Main Library – Work on a mystery craft every week after school.

A Guide to International Horror Movies: Latin America: Thursday, Oct. 16; 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., Zoom, Main Library – Learn about the history, evolution, themes, influences and characteristics of horror movies from outside the United States while viewing clips. Preregistration required. Hybrid.

Intro to BlueSky: Thursday, Oct. 16; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Domonkas Branch – The second in a three‑part series on how to use the social media app BlueSky. Learn how to add images and music to posts. Preregistration required.

Computer Tutoring: Fridays, Oct. 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Noon to 2 p.m., Main Library – Call 440‑244‑1192 to schedule a free one‑on‑one session for help using a computer, the internet or a Microsoft Office application. Please note library staff are unable to provide repair or diagnostic services.

LPLS Geek Squad: Friday, Oct. 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; 3 p.m., South Lorain Branch • Thursday, Nov. 6; 1 to 3 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch • Mondays, 20; Nov. 3, 17; 1 to 3 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch • Wednesday, Nov. 12; 10 to 11:30 a.m., Columbia Branch • Tuesdays, Oct. 21; Nov. 25; 10 to 11:30 a.m., Columbia Branch – Call the branch to book a 45‑minute one‑on‑one appointment for tech help with your Kindle, iPad, tablet, email and more.

Maker‑In‑Residence Open Studio Hours: Fridays, Oct. 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; 3 p.m., South Lorain Branch – Stop in and visit with our current Maker‑In‑Residence, potter Lissi Greeneisen, and learn about her techniques and methods as she demonstrates her eclectic style of functional, decorative and whimsical pottery.

Teen Gaming: Open Play: Fridays, Oct. 17, 24; Nov. 7, 14, 21; 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Avon Branch – Bring your friends and join us during our free gaming hours! For ages 12 and up. Preregistration required.

Browser’s Reading Buddies: Saturday, Nov. 8; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., North Ridgeville Branch • Saturdays, Oct. 18; Nov. 22; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Avon Branch – Children ages 5 to 10 sit and read to a therapy dog for a 20‑minute session. Call the library to register.

Kids Yoga: Saturday, Oct. 18; 11 a.m. to noon, Main Library – Bumble & Flow Kids Yoga introduces kids to yoga through sessions that include poses and mindfulness practices through literacy, play, music, arts and crafts and discussions. For ages 5 to 12. Preregistration required.

Drop‑In Spooky Slate Coasters: Saturday, Oct. 18; 1 to 4 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch – Use the laser to engrave a spooky design onto a slate coaster. All materials provided. Preregistration required.

Classic Movie Afternoon: “Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte”: Saturday, Oct. 18; 2 to 4:30 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch – October’s the month for everything scary, and if these films don’t scare you, better check to see if you still have a pulse! In “Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte,” Bette Davis is a recluse in a Southern mansion on the receiving end of the nasty treatment.

Family Monster Mash: Saturday, Oct. 18; 2 to 4 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch – Dress up in costume and celebrate the spooky season with stories, goofy games, dancing and treats!

Play Magic: The Gathering: Saturday, Oct. 18; 2 to 4 p.m., Columbia Branch – A group play of Magic: The Gathering! We’ll teach you how to play if you don’t already know, and thanks to our partnership with MagiKids, provide cards for those that don’t have their own. Preregistration required.

Cardboard Construction Company: Monday, Oct. 20; 3 to 4 p.m., Columbia Branch • Monday, Oct. 20; 6 to 7 p.m., Domonkas Branch • Tuesday, Oct. 28; 3:30 p.m., Main Library – Get inspired by books about builders, then dream and build your own cardboard creations. Preregistration required.

Laser Cutter and Engraver 101: Monday, Oct. 20; 5:30 p.m., Main Library – Learn the basic skills required to operate the laser cutter and engraver in the Create Space. Preregistration required.

Trivia and Mocktails: Mondays, Oct. 20; Nov. 17; 6:30 p.m., South Lorain Branch – Compete in teams to answer general trivia questions, while sipping refreshments. Topics may vary.

All Ages Coloring Club: Tuesdays, Oct. 21; Nov. 4, 18; 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Main Library – A relaxing afternoon of coloring.

Friends of the Columbia Library, Inc. Meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 21; 5 p.m., Columbia Branch – Join a fun group of other library enthusiasts who host book sales and volunteer at various programs in support of our beloved branch. Preregistration required.

Kids Cook: Black Bean Quesadilla: Tuesday, Oct. 21; 6 to 7 p.m., Domonkas Branch – A beginner’s series for young cooks, bakers and foodies ages 9 to 12. Preregistration required.

Spooky Stories Workshop: Tuesday, Oct. 21; 6:30 p.m., South Lorain Branch – A professional actor from Great Lakes Theater will lead participants in bringing classic spine‑tingling tales to life.

Ohio Means Jobs Career Counseling: Wednesdays, Oct. 22; Nov. 19; 1 to 4:15 p.m., Main Library – Schedule a free appointment with an Ohio Means Jobs Career Counselor to assist you with resumes, cover letters, creating an effective job search strategy and interviewing tips. Call (440) 244‑1192 for more information.

“Goosebumps” Party: Wednesday, Oct. 22; 6:30 p.m., South Lorain Branch – Reader, beware, you’re in for a scare as we celebrate R.L. Stine’s classic “Goosebumps” series with snacks, games and more! For ages 10 and up.

Fix Your Swipe: Wednesday, Oct. 22; 6:30 p.m., Main Library – A mobile dating application workshop where you’ll learn how to create and enhance your profile, tips on writing a bio and selecting quality photos and safe messaging strategies.

American Red Cross Blood Drive: Thursday, Oct. 23; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch – Appointments are needed and can be scheduled online at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1‑800‑RED CROSS.

Friends of the North Ridgeville Branch Library, Inc. Book Sale: Thursday, Oct. 23; 5 to 7:30 p.m. • Friday, Oct. 24; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. • Saturday, Oct. 25; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. • Sunday, Oct. 26; 1 to 4:30 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch – Admission to the book sale preview is for members of the Friends of the North Ridgeville Branch Library, Inc. New members may join or former members may renew their membership that evening. The book sale is open to the public and sponsored by the Friends of the North Ridgeville Branch Library, Inc. Oct. 26 is the Bag Sale.

Haunted Harvest Drive: Thursday, Oct. 23; 4 to 7 p.m., Avon Branch – Drop in for a not‑so‑spooky evening with Halloween‑themed activities and games. For ghosts and ghouls of all ages. Costumes are encouraged!

Game and Puzzle Social: Thursday, Oct. 23; 5:30 p.m., Columbia Branch – Drop in to play games, solve puzzles and have a cup of tea with other adults. Preregistration required.

Cult Classics Film Series; “Psycho”: Thursday, Oct. 23; 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., Zoom, Main Library – You can access the films for free using the streaming service Kanopy in our eLibrary, or on DVD or Blu‑ray. Film choices are subject to change based on availability. “Psycho” by Alfred Hitchcock (1960) A secretary on the run for embezzlement takes refuge at a secluded California motel owned by a repressed man and his overbearing mother. Preregistration required. Hybrid

Story Time in the Woods: Friday, Oct. 24; 10:30 to 11 a.m., Every Child’s Playground, 36265 Detroit Road in Avon – Music, movement activities and play will accompany nature‑themed stories. Dress for the weather and bring a blanket. Weather permitting.

Drop‑In Builders Club: Friday, Oct. 24; 1 to 4 p.m. • Saturday, Oct. 25; 1 to 4 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch – We supply the blocks, you supply the ideas and creations. For ages 5 and up.

Isekai’d to Another Library Book Discussion: Friday, Oct. 24; 3:30 p.m. • Thursday, Nov. 13; 3:30 p.m., Main Library – Explores the vibrant visual storytelling of Manga, Manhwa, Light Novels, Graphic Novels and WebComics through conversation about themes, art styles and cultural impact in illustrated literature.

Book Social at Biggby: Saturdays, Oct. 25; Nov. 29; 11 a.m., Shoreway Shopping Plaza – Join us for a relaxed, community‑centered book event! Each month, we’ll highlight great reads, share book recommendations and chat about what we’ve been loving lately. No required reading – just good conversation and great coffee. Perfect for adults looking to discover new titles and connect with fellow book lovers. Preregistration required.

Estate Planning Workshop: Saturday, Oct. 25; 1 to 3 p.m., South Lorain Branch – Join local attorney Robert Cabrera as he reviews the basics of Estate Planning.

Author Visit: David Miraldi: Saturday, Oct. 25; 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Main Library – A talk with local author, civil trial attorney and Lorain native David Miraldi.

Spooky Story Recital: Saturday, Oct. 25; 2 to 4 p.m., Avon Branch – Horror and creative enthusiasts, enjoy an afternoon of bone‑chilling stories as the winners of the Spooky Short Story Contest read their story submissions and collect their spooktacular prizes! Light refreshments will be served.

Spice Kits: Mondays, Oct. 27; Nov. 24; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Columbia Branch – Drop in during regular hours for a take‑home kit that includes a small amount of a featured spice, a brief history and recommended recipes. Available while supplies last.

Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease? Monday, Oct. 27; 6 to 7 p.m., Main Library – Dementia is defined as a decline in mental ability. It is not a normal part of aging. Discuss the differences in Dementia and Alzheimer’s to gain better understanding of each one with Dr. Alexander F. Zolli.

The Perfect Pairing Book Discussion: Mondays, Oct. 27; Nov. 24; 6 to 7:30 p.m., Avon Branch – Spend an evening each month sampling books and tasting treats while making new friends. Oct. 27; Candy and Crime • Nov. 24; Hummus and Heritage

Preserving Herbs: Tuesday, Oct. 28; 5:30 p.m., Main Library – In observance of Health Literacy Month, learn how to make your own dried herbs for maximizing flavor without the extra sodium. Each participant will take home their own product while supplies last.  Preregistration required.

Abandoned Ohio: Tuesday, Oct. 28; 6:30 p.m., Columbia Branch – An abandoned highway straight out of the zombie apocalypse, mansions with tragic backstories, a bridge leading to nowhere, amusement parks long since closed for the season, a ghost ship and more. See through the eyes of our resident urban explorer and learn the unique histories behind these places hiding in plain sight. Preregistration required.

Frightening Fashion Fun: Tuesday, Oct. 28; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., North Ridgeville Branch – Bring the whole family to create silly costumes using miscellaneous props and then walk the runaway to show them off! Preregistration required.

Patrons can register for programs at LorainPublicLibrary.org/programs. Programs listed as “hybrid” can be attended in person or virtually. Preregistration is required for both options.

Lorain Public Library System Branches: Main Library, 351 W. Sixth St. Lorain, 440-244-1192 • Avon Branch, 37485 Harvest Dr. Avon, 440-934-4743 • Columbia Branch, 13824 W. River Rd. North Columbia Station, 440-236-8751 • Domonkas Branch, 4125 E. Lake Rd. Sheffield Lake, 440-949-7410 • North Ridgeville Branch, 35700 Bainbridge Rd. North Ridgeville, 440-327-8326 • South Lorain Branch, 2121 Homewood Dr. Lorain, 440-277-5672 • Little Library on the Lake, on the beach at Lakeview Park in Lorain