Lorain Public Library Programming: January 20 to February 3

Baby and Me Story Time: Avon Branch, Tuesdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Jan. 20, 27; Feb. 3 OR Wednesday, 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Jan. 21, 28 • North Ridgeville, Thursday, 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Jan. 22; OR Monday, 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Jan. 26 • Main Library, Wednesday, Jan. 28; 1 to 2 p.m. – Bounce, wiggle and play at this interactive story time. For infants, birth through 18 months, or early walkers, with their caregivers.

Preschool Story Time: North Ridgeville Branch, Tuesdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Jan. 20, 27; Feb. 3 • Avon Branch, Thursday, 10 to 10:45 a.m.; Jan. 22 – Stories, movement and rhymes for 3 through 5-year-olds with their caregivers.

Toddler Story Time: Avon Branch, Tuesdays, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m.; Jan. 20, 27; Feb. 3 OR Wednesday, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m.; Jan. 21, 28 • North Ridgeville Branch, Wednesday, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; Jan. 21, 28; OR Thursday, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; Jan. 22, 29; OR Monday, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; Jan. 26; Feb. 2 • Main Library, Tuesday, Jan. 27; 1 to 1:30 p.m. – Stories, movement and rhymes for active walkers through 3‑year‑olds with their caregivers.

Books, Beats and Bubbles: North Ridgeville Branch, Tuesdays, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; Jan. 20, 27; Feb. 3 OR Monday, 6 to 6:30 p.m.; Jan. 26; Feb. 2 • Avon Branch, Monday, 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. OR 6:30 to 7 p.m.; Jan. 26; Feb. 2 – A musical story time for families with children of all ages. Join us for stories with a beat, toe-tapping tunes, instruments and dancing.

Friends of the Lorain Public Library, Inc. General Meeting: Main Library, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 5 to 6:30 p.m. – Join a fun group of other library enthusiasts who host book sales and volunteer at various programs in support of our beloved branch.

Art and Audiobooks: Main Library, Tuesdays, Jan. 20; Feb. 3, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Bring your current crochet, knitting, needlepoint or other craft project to work on while listening to an audiobook together. Puzzles and coloring pages will also be available.

Family Story Time: Domonkas Branch, Mondays, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; Jan. 26; Feb. 2 • North Ridgeville Branch, Wednesday, 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Jan. 21, 28 • Columbia Branch, Thursday, 10:30 to 11 a.m.; Jan. 22, 29 OR Tuesdays, 6 to 6:30 p.m.; Jan. 20, 27; Feb. 3 • Main Library, Saturday, 11 a.m. to noon, Jan. 24 – Children of all ages with their caregivers are invited to stories, movements, rhyme and play.

Explore Free Streaming: South Lorain Branch, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Learn about free streaming sites for movies, music and tv shows.

The Lakeview Pen Writers Group: Domonkas Branch, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – 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.

Quilters Club: North Ridgeville Branch, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 1 to 5 p.m. – Stop on in to explore the long-arm quilter and chat with new and seasoned quilters.

Kids Crafternoon: Main Library, Wednesday, Jan. 21 and Monday, Jan. 26, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Work on a mystery craft every week after school.

Let’s Play Chess: South Lorain Branch, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 4 to 7:30 p.m. – Open play sessions are for all levels, from beginner to expert.

Chess Club: Columbia Branch, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 5 to 7 p.m. – 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.

Browser’s Reading Buddies: South Lorain Branch, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Children ages 5 to 10 are invited to read to a therapy dog in the library. Please call to register your child for a specific 20-minute reading time. Bring a book or come early and select one to read.

Poetry Writing Group: Main Library, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6 to 7 p.m. – Bring samples of your completed poetry or work in progress to share with the group, receive feedback and exchange ideas.

World Record Challenge: Domonkas Branch Wednesday, Jan. 21; 6 to 7:30 p.m. • Avon Branch Saturday, Jan. 31; 1 to 3 p.m. – Think you have what it takes to break a world record? Drop in for a fast-paced, fun-filled time where families take on wacky challenges and try to set their own records through creativity, teamwork and laughter!

All About Resumes: South Lorain Branch, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Learn the basics to creating and editing your resume.

Simple Machine Challenge: North Ridgeville Branch, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – School-age kids will be challenged to create a simple machine using supplied materials to do a specific task. Preregistration required.

Book Discussions: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m. North Ridgeville Branch; “Echo of Murder” by Anne Perry • Monday, Jan. 26, 6 p.m. Avon Branch; Mint and Mystery • Monday, Jan. 26; 6:30 p.m., Domonkas Branch; call branch for title • Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1 p.m. North Ridgeville Branch; “Beartown” by Fredrik Backman • Tuesday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m. South Lorain Branch; “The Quiche of Death” by M.C. Beaton • Wednesday, Jan. 28; 1 pm. At the Columbia Branch “Outside” by Ragnar Jónasson • Monday, Feb. 2; 6 p.m. At the Columbia Branch “The Writing Retreat” by Julia Bartz • Tuesday, Feb. 3; 6 p.m. Domonkas Branch “Every Season is Soup Season” by Shelly Wasterhausen Worcel – 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: South Lorain Branch, Thursdays, Jan. 22, 29, 10 to 11 a.m. – Two through 6-year-olds and their caregivers will enjoy stories, songs and rhymes, then explore with art materials! Dress for a mess.

Fiber Arts Groups: Columbia Branch, Thursdays, Jan. 22, 29, Noon to 4 p.m. • Avon Branch, Thursday, Jan. 22, Noon to 3 p.m. • South Lorain Branch, Saturdays, Jan. 24, 31, 10 a.m. to noon • North Ridgeville, Monday, Jan. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – For new and longtime knitters and crocheters. If you have a “UFO” (an Unfinished Object) that you would like to work on with us, bring it or start something new! No membership or prior fiber arts skills required, we’re just a fun group that encourage, admire and enjoy each other’s company.

Backyard Birds with Lorain County Metro Parks: South Lorain Branch, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2 to 3 p.m. – Staff from Lorain County Metro Parks will introduce common bird species that visit our county throughout the year. Attendees will also learn tips on how to create a bird-feeding station. Preregistration required.

Pop-Up Pokestop: Avon Branch, Thursday, Jan. 22, 5 to 6:30 p.m. – Stop in for Pokemon crafts, snap a photo with Pikachu, make a new friend on Pokemon Go or bring your cards to play or trade with others!

Story Time for Adults: Main Library, Thursday, Jan. 22, 6 to 7 p.m. – Join us for a relaxing and engaging hour of read-aloud literature, thoughtfully selected for adult listeners. Perfect for those who enjoy being read to, are looking to reduce screen time or simply want a break from the everyday.

Kids Cook: Seeds and Sprouts Salad: South Lorain Branch, Thursday, Jan. 22, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. – A beginner’s series for young chefs, bakers and foodies age 9 to 12. Preregistration required.

The Day the Sun Disappeared: Domonkas Branch, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – How a singular natural disaster affected the world and its climate for nearly a century. Hybrid. Preregistration required.

Cult Classics Film Discussion: “Beauty and the Beast” (1946): Main Library, Thursday, Jan. 22, 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. – Join us to discuss this month’s chosen film from those available to stream via Kanopy in our eLibrary, or for loan on DVD or Blu-Ray. Watch the film and come prepared to share your thoughts on the plot, acting and characters, setting and more. Film choice is subject to change based on availability. A beautiful young woman takes her father’s place as the prisoner of a mysterious beast, who wishes to marry her. Preregistration required. Hybrid

Polar Bear and Penguin Pops: Columbia Branch, Friday, Jan. 23, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Drop in to make two wintery snacks. While supplies last. For ages 4 to 9.

Chronic Disease Self-Management: South Lorain Branch, Friday, Jan. 23, 2 to 4:30 p.m. – Staff from Fairhill Partners will teach participants practical ways to deal with chronic disease symptoms and challenges, make a plan to improve their health, understand new treatment options and discover better ways to talk to their doctor and family about their health. Preregistration required.

Teen Gaming: Open Play: Avon Branch, Fridays, Jan. 23, 30, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Bring your friends and join us during our free gaming hours! For ages 12 and up.

Friends of the Avon Library Book Room Hours: Avon Branch, Saturdays, Jan. 24, 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – The Friends of the Avon Library Book Room is open to the public. Find books and DVDs for all ages for a suggested donation of $1 per item.

Fit for Free: Columbia Branch, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2 to 3 p.m. – Explore a variety of free fitness apps and programs that cater to all levels of fitness enthusiasts. From workout routines to tracking progress and staying motivated, these tools offer everything you need to kickstart and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Make a Dubai Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Treat: Domonkas Branch, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2 to 3 p.m. – Get crafty in our kitchen by re-creating the viral Dubai Chocolate Bar in the form of a strawberry dessert. Dress for a mess. Preregistration required.

Microsoft Word Basics: North Ridgeville Branch, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2 to 4 p.m. – Learn how to enter and format text and images, change line spacing, copy and paste. Saving and printing will be discussed. Preregistration required.

Video Game Trivia: Main Library, Saturday, Jan. 24, 3 to 4:30 p.m. – Gamers will compete for prizes by correctly answering questions ranging from classic titles to indie games to modern hits.

Growing Up Cleveland: Barnaby, Captain Penny and Ghoulardi: North Ridgeville Branch, Sunday, Jan. 25, 3 to 4 p.m. – Relive the days of early television and along the way have fun with some trivia featuring Cleveland’s children television shows of yore. Sponsored by The Friends of the North Ridgeville Branch Library, Inc.

Spice Kits: Columbia Branch, Monday, Jan. 26, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. – 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.

Winter Watercolors: South Lorain Branch, Monday, Jan. 26, 11 a.m. to noon – Use tape resist to create a winter scene with watercolor paint.

Aging in Lorain County: What You Need to Know: Columbia Branch, Monday, Jan. 26, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Learn about services for older adults in Lorain County and how to can age safely in the place you choose to call home.

CNC Desktop Milling Machine 101: North Ridgeville Branch, Monday, Jan. 26; 6 to 7 p.m. – Learn the basic skills required to use the CNC desktop milling machine in the Create Space. Preregistration required.

Debunking the Myths of Cancer: Main Library, Monday, Jan. 26, 6 to 7 p.m. – Cancer myths abound. In our time together, Dr. Alexander F. Zolli presents scientific facts that provide accurate information and reduce fear and misinformation.

History of Board Games: North Ridgeville Branch Monday, Jan. 26; 6 to 7 p.m. • Columbia Branch Wednesday, Jan. 28; 6 to 7 p.m. – From the very first game of dice in 5,000 B.C. to Monopoly and Scrabble, follow the development of the board game from its prehistoric roots.

LPLS Geek Squad: Columbia Branch; Wednesday, Jan. 27; 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • North Ridgeville Branch Monday, Feb. 2; 1 to 3 p.m. – Call us to book a 45-minute one-on-one appointment for tech help with your Kindle, iPad, tablet, email and more.

Winter Wonders: Toddler Story Time: Main Library, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1 to 1 p.m. – A cozy story time featuring winter-themed books, songs, fingerplays and a simple craft designed for toddlers and their caregivers.

All Ages Coloring Club: Main Library, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Relax, unwind and express yourself through coloring. All supplies will be provided including a variety of coloring pages from simple designs to intricate patterns. Open to all ages and skill levels.

Color Your Own Labubu Keychain: Domonkas Branch, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 6 to 7 p.m. – Design and color your own mini monster keychain, inspired by the art of Kasing Lung. Preregistration required.

Memory Café: Avon Branch, Tuesday, Jan. 27; 6 to 7:30 p.m. • Domonkas Branch Friday, Jan. 30; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – A relaxing and comfortable gathering for people with memory loss and their caregivers to connect, socialize and build new support networks. Enjoy meaningful activities that promote social interaction, companionship and learning.

Ohio Means Jobs Career Counseling: Main Library, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1 to 4 p.m. – 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.

Black Artists for Kids: Main Library, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6 to 7 p.m. – Celebrate the legacies of Black artists by learning about their work and creating a project inspired by their artform.

Family STEM Night: Game On: Domonkas Branch, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6 to 7 p.m. – Pay and explore a series of board games that test your engineering and math skills while competing against your family members.

Sublimation Basics: Main Library, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6 to 7 p.m. – Learn the basic skills of the sublimation printer in the Create Space to create print-on-demand products like cups, coasters and clothing.  Must be comfortable operating a computer on your own.

Bilingual Story Time: Main Library, Thursday, Jan. 29, 11 a.m. – Vengan a leer y bailar! Children of all ages with their caregivers are invited to enjoy music and stories in both English and Spanish.

Basic Knitting Help: Avon Branch, Thursday, Jan. 29, 12 to 3 p.m. – Join our Fiber Arts Group and get your knitting questions answered by an instructor. Materials are provided while supplies last, but you are welcome to bring your own yarn and knitting needles.

Friends of the North Ridgeville Branch, Inc. General Membership Meeting: North Ridgeville Branch, Thursday, Jan. 29, 5 to 7 p.m. – Join a fun group of library enthusiasts who host book sales and volunteer at various programs in support of your beloved branch.

Avon City Council Meet and Greet: Avon Branch, Thursday, Jan. 29, 6 to 7 p.m. – Get to know your current Avon City Council members at this informal event for the public. Light refreshments.

Bad Art Night: North Ridgeville Branch, Thursday, Jan. 29, 6 to 7 p.m. – We provide the supplies; you provide the imagination and see if anyone actually creates “bad art.” Intended for ages 13 and up.

The Pre-Raphaelites: Domonkas Branch, Thursday, Jan. 29, 6 to 7 p.m. – Discover the art and influence of the Pre-Raphaelite artists.

Drop-In Sublimated Pet ID Tags: North Ridgeville Branch, Friday, Jan. 30, 1 to 4 p.m. – Make an ID tag for your pet using our sublimation printer in the Create Space. All materials provided.

Counting Winter Animals: Domonkas Branch, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2 to 3 p.m. – Join us for games and a simple craft that will help preschoolers develop the foundational skills for kindergarten readiness. For ages 2 to 6.

Family Concert and Sing-Along: North Ridgeville Branch, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2 to 3 p.m. – Join Sheela Das of Creative Concepts in Music for an interactive family-friendly sing-along concert.

CheckMates: Columbia Branch, Saturday, Jan. 31, 3 to 4 p.m. – The chess club just for younger patrons, from grade school to teens. Learn how to play chess, solve puzzles, watch live international competitions and compete head‑to‑head in friendly matches. All skill levels welcome.

Lorain County Family Recipes: Avon Branch, Saturday, Jan. 31, 4 to 5 p.m. – Join author and lifelong Lorainite Kelly Boyer Sagert as she shares the incredible migration stories and delicious recipes that make Lorain County such a wonderful place to live and eat.

People and the Posts: Mail in Early Lorain County: North Ridgeville Branch, Sunday, Feb. 1, 3 to 4 p.m. – Discover the origins of ten communities and their post offices that no longer operate; places such as Trinity, Shawville, Nickel Plate and Brownhelm. Learn about these post offices and related local postal history. Sponsored by The Friends of the North Ridgeville Branch Library, Inc.

Create Space Showcase: Avon Branch, Monday, Feb. 2, All day – Drop off your Create Space creations throughout the month of February to show off your skills. Submissions will be displayed until Feb. 28.

Legacy Letters: Sharing the Story of You: Columbia Branch, Monday, Feb. 2, 10 to 11 a.m. – Unlike legal wills that transfer material possessions, an ethical will bequeaths personal values, reflections, traditions, advice and memories to loved ones.

Genealogy Drop-In: Main Library, Monday, Feb. 2, 1 to 3 p.m. – Meet us at the reference desk, where two computers with Ancestry and FamilySearch access are available.  Preregistration is required.

Dungeons & Dragons Adventuring Academy: Main Library, Monday, Feb. 2, 4 to 6 p.m. – Fancy yourself an adventurer? Dive into the fantastical world of D&D to become the hero or villain you were always destined to become. All levels of experience welcome.

Game Time: Avon Branch, Monday, Feb. 2, 5 to 7 p.m. – Get your game on! Drop in with friends and family to play some board games, chess and a mix of current and classic video games.

AI For Beginners: Main Library, Monday, Feb. 2, 6 to 7 p.m. – A conversation on the basics of how artificial intelligence works, how it’s being used and tips for spotting articles and photos created using AI.

Game and Puzzle Social: Columbia Branch, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Play games, solve puzzles and have a cup of tea with other adults.

Anime Night: Avon Branch, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 6 to 7 pm. – Join fellow fans for an evening of anime, manga and light refreshments. For ages 12 and up.

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

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, Lorain