North Ridgeville Review The Community That Cares
Create Space Showcase: Avon Branch, Now through Feb. 28, All open hours – Drop off your Create Space creations throughout the month of February to show off your skills. Submissions will be displayed until Feb. 28.
Baby and Me Story Time: Avon Branch, Tuesdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Feb. 17, 24 OR Wednesdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Feb. 18, 25 • North Ridgeville Branch, Thursdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m. Feb.19, 26 OR Mondays, 10 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 23 • Main Library, Wednesday, Feb. 25 1:30 to 2:30 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. Feb. 17, 24 • Avon Branch, Thursdays, 10 to 10:45 a.m. Feb. 19, 26 – 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.; Feb. 17, 24 OR Wednesdays, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m.; Feb. 18, 25 • North Ridgeville Branch, Wednesdays, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; Feb. 18, 25 OR Thursdays, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; Feb. 19, 26 OR Mondays, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 23 – 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.; Feb. 17, 24 OR Mondays, 6 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23 • Avon Branch, Monday, Feb. 23; 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. OR 6:30 to 7 p.m. – A musical story time for families with children of all ages. Join us for stories with a beat, toe-tapping tunes, instruments and dancing.
Kids Crafternoon: Main Library, Tuesday, Feb. 17; Monday, Feb. 23, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Work on a mystery craft after school.
Art and Audiobooks: Main Library, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 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.
Friends of the Columbia Library, Inc. Meeting: Columbia Branch, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:30 to 7:30 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.
Library Winter Games: South Lorain Branch, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Competitors of all ages are invited to compete in fun challenges during the inaugural Library Winter Games!
Writers Groups: Domonkas Branch, Tuesday, Feb. 17; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. • Main Library, Wednesday, Feb. 18 6 to 7 p.m. — Poetry – Join our pressure-free and friendly writing group. Engage in writing exercises, peer critiques, as well as support for whatever project you are working on.
Family Story Time: Domonkas Branch; Monday, Feb. 23; 11 to 11:30 a.m. • North Ridgeville Branch; Wednesdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Feb. 18, 25 • Columbia Branch; Thursdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m.; Feb. 19, 26 OR Tuesdays, 6 to 6:30 p.m.; Feb. 24 • Main Library; Saturday, Feb. 21; 11 a.m. to noon – Children of all ages with their caregivers are invited to stories, movements, rhyme and play.
Quilters Club: North Ridgeville Branch, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1 to 5 p.m. – Stop on in to explore the long-arm quilter and chat with new and seasoned quilters.
Let’s Play Chess: South Lorain Branch, Wednesdays, 4 to 7:30 p.m., Feb. 18, 25 – Open play sessions are for all levels, from beginner to expert.
Chess Club: Columbia Branch, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 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.
Toni Morrison Statewide Celebration Kickoff Livestream: Main Library, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 5 to 7 p.m.
Browser’s Reading Buddies: South Lorain Branch, Wednesday, Feb. 18; 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.
Sublimation Basics: Main Library, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6 to 7:45 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.
Black History Month Open Mic: South Lorain Branch, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Join us in celebrating Black History Month as we spotlight and appreciate Black writers and poets in our community and across the country. Share your favorites or your own work!
Book Discussions: Wednesday, Feb. 18; 6:30 p.m. North Ridgeville Branch; “Triple Crown” by Felix Francis and Dick Francis • Thursday, Feb. 19; 10:30 a.m. Avon Branch; “Eddie Winston is Looking for Love” by Marianne Cronin • Thursday, Feb. 19; 6:30 p.m. Domonkas Branch; “Spark of the Everflame” by Penn Cole • Monday, Feb. 23; 6 p.m. Avon Branch; Jelly and Jealousy • Monday, Feb. 23; 6:30 p.m. Domonkas Branch; Call branch for title • Tuesday, Feb. 24; 1 p.m. North Ridgeville Branch; “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen • Tuesday, Feb. 24; 6 p.m. South Lorain Branch; “Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder” by Joanne Fluke • Wednesday, Feb. 25; 1:30 p.m. Columbia Branch; “People of Means” by Nancy Johnson • Monday, March 2, 6:30 p.m. Columbia Branch; “Days of Wonder” by Caroline Leavitt – 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, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Feb. 19, 26 – 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: South Lorain Branch Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon; Feb. 21, 28 • Avon Branch Thursdays, Noon to 3 p.m., Feb. 19 • Columbia Branch Thursdays, Noon to 4 p.m., Feb. 19, 26 • North Ridgeville Branch Monday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Feb. 23 – 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.
LPLS Geek Squad: Columbia Branch; Tuesday, Feb. 24; 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • North Ridgeville Branch Thursday, Feb. 19, 5 to 7 p.m.; Monday, March 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.
STEAM: Science of Snow: Avon Branch Thursday, Feb. 19; 6 to 7 p.m.; Family STEAM – Families will explore different science, technology, engineering, art and math topics with hands-on activities. For children in kindergarten to eighth grade with a parent or guardian.
Puzzles and Podcasts: A Night of True Crime and ProblemSolving: Main Library, Thursday, Feb. 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m. – Relax and listen to a gripping true crime story while solving jigsaw puzzles and riddles.
Poster Power with Canva: South Lorain Branch, Thursday, Feb. 19, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. – Learn the basics of graphic design in this hands-on workshop just for teens! Using Canva, you’ll create eye-catching posters while picking up introductory design skills like layout, color choice and typography. Participants must have an active email address to register for a free Canva account. Preregistration required.
Chronic Disease Self-Management: South Lorain Branch, Friday, Feb. 20, 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, Friday, Feb. 20, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Bring your friends and join us during our free gaming hours! For ages 12 and up.
Dance and Drum Your Heart Healthy: Main Library, Friday, Feb. 20, 4 to 5:30 p.m. – Explore the power of African drumming and dance to promote physical and emotional well-being. Whether you’re drumming along to the vibrant beats or dancing to the rhythm, this program is designed to get your heart pumping and spirits soaring. All skill levels welcome.
Friendship Bracelet Making: Main Library, Friday, Feb. 20, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. – A fun, hands-on craft program where participants learn to make colorful friendship bracelets using embroidery floss and simple knotting techniques. All materials provided.
Book Social at Biggby Coffee: Biggby Coffee: 4100 E Lake Rd, Sheffield Lake., Saturday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m. to noon – 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.
Speed Friending in Your 20s and 30s: Avon Branch, Saturday, Feb. 21, Noon to 2 p.m. – Socialize with other twenty- and thirty- somethings with speed friending, a series of short conversations designed to help participants meet new friends. After chatting there will be time for coffee and casual activities so you can further your new friendships.
World Record Challenge: Showcase of Champions: North Ridgeville Branch, Saturday, Feb. 21, 1 to 3 p.m. – Did you master the challenges at your home branch? See how you rank against others around the system! 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!
Play Magic: The Gathering: Columbia Branch, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2 to 4 p.m. – 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.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament: Avon Branch, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2 to 4 p.m. – Join fellow gamers to compete for a small prize and the title of Super Smash Bros. Champion. Open to ages 10 and up. Preregistration required.
Family Films: The Originals; “The Little Mermaid”: Main Library, Saturday, Feb. 21, 3 to 5 p.m. – See the original Disney films that inspired the current trend of live-action re-makes in all their glory. We start off with a trio of musicals by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken.
British Royal Palaces and Gardens: North Ridgeville Branch, Sunday, Feb. 22, 3 to 4 p.m. – Join Julie Koenig from Royally Amused to discover some of the royal palaces and gardens. Learn about Buckingham Palace where state banquets are held which hosts the largest garden in central London, King Charles’ weekend residence Highgrove House with one of the most beautiful gardens in the United Kingdom and Glamis Castle in Scotland, home to the late Queen “Mum” Elizabeth. Sponsored by The Friends of the North Ridgeville Branch Library, Inc. Preregistration required.
Spice Kits: Columbia Branch, Monday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Infuse excitement and flavor into every meal with our spice kits! 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.
Little Athletes: Winter Sports Story Time: Main Library, Monday, Feb. 23, 11 to 11:30 a.m. – An energetic story time featuring winter sports-themed books, songs, fingerplays and simple movement and craft activities tailored for toddlers and their caregivers.
Backyard Bounty: Veggie Garden Planning for Small(er) Urban Spaces: Main Library, Monday, Feb. 23, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Learn how to plan for production and perpetuity in the constraints of urban back yard spaces, as well as how to identify common obstacles and pitfalls in residential spaces. We will discuss selection of plants to minimize disease and pests, talk about heirloom and exotic varieties and some unique pressures that urban and suburban veggie gardeners face. A useful list of resources will be available for participants
Autoimmune Diseases: Main Library, Monday, Feb. 23, 6 to 7 p.m. – Autoimmune diseases represent a complex and wide-spread array of medical conditions. Unravel some of the mysteries and explain established ways of treatment with Dr. Alexander F. Zolli.
“K-Pop Demon Hunters” Night: Columbia Branch, Monday, Feb. 23, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Grab your squad, charge your lightsticks and slay the night like legends with crafts, snacks and more. For tweens and teens ages 11 and up. Preregistration required.
CNC Desktop Milling Machine 101: Avon Branch, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to noon – Learn the basic skills required to use the CNC desktop milling machine in the Create Space. Preregistration required.
All Ages Coloring Club: Main Library, Tuesdays, Feb. 24, 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.
Memory Café: Avon Branch, Tuesday, Feb. 24; 6 to 7:30 p.m. • Domonkas Branch, Friday, Feb. 27; 10:30 a.m. to noon – 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.
Kids Cook: Roasted Winter Garden: South Lorain Branch Tuesday, Feb. 24; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. • Domonkas Branch Wednesday, Feb. 25; 6 to 7 p.m. – A beginner’s series for young cooks, bakers and foodies ages 5 to 8. Preregistration required.
Ohio Means Jobs Career Counseling: Main Library, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 1 to 4:15 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. Call 440-244-1192 for more information.
Spades Smackdown Tournament: Main Library, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m. – Grab a partner and join us for an exciting tournament where players of all skill levels can compete, strategize and have fun. Whether you’re a seasoned Spades pro or a first-timer, this event will challenge your card-playing skills in a friendly yet competitive environment.
Celebrate Black Inventors: South Lorain Branch, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Celebrate Black History Month by exploring the work of Black inventors through hands-on activities. For children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
American Red Cross Blood Drive: North Ridgeville Branch, Thursday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Appointments are needed and can be scheduled online at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Bilingual Story Time: Main Library, Thursday, Feb. 26, 11 to 11:30 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 Crochet Help: Avon Branch, Thursday, Feb. 26, Noon to 3 p.m. – Join our Fiber Arts Group and get your crochet questions answered by an instructor. Materials are provided while supplies last, but you are welcome to bring your own yarn and crochet hooks.
Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Celebration: Avon Branch, Thursday, Feb. 26, 5 to 6:30 p.m. – Hey, listen! Embark on a heroic quest at our Legend of Zelda-themed celebration, where games, crafts and activities await adventurers of all ages. Don your green tunic, grab your Sheikah Slate and join us for a legendary evening of fun in Hyrule!
Black Artists for Kids: Main Library, Thursday, Feb. 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m. – Celebrate the legacies of Black artists by learning about their work and creating a project inspired by their artform.
History of Negro Spirituals: Main Library, Thursday, Feb. 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m. – Celebrate African American musical heritage with Lorain Public Library with an engaging musical presentation by community activist and vocalist Jeanine Donaldson.
Intro to Native Plants: Columbia Branch, Thursday, Feb. 26, 6 to 7 p.m. – This brief talk presented by Meadow City Nursery is the perfect introduction to the importance and beauty of native plants. It also contains interesting details that may be new to those familiar with the subject.
Music Therapy and More: North Ridgeville Branch, Thursday, Feb. 26, 6:30 to 7 p.m. – Led by a board-certified music therapist, this program is for families with children ages 6 and younger who are struggling in an area of development. Learn how to use music to improve academic, motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior. To register go to connectingforkids.org/music. Preregistration required.
The Life and Times of C.S. Lewis: Domonkas Branch, Thursday, Feb. 26, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Discover the life and legacy of the classic author C.S. Lewis
Virtual Cult Classics Film Discussion: “Anora”: Main Library, Thursday, Feb. 26, 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. Preregistration required. Hybrid. A young sex worker from Brooklyn meets and impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairy tale is threatened as his parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled.
Kiwanis and Community Helper Story Time: North Ridgeville Branch, Friday, Feb. 27, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. – The Kiwanis Club of North Ridgeville and a special visitor host a community helpers-themed story time, craft and activities.
Passport Acceptance Fair: Avon Branch, Saturday, Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – The Avon Branch processes passport applications regularly by appointment. During the Passport Acceptance Fair, you can drop in to apply! Please consult our Passport Services page, www.lorainpubliclibrary.org/using-the-library/passport-services, for required documents and payment to bring or call the branch at 440-934-4743 for more information.
Estate Planning: Protecting Assets: South Lorain Branch, Saturday, Feb. 28, 1 to 3 p.m. – Local Attorney Robert Cabrera will discuss advanced care and estate planning with a focus on protecting assets. Topics will include Ohio Medicaid guidelines, Ohio Medicaid estate recovery program and Medicaid Qualified Income Trust (QIT) (Miller Trust).
I Love You to Pieces Craft: Domonkas Branch, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Create a unique, romantic valentine craft with puzzle pieces, paint and inspiration! Preregistration required.
CheckMates: Columbia Branch, Saturday, Feb. 28, 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.
Financial Wellness: Intro to Investments: North Ridgeville Branch, Sunday, March 1, 3 to 4:30 p.m. – Join a Primerica representative and learn more about investment basics that can get you on the path to a better financial future. Sponsored by the Friends of the North Ridgeville Branch Library, Inc.
Coffee and Conversation: South Lorain Branch, Monday, March 2, 10 to 11 a.m. – Join us for Coffee and Conversation—a friendly social group for seniors to connect, share stories, and enjoy good company while enjoying a hot beverage and a snack.
Quilting Machine 101: North Ridgeville Branch, Monday, March 2, 10 a.m. to noon – Learn the basic skills required to use the quilting machine in the Create Space. Preregistration required.
Identifying Transitional Skills: Main Library, Monday, March 2, 1 to 4 p.m. – Identify your unique talents and how to highlight them to prospective employers. Additionally, learn the roadblocks that currently face applicants in the job market. Presented by Ohio Means Jobs.
Kids Cook: Cinnamon Porridge with Bananas and Raisins: Columbia Branch, Monday, March 2, 4 to 5 p.m. – A beginner’s series for young cooks, bakers and foodies. Preregistration required.
Game Time: Let’s Play Card Games: Avon Branch, Monday, March 2, 5 to 7 p.m. – Get your game on! Drop in with friends and family to learn the rules for some classic card games, or pick from board games, chess and a mix of current and classic video games.
Family Yoga: Main Library, Monday, March 2, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Bumble & Flow Kids Yoga introduces families to yoga through sessions that include poses and mindfulness practices through literacy, play, music, arts and crafts and discussions. Preregistration required.
Machine Embroidery 101: Main Library, Monday, March 2, 5 to 7:30 p.m. – Learn the basics skills required to use the embroidery machine in the Create Space. Preregistration required.
Kids Cook: Mint and Pineapple Salad: South Lorain Branch, Monday, March 2, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – A beginner’s series for young cooks, bakers and foodies ages 5-8. Preregistration required.
A Taste of History: Cheap American Pies: Columbia Branch, Tuesday, March 3, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Learn about cultures from the past and sample recipes pulled directly from the pages of history. This month, we’ll be sampling pies from times when Americans had to improvise! Preregistration required.
Computer Class: South Lorain Branch, Tuesday, March 3, 1 to 3 p.m. – Say goodbye to tech confusion. You’ll have direct access to a professional Techne Digital Navigators who will walk you through every step, answer all your questions and have you leaving the training feeling more confident with every click of the mouse. Call or text 440-782-1159 to learn more.
Medicare Enrollment at 65: A Complete Guide: Columbia Branch, Tuesday, March 3, 5:30 to 7 p.m. – An informative session with a local Medicare specialist to learn about the parts of Medicare, coverage and costs, the enrollment process, common mistakes to avoid and supplemental insurance options.
World Wildlife Day at the Library: Main Library, Tuesday, March 3, 6 to 7 p.m. – An exciting demonstration and hands-on experience from the Lorain County Metro Parks about reptiles and amphibians. Preregistration required.
Anime Night: Avon Branch, Tuesday, March 3, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – 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
