MEDINA, Ohio — More than 100 kids received a special Valentine’s Day surprise, thanks to many donations to the Medina County District Library (MCDL).
MCDL hosted the Snuggle Up and Read initiative in December to create gift sets for kids for Valentine’s Day.
The program brought in donations of pajamas and books at all MCDL locations. Patrons and staff donated enough pajamas and books to make 111 sets.
Volunteers at the Buckeye Library sorted the pajamas by size, matched them with age-appropriate books, and bagged them for donation to Birthcare of Medina County and Catholic Charities, Medina location.
The items were delivered Feb. 10 and will be available to clients at both locations.
MCDL thanks volunteers
In 2025, MCDL volunteers donated a total of 1,879 hours of service.
The library system took some time to honor student and adult volunteers who reached some milestones this year.
Jill Holtzapple of Lodi reached more than 900 hours. Brunswick’s Denise Noll and Highland’s Rhonda Hoop reached more than 600 hours.
Buckeye’s Katie Kunz reached more than 200 hours. Margaret Zalenski of Brunswick, Lillian Kuzmins of Highland and Mary Baker, Amelia Prifti and Eshan Shingledecker of Medina reached more than 100 hours.
Those reaching more than 50 hours include Myriam Bellflower, Claire Bowers, Jacob Cloyes, Lucas Kiedrowski and Lily LaGuardia of Brunswick; Vincent Joy, Ella Matyac and Josh Swantek of Buckeye; Yasmeen Bari of Highland; and Kevin Holy of Medina.
Groups that have volunteered their time include Alternative Paths, Educational Service Center of Medina County, Enhance Ability and Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
MCDL hosts multiple spring art shows
Spring is a time when MCDL branches celebrate art for all ages.
The B. Smith Gallery at Medina Library will have the Teen Juried Art Competition and Scholarship Show March 9 through April 5.
There will be a reception at 6:30 p.m. March 11.
The Medina County Art League awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors continuing their art education in college.
You can also view the works of teens and adults in the Community Art Show April 12 through May 9. Calls for entries will be April 6-8.
The MCDL Staff Art Show will be May 18 through June 13 and will showcase the diverse artistic talents of MCDL staff.
The AC Passages Art Show will take place April 1-30 at Highland Library, where spring colors will ignite colorful reflections onto canvas.
The show features works of art by adults who have developmental disabilities.
The Medina County District Library features galleries at the Medina, Brunswick, Highland and Lodi libraries.
For more information on showcasing art at MCDL, visit mcdl.info/art or email [email protected].
MCDL hosts healthy home and lifestyle events
Spring is a time for health and rejuvenation, and MCDL has many events scheduled to help patrons recharge and build healthy habits.
Afternoon Tea Club will take place at the Brunswick Library at 1:30 p.m. March 11, April 8 and May 13. No registration is required.
Lodi will offer Cookbook Club at 6 p.m. March 19, April 16 and May 21. No registration is required.
Lodi will also offer an event at 6 p.m. May 20, where patrons will learn how to make gluten-free comfort foods in an instant pot. Register at mcdl.info/FoodEvents.
Buckeye will offer Memory Café at 1 p.m. March 2, April 6 and May 4. Patrons can enjoy light snacks, fun activities, socialization and resources for those living with memory loss, along with their care partners. No registration is required.
Brunswick will offer Sound Bath at 1 p.m. April 1. Participants can discover the benefits of sound therapy and enjoy a relaxing sound bath. Register at mcdl.info/HealthEvents.
Brunswick will offer the seminar “Keeping Your Teeth Healthy” at 6 p.m. April 28. Dr. Omar Salameh shares how aging adults can care for their teeth and maintain oral health. Attendees have an opportunity to win a water flosser. Register at mcdl.info/HealthEvents.
Chair Yoga will take place at 6 p.m. April 28 at the Lodi Library. Register at mcdl.info/HealthEvents.
Lodi also will offer Downsizing and Decluttering at 6 p.m. March 12, presented by the AARP Ohio Speakers Bureau. Register at mcdl.info/HomeEvents.
OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers will be at the Brunswick Library March 19 with information on growing potatoes and April 30 for simple composting. Both events will be at 6:30 p.m. Register at mcdl.info/HomeEvents.
Brunswick also will offer an event at 6:30 p.m. March 30 where participants will learn about organic lawn care. Register at mcdl.info/HomeEvents.
A perennial exchange will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. May 9 at the Medina Library. Patrons can bring healthy, labeled perennials to exchange for new varieties. OSU Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer plant-care questions. No registration is required.
Lodi will host an event at 6 p.m. May 12 where guests can learn the benefits of rain barrels and how they protect the environment. No registration is required.
MCDL hosts myriad of history events
The Medina Library will host a traveling exhibit organized by the National First Ladies Library and Museum March 1-31.
And a family history series sponsored by the Medina County Genealogical Society will be offered at the Medina Library at 2 p.m. March 7.
Learn about the records the Medina County Clerk of Courts Office collects and how to access them. The event will be presented by Kim Mihalko, deputy clerk of courts.
At 2 p.m. April 4, participants can hear from Mary Milne Jamba to discover how ChatGPT can be used effectively for genealogical purposes.
At 2 p.m. May 16, Peggy Ash will discuss how to use resources on the General Land Office website to acquire land patents and surveys for cash sales, homesteads, preemption and military bounty.
The Lake County Historical Society will be at the Buckeye Library at 6 p.m. March 10 to share stories of women doing men’s jobs during World War II. Register at mcdl.info/HistoryEvents.
The Medina Library will host a genealogy discussion group at 12:30 p.m. March 11, April 8 and May 13. Connect with fellow genealogists to discuss research, share hints and ask questions.
The Brunswick Library will host an event at 6 p.m. March 16 where guests can discover the life and legacy of Julia Child through an immersive performance. Register at mcdl.info/HistoryEvents.
“Royally Amused” will be at the Seville Library at 6 p.m. March 19. Guests can learn about the heroes of the Special Operations Executive during World War II. Register at mcdl.info/HistoryEvents.
Lodi will host “Ray Chapman and the Cleveland Indians” at 6:30 p.m. March 23. Learn about the 1920s Cleveland Indians. Register at mcdl.info/HistoryEvents.
“Titanic and the End of the Edwardian Era” will be the topic at 6 p.m. April 8 at the Lodi Library. Register at mcdl.info/HistoryEvents.
“Ghosts of the Civil War: Shades of Blue and Gray” is a two-person, one-act play that features ghost stories of the Civil War. Largely Literary Theater Company will present this production at 6:30 p.m. April 8 at the Buckeye Library. No registration is required.
The Seville Library will host “The Case of Sam Sheppard” at 6 p.m. April 20. The event is presented by the Western Reserve Historical Society. Register at mcdl.info/HistoryEvents.
Read more from the Medina Sun.
link