1 THE NEXT CHAPTER February - May 2026 Newsletter Elyria Public Library www.elyrialibrary.org
2 UPCOMING CLOSINGS EPL opens program registration at various times according to age group. Adult Programs: Registration opens simulatenously on January 5. Kid, Family Programs: Registration opens four weeks prior to program date. Tween, Teen Programs: Registration opens four weeks prior to program date. www.elyrialibrary.org A Note from the Director Library News Central West River Keystone South Outreach IN THIS ISSUE 2 3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10 11 PROGRAM REGISTRATION SUMMER READING PROGRAM Mark your calendar! May 26 - July 31 Staff Development May 1 Memorial Day May 25 DEAR FRIENDS, When I moved here from Michigan in 2008, I wouldn’t have believed that I would one day get to serve as the director of the library system that gave so much to my family and me. My now teenage daughters were born here at the hospital when it was EMH. I have a lot of good memories of that time, but I also remember struggles of balancing working, raising young children and trying to make ends meet without a big network of family and friends here yet. Elyria Public Library became my second home during my kids’ pre-school years. We looked forward to our visits to pick out books and play with the train set and the toy kitchen. I have warm memories of my kids bringing me plates of pretend food, and the librarians showing them books about whatever animal they were interested in after watching The Wild Kratts show. I knew EPL was a special place when the staff started to recognize us and remembered what we liked. I remember the day that Barb, a staff member who is still working here now, knew my name before looking up my card and asked where the girls were. It meant so much to me to feel I belonged, and I will never forget it. In a pretty challenging time in my life, that small steady connection I felt at EPL reminded me there is always a place where I would be welcomed. I was a patron long before I applied to work at EPL, and though my relationship with the library has evolved, that feeling of comfort and community is still the same. The new tagline “Always a Place for You” immediately resonated because that’s exactly what the library has always been for me, and I’m honored that I get to help make it that kind of place for others too. Our team today strives to be a warm and welcoming presence and show kindness every day. My colleagues in adult services at the West River location added a touch of hospitality to book club meetings with a coffee/tea cart, turning discussion into a cozy experience. And Leanne from our Outreach Team went the extra mile to make sure a homebound patron didn’t miss their weekend reads. Jen, a manager at Central, used her beginner sign language knowledge to assist a deaf patron. These small acts of care reflect our commitment to care and the “Patron First Promise” that we live by. What is your library story? If you are reading this and have a story of how someone at the library impacted your life, made your day, or helped you through a tough time, I would love to hear it! I also love to hear suggestions for the library, and welcome messages from the community by email or phone: jennifer.starkey@elyrialibrary.org / 440-322-0244. Hope to see you around, I’m usually at the Central Library and I like to hear from members of our community! Warmly, Jen Starkey
3 LIBRARY NEWS Discover what is happening at EPL this season. WELLNESS AT WEST RIVER Heart Health Wednesday, Feb 11 @ 6 p.m. | Miller Room What are the risk factors? How can all of us improve our quality of life? These are but 2 of the real concerns explained in our session. Registration is required. Tax information Wellness fair Prepare for our Wellness fair Tai Chi Tuesdays, March 3 - 31 @ 6 p.m. | Miller Room Come prepared to participate in this series of simple exercises! Please wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes. Waiver required. Registration is required. Wellness Fair: Move, Nourish, Thrive and Play! Wednesday, April 8, 4:00-7:00pm Free health screenings with University Hospitals, local health and wellness resources, raffle, family mini golf and more! Come move, nourish and thrive with us! Seasonal Eating with City Fresh, 4:005:00pm, Miller Room Engage your senses with a cooking demonstration with Leah from City Fresh, a nonprofit local foods program serving Lorain and Cuyahoga counties. Learn about how the City Fresh Farm Box program makes seasonal eating accessible and affordable to all! Belly Dancing, 6:00-7:00pm, Miller Room Unlock your core with the ancient art of belly dance! Suitable for beginners and seasoned dancers alike, belly dancing is a fantastic workout – access your deep core muscles, tone your arms and legs, and get your heart pumping with this magical dance form. Wear something you can comfortably move in! Patrons will be expected to sign the Library’s Liability Waiver before participating.
4 CENTRAL 211 Second Street | Elyria, Ohio 44035 | 440.323.5747 KIDS Baby Play and Learn Tuesdays, Jan. 6 - March 3 & Mar. 24 - May 12 @ 6 p.m. | Ages 0 - 3 This series is for our youngest library friends. Come for stories, rhymes, and songs-stay for play! Wiggles & Giggles Wednesdays, Jan. 7 - March 4 & Mar. 25 - May 13 @ 10 a.m. | Ages 0 - 3 Come and have fun while increasing your child’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being through play. Ready to Read Thursdays, Jan. 8 - March 5 & Mar. 26 - May 14 @ 3:45 p.m. | Ages 3 - 5 Get ready for preschool with an interactive story time, filled with songs, rhymes, and a craft! Tiny Tot Junction 3rd Friday of the month @ 10 a.m. | Ages 0 - 3 All aboard the boogie train for games, music and crafts. Feb. 13: Baby Valentine’s Party Mar. 20: Bunny Hop Apr. 17: Spring Fling Storybook Kitchen 2nd Monday of the month @ 6 p.m. | Ages 6 - 9 Explore stories, activities, and a snack we make together! Registration is required. Balloon Rockets Monday, February 16 @ 4 p.m. | Ages 6 - 9 Learn how to make balloon rockets with us! Registration is required. Lego® Engineers 3rd Tuesday of the month @ 4:30 p.m. | Ages 6 - 12 Each month we will complete a code challenge using the Lego Spike Essential kits. Feb. 24: Swamp Boat Mar. 17: Winning Goal Apr. 21: Tree House Camp May 19: Hovering Helicopter STEM with Miss. Sally! Monday, March 2 @ 4:30 p.m. | Ages 6 - 9 Explore the forces of flight by making different planes to see the effect on flight. Registration is required. Women in STEM Science Experiments Saturday, April 4 @ 2 p.m. | Ages 6 - 9 Explore their influence and conduct experiments close to their hearts and minds! Registration is required. Pokémon Party Friday, May 29 @ 2 p.m. | Ages 6 - 9 Catch all the Pokémon loose in the library. Registration is required. TWEENS & TEEN Oculus Open Play 2nd Wednesday of the month @ 4 p.m. | Ages 15 - 18 Try out a new game each month on our Oculus system! Feb. 11: Sports Scramble Mar. 11: Gorilla Tag Apr. 8: Please Don’t Touch Anything May 13: I Am Cat Art Therapy for Teens Select days | Ages 13 - 18 Learn how to express yourself artistically when you’re stressed. Presented by University Hospitals Feb. 12, Mar. 12, May 14: @ 3:30 - 5 p.m. Apr. 16: @ 3 - 4:30 p.m. Treat Yourself! Thursday, February 19 @ 3:30 p.m. | Ages 13 - 15 Show yourself some love and make chocolate covered treats. Registration is required. Squeegee Art Wednesday, February 25 @ 4 p.m. | Ages 10 - 12 Come make your own unique squeegee painting. Registration is required. Blackout Poetry Wednesday, March 25 @ 3:30 p.m. | Ages 13 - 15 Want to make poetry but can’t find the words? Join us as we use others’ words to create our own blackout poetry! Registration is required. Energy Explorers Power House Monday, April 20 @ 4:30 p.m. | Ages 10 - 15 Learn about electricity and circuits by designing and wiring lights in a cardboard house with NOPEC. Registration is required. Flextangle Fidget Toy Thursday, April 30 @ 4 p.m. | Ages 10 - 12 Come and learn how to make a flextangle fidget toy that you can take home. Registration is required. Book Bedazzling Monday, May 18 @ 3:30 p.m. | Ages 10 - 12 Make your reads pop with a bedazzling bookmark! Registration is required. Make-Your-Own Smoothie Bar Thursday, May 21 @ 3:30 p.m. | Ages 13 - 15 Make your own delicious smoothie concoction using a variety of ingredients! Registration is required. FAMILY K-Pop Demon Hunters Trivia Friday, February 6 @ 5:30 p.m. | All Ages Enjoy a little Soda Pop as we go up, up, up in our K-Pop Demon Hunter knowledge! Create your own groups or find some new friends to seal the Honmoon at the event! Registration is required. Body Art Day Saturday, March 7 @ 2 p.m. | Family Get colorful with the art of henna. Practice your art with body safe crayons and stencils. Presented by Mahal’s Henna Studio. Putt-Putt in the Library! March 13 and 14 All Day | All Ages Bring your family and enjoy a round of Putt-Putt in our Rotary Room Story Time on the Lawn Saturday, May 9 @ 11:30 a.m. | Family Join us for a very special Story time on the Lawn! Story time will take place from 12-12:45 BUT come early to order a delicious coffee from Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck from 11-11:30.
5 ADULTS Therapeutic Art for Adults Select Thursdays Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or would like to focus on intrapersonal care? Presented by University Hospitals. Registration is required. Feb. 26, Mar. 12, Apr. 9, Apr. 23, May 7: @ 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8, Mar. 26, May 28: @ 6 - 7:30 p.m Books & Banter Last Wednesday of the month @ 6:30 p.m. | Founder’s Room Let’s banter about some eclectic book selections. Monthly book available at Central Ask Me Desk. Feb. 25: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Mar. 25: Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry Apr. 29: We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter May 27: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Did someone say BINGO?! 1st Monday of the month @ 10 a.m. | Rotary Room Join us for a friendly game of Bingo each month! Winners will receive a fun prize. All About Me: Autobiographical Origami Zine Wednesday, February 4 @ 6 p.m. | Rotary Room In this mixed media origami workshop, participants will create self-reflective pieces of art that provide them with an opportunity to tell their unique stories. This is a hybrid program where the presenter will be tuning in virtually. Registration is required. Financial Literacy Workshop Various dates @ 6 p.m. | Toni Morrison Room Join Nancy Jean Lauren from Primerica Mortgage as she presents workshops for financial planning. Registration is required. Feb. 11: Debt Solutions Mar. 4: Retirement Planning Apr. 20: How Money Works Make Your Valentine Treat Tuesday, February 10 @ 6 p.m. | Rotary Room Don’t want to get an entire box of chocolates (and not like most of them?) No worries! Get in the spirit for Valentine’s Day as we decorate different treats to enjoy at home! Come and learn a brief history of Valentine’s Day, and some of the treats as we enjoy making them! Registration is required. Health and History: Our Former Presidents Monday, February 16 @ 6 p.m. | Rotary Room Come and learn about the health issues of former US Presidents and how they impacted policy and history. Registration is required. Tutus, Touring, and Terrors Wednesday, February 18 @ 6 p.m. | Rotary Room Join us as we welcome Nigel Burgoine, former principal dancer with the London Festival Ballet and award winning artistic director as he gives insight to touring the world with a professional ballet company. Frombackstage to on stage hysterical and hair-raising situations in performances! Registration is required. Financial Planning for Seniors Discussion Panel Tuesday, March 10 @ 10 a.m. | Rotary Room Join us as we welcome Great Lakes Benefits to talk about financial planning. Bring your questions as this will be an open panel discussion along with a short presentation. Registration is required. Writer’s Series 2nd Thursday of the month @ 6 p.m. | Toni Morrison Room Join us for a series of fun creative writing workshops and learn all about how to write fiction through short stories, narrative nonfiction, and prose poetry. Following a brief presentation, we will work through some exercises with an optional opportunity to share. Registration is required. Feb. 12: Fun with Fiction Mar. 12: No-Nonsense Nonfiction Apr. 9: Playful Poetry Local Activism, National Impact: Women’s Suffrage in Oberlin Thursday, March 19 @ 6 p.m. | Rotary Room Learn about the women of Oberlin and Ohio who fought for women’s suffrage, including those who were working against discrimination on the basis of both sex and race. Presented by Oberlin Heritage. Registration is Rrequired. Energy 101 Monday, March 23 @ 6 p.m. | Rotary Room NOPEC energy group will present how to read your energy bill and share ways to save. Play BINGO and win prizes! Registration is required. Serpent Mounds Saturday, April 11 @ 2 p.m. | Rotary Room Come and learn about the Serpent Mounds at Peebles, Ohio! Discover the history of the site, and the history of indigenous people in Ohio. Presented by Ohio History Connections. Registration is required. Mini Terrariums Wednesday, April 22 @ 6 p.m. | Founder’s Room Make mini terrariums with us. Join us as we create mini succulent gardens. Have fun with this stress free and no experience needed craft. Registration is required. Art in Action: Create, Explore, and Connect Tuesday, April 28 @ 6 p.m. | Rotary Room Learn about different pieces in the collection of the Allen Memorial Art Museum in Oberlin, Ohio! Discover some of the types of art in the collection, and try to create works of art of your own! Registration is required. Rock Painting Wednesday, May 13 @ 6 p.m. | Founder’s Room Get your paintbrushes ready for some rock painting! Put them in your garden or your home and get ready for the summer season. Registration is required. Mocktail Happy Hour Monday, May 18 @ 6 p.m. | Rotary Room Get ready for summer and discover spring and summer themed mocktails! Learn about mocktails, try some drinks, and take home recipes to make at home. Registration is required.
6 KIDS Rhythm and Rhyme Story Time Mondays, Jan. 5 - March 2 and March 23 - May 11 @ 10:30 a.m. | Ages 0 - 5 Move and groove during this music and movement filled story time! Story Time with Friends Tuesdays, Jan. 6 - March 3 and March 24 - May 12 @ 10:30 a.m. | Ages 3 - 5 Join us for stories, songs, and fun for those learning to read! Valentine’s Day Bingo Monday, February 9 @ 6 p.m. | 12 and under Join us for a fun game of candy Bingo! Read to George! Wednesdays, Feb. 11, March 4, April 8, May 13 @ 6 p.m. | Ages 12 and under Come read to our therapy dog George! If you need to practice your reading skills, George is here to help! Call 440-324-9823 to reserve a time slot. Registration is required. Hearts & Hugs Preschool Party Friday, February 13 @ 10:30 a.m. | Ages 3 - 5 Wear your pink and red to celebrate Valentine’s Day with stories, crafts and activities. Registration is required. Winter Olympics Celebration Tuesday, February 17 @ 6 p.m. | Ages 12 and under Join us for a family-friendly celebration of the Winter Olympics with games, crafts and a snack! Registration is requried. Playdough Playtime 3rd Thursday of the month @ 10:30 a.m. | Ages 2 - 5 Drop in for playdough fun at the library! Craft a Snack Select Tuesdays @ 6 p.m. | Ages 6 - 10 Come make a simple craft and then a snack to eat. Registration is required. Feb. 24: Polar Pals Mar. 24: Minecraft Madness Apr. 28: Wacky Weather May 19: Flower Power Creative Constructions 4th Wednesday of the month @ 4 p.m. | Ages 6 - 10 Drop in to take our monthly brick-building challenge! Feb. 25: Vehicles Mar. 25: Animals Apr. 22: Spring May 27: Flowers Shake Your Shamrocks Preschool Party Friday, March 6 @ 10:30 a.m. | Ages 3 - 5 Come dance a jig and celebrate all things green with stories, crafts and activities. Registration is required. Reading Adventures! Wednesday, March 4 All Day | Ages 12 and under Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America Week with fun and games in the children’s room all day! We’ll end the day with a visit from our therapy dog George so kids can practice their reading skills! St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Wednesday, March 11 @ 6 p.m. | Ages 12 and under Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the library with crafts, activities and fun! Registration is required. Mini Golf in the Library! Wednesday, April 8 All Day | All Ages Walk your way around the library for a fun round of mini golf. Your steps will also lead you to the Family Wellness Fair. Star Wars Day Monday, May 4 All Day | Ages 12 and under Celebrate Star Wars Day with fun crafts, activities and games all day in the children’s room! Tiny Prom Dance Party Friday, May 15 @ 10:30 a.m. | Ages 3 - 5 Don your fancy duds and come dance, dance, dance. Registration is required. TWEENS & TEEN Yarn Wizardry 2nd Tuesday of the month @ 6 p.m. | Ages 13 - 17 From granny squares to scarves and amigurumi, we will craft new things with our mini hooked crochet wands! Registration is required. Feb. 10: Granny Squares Mar. 10: Polka Dots Apr. 14: Beanie May 12: Scarf 3D Printing Club 3rd Wednesday of the month @ 5 p.m. | Ages 10 - 13 Learn how to design 3d print models and have them brought to life with EPL’s 3d printers!! Seats are limited. Please call (440) 324-9823 to register. Registration is required. Anti-Valentine’s Chill Zone Saturday, February 14 @ 3 p.m. | Ages 13 - 17 No Valentine this year? Join us for snacks, board games, and a non-lovey-dovey atmosphere to brood, despair, chillax or have fun. Registration is required. WEST RIVER 1194 West River Road North | Elyria, Ohio 44035 | 440.324.2270
7 ADULTS Phone Break Up Support Group 1st Wednesday of the month @ 6 p.m. | 2nd Floor Conf. Rm. Explore ways to change your relationship to phones and social media. Registration is required. Crochet Collective 1st & 3rd Thursdays | @ 6 p.m. Registration is preferred. Backyard Birds Monday, Feburary 9 @ 2 p.m. | Miller Room Learn about common local birds with Lorain County Metro Parks and make a pinecone bird feeder. Registration is required. Page Turners Book Club 2nd Monday | @ 6 p.m. Feb. 9: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang Mar. 9: My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman Apr. 13: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid May 11: Heartwood by Amity Gaige Mysteries in the Morning 2nd Wednesday | @ 10 a.m. Feb. 11: What You Leave Behind by Wanda Morris Mar. 11: We Solve Murders by Richard Osman Apr. 8: What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline May 13: The Child by Fiona Barton Genealogy Club 2nd Thursday | @ 6 p.m. Registration is required. Feb. 12: Newspaper Archives Mar. 12: Women’s Records Apr. 9: Maps May 14: Family Search Scam Prevention Monday, February 23 @ 6 p.m. | Miller Room Learn about how to recognize the red flags of a scam. Presented by Lorain County JFS. Registration is required. Estate Planning Basics Thursday, February 26 @ 6 p.m. | Miller Room Learn about what estate planning can do for you and your family. Registration is required. Crafternoons 3rd Monday | @ 2 p.m. Registration is required. Feb. 16: Pressed Flower Lantern Mar. 16: Bunny Flower Pot Apr. 20: Spring Wreath May 18: Marbled Bookmark The History of Cleveland Baseball Wednesday, March 18 @ 6 p.m. | Miller Room Join us before the Guardians’ Opening Day to hear all about the history of Cleveland Baseball. Registration is required. Diamond Art: Flower Keychains Monday, March 23 @ 6 p.m. | Miller Room Unwind with a craft that is both beautiful and easy to learn. Registration is required. Reporting the War Thursday, March 26 @ 6 p.m. | Miller Room Local historian Beryl Prusinoski presents on the women war correspondents who braved bullets, sexism and dangers to report the news of World War II. Registration is requried. Barn Quilts: A Folk Art Tradition Monday, March 30 @ 6 p.m. | 2nd Floor Conf. Rm. Learn about an old art form that became popular while painting a miniature barn quilt. Registration is required. British Royal Weddings Monday, April 27 @ 6 p.m. | Miller Room Hear all about British Royal Weddings, from Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to Prince Charles and Lady Diana! Presented by Royally Amused. Registration is required. The Six Lost Lorain Ships in the “Great Storm of 1913” Thursday, April 30 @ 6 p.m. | Miller Room Learn of one of the worst tragedies in the history of the Great Lakes. Registration is required. Rust Belt Vegan Kitchen Wednesday, May 20 @ 6 p.m. | Miller Room Watch a demo and learn how some classic Rust Belt recipes can be transformed into delicious vegan fare! Registration is required.
8 KEYSTONE 133 East Commerce Drive | LaGrange, OH 44050 | 440.322.0119 KIDS Budding Bookworms Mondays, Jan. 5 - Mar. 2 & Mar. 23 - May 11 @ 10:30 a.m. | Ages 3 - 5 Help your child inch towards early literacy by stopping in for a morning of stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! Loaves and Lore 3rd Friday of the month @ 10:30 a.m. | Meeting Room Join us for a late morning of read-aloud stories and fresh loaves of bread. Stories are a fun mix of both picture books and intermediate fiction. Toys are provided for the littles and crafts for everyone. Registration is required Feb. 20: Lest We Forget Edition Mar. 20: Folklore of Luck and Wishes Edition Apr. 17: Tales of Rain and Renewal Edition May 15: Bread and Blossoms Edition Tinker Time!: a Celebration of National Inventors Day Friday, February 13 @ 1 p.m. | Ages 6 - 13 Bring your best creative ideas to a celebration of ingenuity! Build a catapult, discover stories of incredible inventors, and test your skills with fun building challenges. Registration is required. Celebration of Holi: Food, Colors, and Stories Wednesday, March 11 @ 3 p.m. | Ages 6 - 13 Join us for a joyful celebration inspired by the festival of Holi— a time of color, friendship, and new beginnings! Presented the Shri Kalaa Mander Center for Indian Performing Arts. Registration is required. Peepology!: STEM Fun with Peeps Tuesday, April 8 @ 3 p.m. | Ages 6 - 13 Experiment, explore, and have some sweet spring fun with everyone’s favorite marshmallow treat! Registration is required. TWEEN & TEENS Blind Chocolate Tasting Thursday, February 18 @ 5 p.m. | Ages 11 - 17 Put your senses to the test and try different chocolates! Registration is required. Hot Cocoa with Homemade Whipped Cream Wednesday, February 25 @ 4:30 p.m. | Ages 11 - 17 Try a fun recipe to spruce up your hot cocoa on a cold evening! Registration is required. Houseplant Potting Thursday, April 2 @ 5:30 p.m. | Ages 13 - 17 Get yourself a houseplant and learn basic houseplant care just in time for Spring! Registration is required. FAMILY Lego® Club Tuesdays, Feb. 3 - May 26 @ 4:30 p.m. | All Ages Bricks are for everyone! Drop in to test yourself with a weekly challenge or to work on your own build. 3rd Annual Keystone Spring Egg Hunt Saturday, March 28 @ 10:30 a.m. | All Ages Pop on your bunny ears and hop through the children’s department for our Third Annual Spring Egg Hunt. Remember to bring a bag or basket to collect your eggs! Registration is required.
9 ADULTS Open Crafting Hour Tuesday, Jan. 6 - May 26 @ 2 p.m. | Meeting Room Don’t craft alone! Bring your WIP (work in progress) and join friends for tips and tricks while crafting away your afternoon. Watercolor Wednesdays 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month @ 10 a.m. | Meeting Room Come join us for a peaceful morning hour of socializing and watercolor painting. Watercolor coloring sheets are available for anyone wanting to practice florals or landscapes! Registration is required. Bead Animals Wednesday, February 11 @ 10:30 a.m. | Meeting Room Channel your 90’s nostalgia and join us to create some funky beaded lizards as well as other animals! Registration is required. Diamond Dots 2nd Saturday of the month @ 10:30 a.m. | Meeting Room Relax, create, and sparkle! Join us every second Saturday for a relaxing session of this trendy craft. Registration is required. Sci-Fi Club Last Thursday of the month @ 2 p.m. | Conference Room Beam on over to the Keystone Library for some interstellar book discussions! Registration is required. Feb. 26: Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz Mar. 26: Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer Apr. 30: Several People are Typing by Calvin Kasulke May 28: Elder Race Book by Adrian Tchaikovsky Ales and Tales Last Monday of the month @ 6:30 p.m. | Offsite Join us at the Bulldog Pub and Grille as we discuss our latest read! Registration is required Feb. 23: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Mar. 30: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte Apr. 27: Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover May 18: The Intruder by Freida McFadden The Bulldog is located at 108 E Main Street Lagrange, OH 44050 Bird Feeder Painting Friday, February 27 @ 10:30 a.m. | Meeting Room Get creative and paint your own colorful bird feeder to welcome our feathered friends home for spring. Registration is required. Community Craft and Supply Exchange Friday, March 13 @ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Meeting Room Recycle old craft materials or find a treasure at the Keystone Community Craft and Supply Exchange 2026! *Please drop off all donated craft items by Friday, March 6. Flower Pot Painting Friday, March 27 @ 10:30 a.m. | Meeting Room Add a splash of color to your spring as you paint and personalize your own pot for all of your beautiful flowers. Registration is required. Mini Notebooks Friday, April 3 @ 10:30 a.m. | Meeting Room Create your own simple personal notebook—no sewing required! Registration is required. Battle for the Ballot Friday, April 10 @ 10:30 a.m. | Meeting Room Learn about a band of women who dedicated themselves to the public interest and grew into an organization that won the respect and confidence of the nation. Hear the story behind the Cleveland women who advocated for suffrage and went on to help establish the League of Women Voters. Presented by the Western Reserve Historical Society. Registration is required. Rock Painting Wednesday, April 22 @ 10:30 a.m. | Meeting Room Join us as we decorate garden stones for our Spring flowerbeds! Registration is required. Pocket Library Thursday, April 23 @ 10:30 a.m. | Meeting Room Don’t you hate how you can’t take the library with you? Well, now you can! Celebrate National Library Week by creating your own pocket-sized library! Registration is required. Vintage Teacup Candles Thursday, April 30 @ 5:30 p.m. | Meeting Room Make your own vintage teacup candle! The perfect Mother’s Day gift or whimsical decoration for your reading nook. You can bring your own or choose from one of our vintage teacups. All materials provided. Registration is required. Printmaking Friday, May 15 @ 2 p.m. | Meeting Room Create, carve, and print your own custom stamps while exploring traditional printmaking techniques in this hands-on library workshop! Registration is required. Soapmaking Friday, May 22 @ 2 p.m. | Meeting Room Joins us again as we create more handmade soaps for Spring! Registration is required.
10 KIDS Raising Readers 1st Tuesday of month @ 11 a.m. | Meeting Room Join us for a story time filled with fun! You can expect songs, interactive play, and activities coupled with early literacy skills for your little one. Registration is required. Feb. 3: Lunar New Year Mar. 3: Pizza! Apr. 7: April Showers May 5: Cats and Dogs Super Slime Time 2nd Tuesday of month @ 4 p.m. | Ages 6 - 11 Make a super slimy mess with fun new slimes. Registration is required. FAMILY Book Bingo 3rd Monday of the month @ 4:30 p.m. | Meeting Room Come play bingo and win a book! Every time you get a bingo, you get to choose a book to take home. Fun for all ages - play for free and build your personal library one win at a time! Registration is required. Nail Art Fundamentals Thursday, April 9 @ 3:30 p.m. | Meeting Room Nas_the_Nail_Star will go over basic nail prep, color theory, and creative design techniques. Registration is required. ADULTS ODNR Hunter Education Course 1st & 2nd Saturday of Feburary @ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Meeting Room Enjoy the Great outdoors safely. You must attend both sessions. Registration is required through ODNR’s website. Diamond Succulent Magnet Thursday, February 19 @ 11 a.m. | Meeting Room Join fellow diamond art devotees as we create a diamond succulent magnet. The technique is fun and easy to learn. Registration is required. Watercolor Wednesdays Wednesday, February 25 @ 11 a.m. | Meeting Room Come and spend a relaxing and inspiring time experimenting with different watercolor techniques. No experience required! Just come ready to paint. Registration is required. Paper Mache Mask Painting Wednesday, March 25 @ 11 a.m. | Meeting Room Come and join us as we all experiment with the new craft of Mask Painting! Be different, be daring and come up with theatre-like decorations in this fun new exploration. Registration is required The Firelands Monday, March 30 @ 1 p.m. | Meeting Room Step into the story of the Firelands, northern Ohio’s remarkable frontier where Revolutionary War refugees rebuilt their lives on new soil. Meet some of the first settlers who carved out communities from wilderness, and discover the Firelands’ surprising role in the War of 1812. Registration is required. Art Collage Trading Cards Wednesday, April 29 @ 11 a.m. | Meeting room Come and explore this brand-new craft with us as we challenge ourselves to make tiny ‘trading card size’ mini collages. These are collectible and tradeable... we will make at least 2 cards, possibly 3... All supplies included, just bring your imagination and excitement for mini story telling Registration is required. Native Americans in Ohio: European Contact Monday, May 11 @ 1 p.m. | Meeting Room Discover the dramatic story of Ohio’s beginnings as we explore 200 years of encounters between Native American nations and European settlers. Registration is required. SOUTH 340 15th Street | Elyria, Ohio 44035 | 440.322.0190 Seasonal Eating with City Fresh Wednesday, March 4 & Monday, April 6 1:00 -2:00 pm Maker Space Engage your senses with a cooking demonstration with Leah from City Fresh, a nonprofit local foods program serving Lorain and Cuyahoga counties. Learn about how the City Fresh farm box program makes seasonal eating accessible and affordable to all! RR
11 PROGRAMS Story Time Stroll at Elyria West Park 3rd Tuesday of each month @ 10:30 a.m. | Preschool, Families Join us for story time fun along the Story Stroll Trail at West Park. Weather permitting. 1200 Foster Ave Elyria Registration is required. April 21: Bunny’s Book Club by Annie Silvestro May 19: When the Storm Comes by Linda Ashman Story Time Stroll at Carlisle Reservation 3rd Wednesday of the month @ 10:30 a.m. | Preschool, Families Join us for a story time in collaboration with Lorain County Metro Parks at the Children’s Nature Discovery Trail at Carlisle Reservation. Story time is held inside the nature center in inclement weather. 12882 Diagonal Rd LaGrange Registration is required. April 15: Wake Up, Woodlands by Karen Jameson Story Time Stroll at LaGrange Community Park 3rd Thursday of each month @ 10:30 a.m. | Preschool, Families Join us for a story time along the Storybook Stroll Trail at the LaGrange Community Park. 422 W Main St LaGrange Weather permitting. Registration is required. April 16: Where Does Kitty Go in the Rain? by Harriet Ziefert May 21: Weeds Find a Way by Cindy Jenson-Elliot Wild Adventures @ Carlisle Reservation Wednesday, Feb. 18 & Mar. 18 @ 10:30 a.m. | Preschool, Families EPL and Lorain County Metro Parks are collaborating together to bring preschoolers and their families a adventure at CarlisleReservation Visitors Center with books, songs, and wildlife fun. 12882 Diagonal Rd LaGrange Registration is required. Feb. 18: Winter Birds Mar. 18: Maple Sugaring Fun Books on Tap 3rd Tuesday of the month @ 6:30 p.m. | Adults Only Let’s get together at The Foundry Kitchen & Bar to talk about our latest and favorite reads! Find us at: 525 Broad Street in Elyria. OUTREACH The EPL Bookmobile, EWOC & Community Events
12 1005 North Abbe Rd. Elyria, Ohio 44035 440.366.4919 Hours based on LCCC Bass Library schedule. 211 Second St. Elyria, Ohio 44035 440.323.5747 Mon – Thurs: 9 am – 8 pm Fri & Sat: 9 am – 5 pm Sunday: Closed 1194 West River Road North Elyria, Ohio 44035 440.324.2270 Mon – Thurs: 9 am – 8 pm Fri & Sat: 9 am – 5 pm Sun: Closed 340 15th Street Elyria, Ohio 44035 440.322.0190 Mon – Thurs: 10 am – 6 pm Fri & Sat: 9 am – 5 pm Sun: Closed 133 E. Commerce Dr. LaGrange, Ohio 44050 440.322.0119 Mon – Thurs: 9 am – 8 pm Fri & Sat: 9 am – 5 pm Sun: Closed CENTRAL EPL Mission: To connect, engage, and inspire all with intellectual and creative opportunities. WEST RIVER SOUTH KEYSTONE EPL @ LCCC Postal Customer NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID ELYRIA, OH 44035 PERMIT NO. 468
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