Lodi’s first library service was the biweekly stop made by Franklin Sylvester Library’s bookmobile at Lodi school and the town square. In 1950, local organizations started working on a campaign to have their own library. It was 1958 before the Friends of the Library committee was formed and met with the Medina Library Board to discuss the possibility. Unfortunately, while there was desire for a library in Lodi, there was no funding available. The Lodi Advertiser offered a section of a room, rent and utilities free; the Rotary Club purchased lumber for shelves; City Hardware and Western Auto donated paint; and many volunteers donated time to put it all together. Books were also donated and cataloged by volunteers and the library was open for business on July 15, 1960. It housed 1487 books and was staffed by volunteers. In 1961 Franklin Sylvester Library agreed to take over the operation and Mrs. Thelma Weaver was named the Branch Manager.

American Legion Post 523 offered to rent part of their building to the library in 1965 and the Library Board authorized the purchase of standard library shelving and furniture. The tiny Lodi Library moved into its spacious new quarters (again with the help of many volunteers) in April of 1966.

Circulation grew from 1,566 in its first year to well over 20,000 and in just two years, the library was feeling the lack of study areas and reference tables. Over the years the Lodi Friends raised over $25,000 to be used as a building fund. In 1976 the former Elliott Funeral Home was available for $38,000. The Friends accepted an offer from the Medina Library Board to help purchase the building and to remodel and maintain it as a library. The Lodi Community Library moved to its new facility in January, 1977 and opened with 8,740 books on its shelves.

The building was again remodeled in 1988-89 with money from the Mary Still Trust and donations form the Lodi Friends of the Library.

The Lodi Community Library has continued to grow, circulating 136,554 items in 1996 -- the dream that the community had in 1950 has come true!