Annual Report

Executive Director’s Notes

As I reflect on 2025, I am proud of a year defined by growth, connection, and meaningful service. Our activities highlight the essential role public libraries play in strengthening information literacy, advancing inclusion, bridging the digital divide, supporting early literacy, and promoting lifelong learning. Unfortunately, the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate voted to remove the Public Library Fund from permanent law and reduced state funding for libraries. Doing so, without reducing the tax burden on residents, created challenges in a year where we had more than 550,000 library visits, and patrons borrowed more than three million items.

We provided digital and in-person learning to help patrons navigate information and technology. A robust calendar of events offered opportunities to explore new interests, develop skills, and connect with others. Technology classes, ESOL groups, GED testing, and an expanded storytime schedule supported patrons in employment, education, and personal goals. These efforts reinforce the library’s role as a center for curiosity, creativity, and growth; supporting a successful community.

MCDL increased accessibility across our locations with expanded sensory-friendly features. Our partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continued to place free books in the hands of thousands of children countywide. Ongoing staff training and Dementia Friendly Community efforts strengthened our ability to serve all residents with dignity.

The achievements of 2025 reflect our dedicated volunteers, partners, staff, and community. We remain committed to meeting evolving needs while staying grounded in our mission to improve quality of life in the communities we serve. I look forward to continuing this important work in the year ahead.

Julianne Bedel
Executive Director

Collections

3,023,389 Items checked out

531,811 Items in collection

84,977 Items added

Most Checked Out Titles

2,267
Adult Fiction
The Women by Kristin Hannah

2,172
Adult Nonfiction
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

1,160
Teen Fiction
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

4,116
Children's Series
Who Would Win by Jerry Pallotta

Library Cards

8,602 New library cards issued

2,272 New eCards issued

Come on In

556,501 People visited the library

Events

3,042 Events held

88,657 Attendees

Summer & Winter Reading Games

7,065 Kids played the game

1,480 played a second round

1,207 Teens played and read more than 1 million minutes

1,477 Adults read and logged 11,104 books

Bon Voyage

3,958 Passports issued

New Online Resources

ASLdeafined teaches basic to advanced American Sign Language vocabulary and grammar, and allows users to practice communication skills. Peterson’s Test Prep features practices tests and resources for the GED, SAT, ACT, GRE, and more. Udemy offers 25,000+ video courses, in multiple languages, focused on improving skills across business, tech, design, and more.

New to the Collection

Social Emotional Learning Discovery Packs debuted in October. The collection comprises 19 unique topics including anxiety, boundaries, and kindness. They were checked out 51 times in the last quarter of the year.

Family History & Learning Center

FHLC added a full-time librarian position to accommodate demand. Staff expanded digital resources by publishing five new collections (containing 2,238 images), digitizing 41 yearbooks, and adding 706 pages of historical newspaper.

Staff Honors & Awards

Miranda Fein and Madison Thomas, FHLC staff, received the Ohio Genealogical Society writing contest award. Madison also won the Society of Ohio Archivist’s New Professional Award. Evan Furillo, Technology Services Coordinator, graduated from Leadership Medina County LEAD Institute.

Dementia Friendly Medina County

Medina became the eighth Ohio county to join the Dementia Friendly America Network, providing 17 educational sessions on inclusive service for those with memory loss. The action team includes: Catholic Charities of Medina County, Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Medina County Health Department, Medina County Home, Medina County Prosecutor, Medina County Senior & Adult Services, Western Reserve Masonic Community.

General Operating Fund

Beginning Cash Balance 1/1/2025: $ 13,676,334

Revenues

Expenditures

Ending Cash Balance 12/31/2025: $ 13,379,627

2025 Annual Financial Statement coming soon.