March, April, May 2026
The Library Live is a quarterly newsletter featuring news, services, and events at Medina County District Library. Pick up a print copy at any of our seven library locations. View MCDL's hours, locations, and closings.
Annual Report Edition! View the 2025 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
Events
Browse and register for a wide variety of events for Kids, Tweens (grades 3-5), Teens (grades 6-12), and Adults. Step back into a world of fantasy at Highland Library's new Renaissance Faire. Enjoy the creativity of others at an Art Show. Visit the Bookmobile at a special event or scheduled stop. And mark your calendars, the Summer Reading Game begins May 29!
Books & Authors
Max Brallier, author of more than fifty books for children and adults, including The Last Kids on Earth, will visit Medina Library in April. The Poetry Project booklets will be available during National Library Week (April 19-25). View lists and be among the first to place holds on upcoming Fiction, Nonfiction, and Teen books. Plus, find out what MCDL's Readers' Advisory Librarian, Becca, has been recently reading! Visit the Books & Authors page for details.
Featured Services
Outreach & Accessibility
From home delivery to senior activities, Outreach Services provides library materials and services to patrons with limited access to libraries. Visit the Outreach Services page for details.
MCDL also offers a variety of accessibility services to help with audio-visual, memory care, and special needs. Visit the Accessibility page for details.
Makerspace & Digital Lab
Make custom gifts for graduations and summer celebrations using equipment in the Makerspace: sublimation printer, laser engraver, Cricut, and more. Design your own party banners and submit them for printing on our large format printer. Look for featured projects and tutorials online to help you get started. Convert old photos and home movies into digital files in the Digital Lab. Sharing with family makes a meaningful and memory-filled gift. Visit the Makerspace & Digital Lab page for details.
Tools & Tech Offers Frugal Fun
The Tools & Tech collection at Medina Library has impressed patrons for several years now, allowing people to borrow an item
they may only need once or would like to try before they buy. View the complete list and check availability at
mcdl.info/ToolsTech.
Adventure is FREE with your library card!
Adventure Passes offer free admission to local attractions: Akron Art Museum, Akron Zoo, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens,
and Brunswick Recreation Center. Seasonal passes return this spring! View borrowing details and check availability at mcdl.info/Adventure.
Homework Help & Study Rooms
As the school year winds down and final projects are due, you may need help with research or finding materials to borrow.
Ask a librarian! We’re here to help.
Visit mcdl.info/HomeworkHelp for a great list of online databases and sites created for teens.
Go to mcdl.info/OnlineLearning for everything from help with Spanish homework through Mango Languages to biography and research databases for research projects. Access practice tests through Peterson’s Test Prep (ACT and SAT), Driving-Tests.org, and more. Note: some resources require a library card for use.
Study Rooms provide a quiet place to work on your next project. Available first-come, first-served at Medina, Brunswick, Buckeye, Highland, and Lodi Libraries.
News & Notes
Welcome to the Board of Trustees
Medina County native Kim Krzemienieswki resides in Spencer Township with her husband, Mitch, and daughter. She is a graduate of Case Western Reserve where she earned a Masters of Applied Social Sciences (Direct Practice) specializing in children, youth and families. Her Bachelor’s in neuroscience and psychology is from Baldwin-Wallace College. She works in private practice. Kim built a Little Free Library at the end of the family driveway and she loves it when anyone stops to browse! She will serve a four year term from 2026-29.
“I feel such a privilege to serve our community on the Medina County District Library board. A library is a sanctuary for everyone, and books can expand our world and perception endlessly. Libraries are essential to the foundation of care, connection, and wellness in our communities.” -Kim
National Library Week
This National Library Week, April 19-25 MCDL wants to help you “Find Your Joy.” Libraries can create indelible memories for patrons of all ages. But imagine the impact libraries have had on MCDL staff; they love libraries so much they’ve made a career of it! All week we’ll feature stories from staff about the joy libraries have brought to them. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to see your favorite staff member featured. Then share your stories in the comments. We can’t wait to read how the library brings you joy!
Packs Help Kids with Big Feelings
Social Emotional Learning Discovery Packs are new at MCDL and include books, games, and a resource booklet for guided learning. They cover topics such as anxiety, confidence, bravery, divorce, sharing, and more. Limit one per library card, no holds.
Grief Kits contain books, activities, and resources to support children as young as toddlers to school age, and their caregivers in their grieving journey. Made possible through a collaboration with Waite Funeral Homes, in memory of Noah Elliot Taylor.
View pack themes and supplemental resources at mcdl.info/Kids. Available at all locations.
New Features at MCDL Locations
In January, Highland Library got its first ever enclosed study room. The wheelchair accessible study pod offers 30 decibels of speech level reduction, seats four people, and it fit perfectly into an existing alcove. It was funded by a local donor. Best yet, instead of disrupting library service with a construction project, the pod arrived and was installed in less than a day.
Medina Library Children’s Department upgraded a study room into a Sensory Study Room, thanks to donations in memory of Michael Phillipp, a 19-year-old Medina man who passed in June 2025. Michael thrived on the autism spectrum. This inclusive room can still be used for studying and tutoring.
In early December, a Baby Garden was born at Brunswick Library with enclosed comfy seating for adults and a space for babies to play with direct supervision. Inside are toys, a mirror for babies to admire themselves, and soft flooring to prevent bumps. The garden grew out of demand – as baby storytimes exceeded 2,000 attendees last year at Brunswick Library alone.
All aboard for a fresh new look at Buckeye Library. Last fall, a new feature wall highlighting the book The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper was installed and new book bins were rolled out. The book bins are lower to the ground allowing the youngest patrons the ability to choose their own books.
Mac & Cheese Drive
April 1-30, All Library Locations - Donate macaroni and cheese (boxes or cups) to support Feeding Medina County’s food bags. Please check items are not opened or expired prior to donating. Monetary donations welcome at feedingmedinacounty.org.
Snuggle Up & Read
MCDL patrons and staff donated enough pajamas and books this December, during our Snuggle Up and Read campaign, to create 111 book and PJ combos for Medina County kids in need. This was more than double the previous year’s quantity! Recipient agencies include Birthcare of Medina County and Catholic Charities. Thank you to our donors and library volunteers who package the Snuggle Up sets.
Thank You, Volunteers!
We value our volunteers who donated an amazing total of 1,879 hours in 2025. Listed are student and adult volunteers who reached milestone service levels. For more information about volunteering ask at any public service desk or visit mcdl.info/Volunteer.
- 900+ hours: Jill Holtzapple (Lodi)
- 600+ hours: Denise Noll (Brunswick), Rhonda Hoop (Highland)
- 200+ Hours: Kat Kunz (Buckeye)
- 100+ hours: Margaret Zalenski (Brunswick), Lillian Kuzmins (Highland), Mary Baker (Medina), Amelia Prifti (Medina), Eshan Shingledecker (Medina)
- 50+ hours: Myriam Bellflower (Brunswick), Claire Bowers (Brunswick), Jacob Cloyes (Brunswick), Lucas Kiedrowski (Brunswick), Lily LaGuardia (Brunswick), Vincent Joy (Buckeye), Ella Matyac (Buckeye), Josh Swantek (Buckeye), Yasmeen Bari (Highland), Kevin Holy (Medina)
- Volunteer Groups: Alternative Paths, Educational Service Center of Medina County, Enhance Ability, Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Spring StoryWalk®
StoryWalk promotes literacy, physical activity, and spending time together as a family. Each season brings a new story. Watch for Plant a Pocket of Prairie by Phyllis Root on March 1. Take a walk and enjoy a story at these MCDL and partnership locations:
- Brunswick & Highland Libraries
- Medina County Park District, Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park, 4985 Windfall Rd., Medina
- Medina City Schools, Northrop Elementary, 950 E. Reagan Pkwy., Medina
Tax Forms
MCDL offers a limited number of federal and state tax forms. City tax forms vary by location. Use MCDL’s computers to download and print at mcdl.info/Tax.
Board of Trustees
The Library is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees. Board members are appointed for four-year terms by either Medina County Commissioners or the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas. Board members serve without remuneration.
Friends of MCDL
Friends book sales and fundraisers support youth literacy in Medina County. View book sales and more at friendsofmcdl.info.