MEDINA, Ohio -- The Medina County District Library is working to accommodate clients who want to take advantage of the library’s services but are reluctant to venture into the library buildings because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The library system’s staff has developed several new ways to use the resources of the library through curbside pickup, material deliveries and virtual activities, in addition to abbreviated open hours at the branches.
Branches open for business
MCDL locations are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. For a list of branch addresses and phone numbers, visit mcdl.info/Locations. Face masks are required for entry at all MCDL locations.
Check out some local art
The Women in Art group is showcasing its talents in the B. Smith Art Gallery at the Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway St.. “Celebrating Art” runs July 22 through Sept. 12 and features local artists and their watercolor, mixed media and clay creations.
Women’s historical fiction
Historical fiction novelist Marie Benedict is a lawyer with more than 10 years’ experience as a litigator. Her passion for important, complex and fascinating women in history is reflected in her popular novels, which shed light on modern issues.
Her books include “The Other Einstein,” “Carnegie’s Maid,” “The Only Woman in the Room” and “Lady Clementine.” She will be sharing her insights in a virtual author talk at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15.
To participate in this free event on Zoom, register at mcdl.info/readers. A link will be sent prior to the event.
Anytime Lockers
It’s easy to use the library system’s Anytime Lockers
1. Call your library branch and have your library card number ready. Order the desired items.
2. Pick up items from an outdoor locker using the last 7 digits of your card number.
For more information, visit www.mcdl.infoLockers.
Curbside Service
Want to see a friendly (masked) face when picking up reserved items?
Call the library. Have your library card number ready. Order the desired items. Staff will contact you with the pickup time frame. Call upon arrival at the Curbside Service location. Have your library card ready for verification. Staff will then place items in your trunk or back seat.
For more information, visit www.mcdl.info/Curbside.
Bring the library to your front door
Outreach residential service is available if visiting a library is not possible. Tell staff your materials preferences and receive no-contact, door-drop service.
Another option is Books by Mail. Staff members fill requests by mail and you mail items back when they need to be returned -- at no cost to you.
Finally, friends and family may pick up orders for you at your local library.
Apply online at mcdl.info/Residential-Services.
The Bookmobile is off the road, but still working to serve members. Staff are offering door drops via van delivery to current Bookmobile members until they are back on the road.
Learn more about ways the library can serve you through Outreach Services at 330-722-2590 or at mcdl.info/Outreach.
Virtual events
MCDL released its new monthly newsletter July 27, with a section of virtual events available via MCDL’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and some registration-required events that will be live-streamed via the Zoom app or the library website.
-- Watch Party on Facebook, 8 p.m. every Monday. Discuss the movies and TV shows you’ve been watching lately in this popular discussion group. Facebook.com/MedinaCountyDistrictLibraryOhio.
-- Wednesday Night Book Discussion on Facebook, 9 p.m. every Wednesday. A casual drop-in book discussion with no assigned book. Post what you’re reading and see what hundreds of others are reading. Facebook.com/MedinaCountyDistrictLibraryOhio.
-- DIY Hair Scrunchie Take & Make, via Facebook or YouTube, 4 p.m. Aug. 17. Learn to make these cool hair accessories. Pick up a craft kit at any library location Aug. 3-15 to follow along online. Youtube.com/MedinaLibrary or Facebook address above.
-- Book Discussion on Zoom, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20. Discuss “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones. Members will need access to a phone or computer microphone to participate in this live event.
Read more from the Medina Sun.