AVON, Ohio -- You could feel the excitement as representatives from the Lorain Public Library System (LPLS) hosted a private ribbon-cutting ceremony/tour of the newly renovated Avon Branch Library on Sunday (Jan. 29).
On hand were staff from the LPLS, members of the LPLS Board of Trustees, Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen, members of Avon City Council, members of the Avon Branch Library Levy Committee, representatives of the Gilbane Building Company and representatives of the GPD Group architectural firm.
Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz, LPLS director, opened the program by thanking everyone who made the vision for a new library a reality, especially the efforts of Branch Manager Donna Kelly-Sprinkle.
“I believe every building tells a story, and we believe that the Avon Branch Library tells the story of a growing community focused on the future,” Diamond-Ortiz said.
Jensen noted that after the many discussions with library officials over the years to bring a “new” library to Avon, he was amazed and pleased that it finally happened. He also paid tribute to his mother, who passed away Dec. 29.
“Having a mother that loved reading makes it that much sweeter for me,” he said. “You have a lot of naysayers sometimes that talk about what’s the need for that (new library) ... but then you have parents that love reading, my mom especially.
“We see our kids now and they’re on all their different apps and everything else, but to be able to have someplace to go that’s a safe place, I think it’s just unbelievable for a city our size,” he said.
“We always seemed to be behind, as the library was such a small place, but now we can compete with anybody. It really is a great facility to have.
“The library is not just books anymore. It’s a place for children to learn.”
City Council President Brian Fischer echoed the mayor’s sentiment and thanked the voters for approving the ballot issue for the renovations and addition.
“The new library is a fantastic addition for the city of Avon,” he said. “I am excited for the residents to see all new features in the library.”
Last September, I was able to tour the new addition, which includes a drive-thru window, soundproof rooms, a children’s area, a teen space and the Kathy Petersen Story Time Room for children’s programming.
Petersen volunteered with the Avon Library and served as president of the Friends of Avon Library. She passed away Oct. 16, 2021.
The original section of the library was closed so that renovations could be completed.
The Jan. 29 tour consisted of viewing the Create Space, the Norton Family Foundation Demonstration Kitchen, the eSports Lounge and a large meeting room that seats 150.
The Quiet Reading area features a local history theme. More study rooms and a business area are also included in the newly renovated space.
The Create Space is available for patrons 13 and older (an adult must accompany users ages 13-17). The machines available in the space include a laser engraver/cutter, embroidery machine, 3D printer, CNC machine (desktop milling machine for rapid prototyping), large-format printer/vinyl cutter, sublimation printer, heat press, Cricut, sewing machine and 3D scanner.
Patrons will have to take a class before using some of the equipment.
The public is invited to attend a grand reopening celebration from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 4) at the library, 37485 Harvest Drive.
Guests can enjoy live demonstrations in the Norton Family Foundation demonstration kitchen, Create Space and eSports Lounge, as well as free giveaways.
The original library building was constructed in 1994. In April 2020, Avon voters approved a 2-mill levy, which will generate $1.9 million per year for the next 20 years (beginning in 2021) for renovations and expansion of the library, as well as for operating funds for the library to expand services, materials and hours.
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Aug. 10, 2021, for phase one of the project, which included construction of the 16,000-square-foot addition.
AVON
Tech Club: Children ages 9 and older can explore programming, robotics, digital art and electronics in a fun, collaborative environment from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, March 9, April 13 and May 11 at the Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive.
Pre-registration is required at lorainpubliclibrary.org.
National Anthem performers, host families needed: The Lake Erie Crushers are currently searching for individuals, groups and school or church choirs/bands to perform the National Anthem at the 2023 home baseball games.
Tryouts for individuals or small groups (one to three persons) will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. April 1 at Mercy Health Stadium, 2009 Baseball Blvd.
To register, go to forms.gle/bhta63WhWke912yi7. For more information, contact Mackenzie Jameson at mjameson@lakeeriecrushers.com.
The Crushers are also looking for families interested in hosting a baseball player for the 2023 season. Host families receive two ticket vouchers per game for as long as the family hosts a player, one parking pass per family, a team-sponsored pre-season event for all host families and players, an on-field recognition ceremony at the end of the season for the host family, discount coupons for the Fan Attic team shop and a season-long discount on in-game concessions.
For more information, call 440-934-3636 or email info@lakeeriecrushers.com.
AVON LAKE
Iditarod Trail Talks: Join Iditarod enthusiast Eleanor Csizmadia as she shares her almost two-decade-long passion for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race during a special presentation at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd.
Csizmadia has visited the race three times, most recently in the winter of 2022. According to information sent from the library, her favorite part of visiting the race is being there for big moments, such as when a future champion leaves the starting line.
She loves the excitement of following the race every year from her home in North Ridgeville.
Pre-registration is required at alpl.org.
Community service award: Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Services (CRS) is currently accepting nominations for the John T. Shook Community Service Award.
Shook, who passed away in 2018, was dedicated to community service and volunteered for many local organizations, including CRS.
In Shook’s memory, the CRS Board of Directors established an award in his name, to be given annually to an individual or group that embodies his commitment to volunteerism for CRS and in the community.
To nominate an individual or organization, go to tinyurl.com/js52jamp. Deadline is March 15. Evaluation of the nominees will be conducted by a selection committee, and the recipient will be announced at the annual charity ball April 22.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE
Foundation grant: Lake Ridge Academy is the recipient of a $50,000 grant through the Edward E. Ford Foundation.
According to information submitted by school officials, the grant will help Lake Ridge establish a new Graduation Certificate program in the field of economics, business and entrepreneurship, with a focus on providing authentic, real-world learning experiences on campus and within the Greater Cleveland community.
Graduation Certificate programs at Lake Ridge Academy are multi-year programs that provide college-level academic experiences under the support and guidance of faculty and mentors, while giving Upper School students a glimpse at what a future career in a specific field could entail.
Currently, certificates are offered in scientific research, engineering, fine arts and global affairs. Each program culminates in a comprehensive and thorough review of student work, either through a thesis defense, final presentation or artistic review.
The new Graduation Certificate program is set to launch this year. The Edward E. Ford grant requires a three-to-one match from Lake Ridge Academy supporters. Additional fundraising efforts for this program are under way.
Kindergarten Information Night: The North Ridgeville City Schools will host a parents-only Kindergarten Information Night from 5 to 6 p.m. Feb. 27 at the North Ridgeville Early Childhood Learning Community, 5490 Mills Creek Lane.
Parents will have the opportunity to learn more about the kindergarten registration process and the curriculum.
Fundraising planning: An introductory hybrid class in fundraising planning will take place from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Feb. 13 at North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Road.
Learn the basic steps for developing a fundraising plan, including tips on making your case for support, diversifying your organization’s fundraising base and creating a plan of action.
Pre-registration is required at lorainpubliclibrary.org.
Boys, girls lacrosse: Registration for North Ridgeville Lacrosse is now open for children in grades 2-8. Deadline is Feb. 15. To register, go to northridgevillelax.com.
Shout-out: The Parks & Recreation Department recently announced that it has received more than 200 baseball/softball batting helmets through the Save our Sight Program, which is facilitated through the Ohio Department of Health.
Thanks to the generous donations of Ohio vehicle owners, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the staff of the local deputy registrar agencies, the Save Our Sight program has reached hundreds of thousands of children in Ohio.
If you have news/information or a story idea you’d like to share or a ‘shout-out’, please send an email to jshortavon@aol.com. Online version is available at https://www.cleveland.com/topic/avon/
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