Lorain Public Library System to celebrate 125th anniversary

The Lorain Public Library System is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. The system, with branches throughout the county, will host weekly themed programming from April through December to highlight the library's milestone, as well as other entities hitting their quasquincentennial like the American League, license plates, Ed Sullivan and Walt Disney. Other programs will highlight historical roots in branch communities, like North Ridgeville's cheese-making and Avon's grape growers, according to a news release. Each branch will have its own decades-themed anniversary party as well, celebrating when each was built, with the Main Library as the 1950s, Domokas Branch as the 1960s, Columbia Branch as the 1970s, North Ridgeville Branch as the 1980s in recognition of its move from one location to another, South Lorain as the 1990s and Avon as the 2000s in recognition of the branch's renovation in 2021. Each branch will host its own birthday bash with Browser, the system's mascot, that will include story time, crafts and other activities. Participating local businesses will have library-themed window displays and discount offers throughout the celebration, including: 83 & Chestnut Pub, 9001 Avon Belden Road, North Ridgeville, will offer $5 off a bill when a patron shows their library card from April 19 to Dec. 31. Angelina's Pizza, 34887 Lorain Road, North Ridgeville, will offer patrons 15 percent off their order when showing their library card on April 28. Brass and Bronze Foundry Bar, 639 Broadway, Lorain, will have monthly, rotating library-themed beverages from April to December. Grateful Dog Bakery, 33101 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, will offer patrons 5 percent off their order when showing their library card from May 29 to Sept. 30. Italian Coffee, 34960 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, will offer half off a regular coffee from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 22 when patrons show their library card. Mulligan's Pub, 38244 Colorado Ave., Avon, will offer a special themed beverage April 19 to May 25. Speak of the Devil Cocktail bar, 201 W. Fifth St., Lorain, will have literary-themed cocktails every weekend in April. Additionally, limited-edition commemorative library card designs will be available starting April 1. In the midst of its celebration, the library system will also launch a new logo and rebranding, Jennifer Black, director of marketing and public relations, said in the release. Local businesses interested in partnering with the library in its celebrations can contact lbennett@lpls.info.