If you use your local library to check out the latest books, DVDs, and audiobooks, then good for you! But did you know that the library offers so much more than that? Even more than public computers, the opportunity to send faxes and make copies. Your library also provides a variety of programs and classes at no charge. Here’s a sample of the variety of programs available at Geauga County Public Library’s Middlefield branch in May.
The Kent State University School of Fashion is consistently rated one of the best fashion institutions in the world. On Saturday, May 4th at 2 pm, Professor Sara Hume, the Curator of the Kent State University Museum will share the major changes in fashion in a special program entitled Fashion Timeline: 200 Years of Fashion History. Dr. Hume studies the global reach of the fashion industry and the relationship between evolving fashionable aesthetics and the forces of economic and political change.
For anyone with teens or young adults in their life, this next program can provide valuable information that may help keep them safe. The National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH) reports that Ohio is the fourth-highest state in the nation, with 3.84 victims per 100,000 residents. According to the United Nations, human trafficking includes the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of individuals, utilizing a threat or use of force or other forms of abduction, abuse of power or a position of vulnerability or offering benefits to achieve the consent of an individual having control over another person, for exploitation. On Monday, May 6th, the Executive Director of the Harriet Tubman Movement, Laura Bartchak, will discuss the growing issue of human trafficking in Ohio and her organization’s mission to bring long-term healing to victims.
Another program on Wednesday, May 8th can help participants communicate more effectively using American Sign Language (ASL). According to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Director Kevin Miller, roughly 303,000 Ohioans are deaf or hard of hearing. Join Kim Bass, ASL Coordinator and Assistant Professor at the University of Akron to learn and practice American Sign Language (ASL). From 6:30 – 7:30 pm, participants will learn the ASL alphabet and common phrases and practice through games and activities. Afterward, they’ll be provided with resources to learn more and connect with community resources.
Mother’s Day is coming, and with it comes a special opportunity for kids and a caregiver to enjoy a special tea party. The Mother’s Day Tea will be held on Saturday, May 11th from 1 – 3 pm. During this free program, children and their special guest are invited to this springtime soirée where they’ll both celebrate Mother’s Day with beverages and treats. In addition, each pair will follow along with instruction from Denise Hagen from D Is for Delicious Cookies in Chardon to decorate four beautiful spring-themed sugar cookies to enjoy later. Space is limited; please call (440) 632-1961 to register each adult/child pair.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to find a new home for those gently used books you’ve been accumulating, GCPL will be accepting Drive-Thru book donations at the Geauga County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 11th from 9 am until 1 pm. Just enter the Fairgrounds near Gate 1 on Claridon-Troy Road to drop off your donations while you wait in your vehicle.
Each of these programs are available at no charge, but registration is required (for everything other than book donations). For more information or to register, visit geaugalibrary.net or call (440) 632-1961.
