Outreach

Who we are

Outreach is made up of a group of staff members who collectively provide library services and resources throughout our service districts outside of the branches themselves. 
Outreach offers programs that promote and foster equity, creativity, innovation, literacy and community awareness. 
We aim to build lasting partnerships to offer diverse experiences that enrich, empower and inspire to support the goals and needs of the community and education partners.

Outreach Programs and Services
* Book Clubs
Is your school, facility or organization interested in starting a book club? We can help! LPLS can recommend, order and deliver materials based on your group's reading interests. Library staff may also be available to facilitate the monthly discussions at your organization if you so choose. Programs typically last 60 minutes. 

* Books and Resource Talks 
Want to learn about new and upcoming authors or the latest reading trends? A Book Talk may be ideal for your group. It is a brief overview of several books or resources tailored to the audience's reading interests. Programs typically last between 45 and 60 minutes. 

* Books by Mail 
Books by Mail is a free library service that provides community members with disabilities or other limitations preventing them from visiting the library with access to Lorain Public Library System materials via the US Postal Service.

* Community Book Collections
Community book collections are free to educators, senior centers and other community partners wanting to host a small collection of library books within their classrooms, waiting rooms or activity centers. This service includes monthly delivery and pickups. The titles can be curated for any age group or interests. 

* Tech Programs
The library can provide instructional presentations on various basic technology and computer-related topics including cloud computing, online safety and security, social media and introduction to Microsoft products. We can also tailor programs to your group's specific interests - for example, how to use you smartphone or share photos. Programs typically last 45 to 60 minutes.  LPLS also offers customized one-on-one assistance with basic technology questions and concerns, including help with the Kindle, iPad, tablet, email and more. Each session typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes and can be scheduled at your facility or organization. 

*Choose Your Own Presentations
Enjoy interactive and engaging presentations on culture, history, holidays, travel, trivia, etc. Educational presentations can be tailored to any age group, interest or ability but are ideal for organizations serving older populations. Examples of programs include the History of Cedar Point, Introduction to Antique Cars and Virtual Field Trip to the Everglades. Programs typically last between 45 and 60 minutes. 

* Lobby Visits
LPLS will temporarily transform your lobby or waiting room into a mini library for a few hours. Residents, students or clients can browse and check out froma collection of books and other materials, place holds on specific titles or receive reading or viewing recommendations from library staff. The titles can be curated for any age group or interest and include your choice of audiobooks, Readalongs, large print offerings, DVDs, etc. 

* STEM Programs with Discovery on the Go
Library staff can work with you to present interactive programs that explore concepts in science, technology, engineering or math designed to introduce participants to specific topics, spark curiosity, and foster problem-solving skills. Programs typically last between 45 and 60 minutes.  

* Story Times
Library staff can bring the story time to you! Story times introduce participants to new words and sentence structure, engage children with new perspectives and foster social-emotional learning. Story times are ideal for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners but can be easily adapted for slightly older students. The library can also offer adapted story times that are inclusive to varying learning styles and abilities and STEM-focused story times that include an interactive activity. Programs typically last 30 minutes but more specialized programs may last up to 45 minutes. 

* Community Event Participation
Our Outreach staff may be available to provide activities and information about library resources at community events within our service districts including school and family engagement events and community festivals. 

Service Area 
Outreach services are available to schools and community organizations within Avon, Camden Township, Columbia Township, Eaton Township (within the Columbia Local School District), Henrietta Township, Kipton Village, Lorain, North Ridgeville, Sheffield Lake, Sheffield Township and Sheffield Village. 

Contact Us 
To request any of these services, or discuss other program opportunities, please call or email your local Lorain Public Library System branch:
Avon Branch: (440) 934-4743 ext. 2 or avon.dom.outreach@lpls.info
Columbia Branch: (440) 236-8751 ext. 2 or col.nr.outreach@lpls.info
(serving Columbia Township within the Columbia Local School District)
Domonkas Branch: (440) 949-7410 ext. 2 or avon.dom.outreach@lpls.info 
(serving Sheffield Lake, Sheffield Township and Sheffield Village)
Main Library: (440) 244-1192 ext. 8277 or main.south.outreach@lpls.info
(serving Camden Township, Henrietta Township, Kipton Village)
North Ridgeville Branch: (440) 327-8326 ext. 2 or col.nr.outreach@lpls.info
South Lorain Branch: (440) 277-5672 ext. 2 or main.south.outreach@lpls.info