MEDINA, Ohio — A major focus of the Medina County District Library’s (MCDL) recent strategic plan was to make the libraries more welcoming and accessible to patrons of all abilities.
The staff worked with the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities to review library facilities and find ways to better serve patrons.
From rearranging furniture and installing state-of-the-art technology to creating sensory services and everything in between, MCDL wraps up this strategic plan with a new awareness, a suite of services and an ongoing desire to serve patrons’ needs.
Here’s a sampling of what is now offered:
Special needs
• Adapted story times: MCDL has created a supportive story time environment for children who have autism, sensory integration challenges or adaptive needs.
Look for upcoming sessions at mcdl.info/Storytimes.
Several locations offer adapted visits with Santa and reading events specially designed for children who have autism/sensory challenges.
• Adapted toy packs: Packs include five themed books and an interactive toy equipped with an external button for easy use by children of all abilities.
The packs feature popular themes. Available at all MCDL locations; limit one per library card per visit.
• Sensory kits: These kits are geared toward youth and adults who have autism or sensory challenges. They include items that facilitate a calming effect.
The kits are available at all MCDL locations for in-library use only.
• Other services: Most MCDL locations offer a sensory dark den, where patrons can retreat when the library environment is overwhelming.
Sign language courses also are offered at the Medina Library, and the Seville Library recently hosted an adult special needs social hour.
ASL is also offered online at mcdl.info/OnlineLearning.
Memory Care
• Reading2Connect: These books are modified to compensate for a reader’s visual or cognitive deficits while maintaining the integrity of the writing.
The well known titles help aging adults remember, express themselves and connect with others.
Available at all MCDL locations.
• Memory kits: Stay Sharp kits are for early to middle stages of memory loss and contain books and activities focused on a theme.
Memory Care Kits are for middle to later stages of memory loss. They contain picture books, a music CD and activities focused on a theme, as well as books and self-care information for caregivers.
Available at all MCDL locations.
• Dementia Inclusive Library: MCDL is committed to providing dementia-inclusive resources to allow for continued participation in library activities, as well as resources for maintaining the skills and interests of all involved in the dementia health experience.
Medina County is a member of the Dementia Friendly America network. MCDL staff received Ohio Department of Cognitive Health training to earn the Dementia Inclusive Library designation.
MCDL Deputy Director Suzie Muniak conducts trainings for organizations and businesses to become part of the network.
Audiovisual meeds
• Magnifier kits: Decide what works best for you with a kit full of quality reading magnifiers.
Kits can be checked out for two weeks and include multiple styles and magnification strengths.
View contents and reserve a kit online or by calling 330-723-2463.
• Talking Book program: Free recorded books, magazines and playback equipment are available by mail to eligible Ohio residents who are blind, visually impaired, physically disabled or reading disabled.
Download the application online or call 330-722-2590 to have a library staff member assist.
• Hearing Loop: This technology sends the speaker’s voice from a microphone directly to hearing-assistive devices, eliminating ambient noise.
It works with cochlear implants and hearing aids equipped with a T-coil.
The Medina Library is equipped with Hearing Loops in Community Rooms A and B, the Medina Room and at the customer service and reference desks.
Reserve a meeting room at mcdl.info/MeetingRoom.
• Assistive technology: All MCDL locations offer a bin of noise-canceling headphones for use at any time. They don’t need to be checked out — just use them as needed.
The libraries’ public computers also offer stations with large-print keyboards.
For a complete list of programs and events at the Medina County libraries, log on to www.mcdl.info.