Medina County District Library rolls out full slate of holiday events

Families looking for festive fun this season will find dozens of holiday-themed programs at Medina County District Library branches, with activities running from Dec. 1 through the New Year.

MCDL’s seasonal offerings begin with the Winter StoryWalk, a partnership with the Medina County Park District at Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park and with Medina City Schools at Northrop Elementary. StoryWalk features book pages displayed along an outdoor path to promote literacy, exercise and family time. Brunswick and Highland libraries also host StoryWalks on their grounds. The winter selection, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, will be in place by Dec. 1.

From Dec. 1-23, all library locations will offer Letters to Santa, reindeer food and a daily Elf on the Shelf search. Children can write a letter and send it through a special North Pole mailbox, pick up a packet of reindeer food and look for the library’s mischievous elf hiding in a new spot each day.

The annual Snuggle Up & Read donation drive also runs Dec. 1-30. Patrons may donate new books and pajamas at any branch; volunteers will package the items together and distribute them to children in need throughout Medina County.

Several branches will host visits from Santa and other holiday events. At Buckeye Library, Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet families Dec. 2 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with entertainment provided by Buckeye vocal music groups, along with crafts and games. Registration is available at mcdl.info/Holiday.

Lodi Library’s Winter Wonderland, held Dec. 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lodi Village Square, will feature Santa, reindeer from Spring Mist Farms, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, crafts and treats. The free event is held in partnership with Lodi Village, the Lodi Harrisville Historical Society and the Lodi Railroad Museum.

Additional Santa visits are scheduled across the system: Dec. 8 at Medina, where children can listen to a holiday story and make a craft; Dec. 9 at Highland, featuring cocoa, photos and a craft; and Dec. 11 at Seville, where registration is required at mcdl.info/Holiday.

Medina Library will host Gingerbread Houses on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. for children ages 5 and up. Participants should bring a bag of candy to share; all other supplies will be provided. Registration is available at mcdl.info/events.

Brunswick Library will offer an Adapted Santa event Dec. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. for families with special needs or sensory challenges. Registration is required at mcdl.info/Holiday.

Seville Library will ring in the new year early with a New Year’s Eve Poppers program on Dec. 20 at 11 a.m., open to children ages 4 and up. Registration is available at mcdl.info/events.

A full list of holiday programs is available at mcdl.info.