The Milan-Berlin Library District does more than just get by and has plenty of help from its Friends.
The Friends of the Library group has funded improvements to both buildings in the district by hosting a variety of fundraising events.
The group’s monthly book sale is popular, yet it doubles in size for visitors to the Milan Melon Festival over Labor Day weekend.
“We have a great group of enthusiastic people that love books and like to help,” said Friends President Rachel Christoff. “Everybody works together and just fills in where they can.”
The sale is set for 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 2 and 3, at 19 Church St.
Stock for the sale comes from both library discards and donations.
Customers include local regulars and book dealers from farther away, Christoff said.
Items include books, music and movies and usually some surprises.
Christoff once found a script from “The Odd Couple” sitcom.
The Friends group is small and always welcomes new members, Christoff said.
In addition to the book sales, they hold a Christmas raffle, create an appreciation breakfast for staff and a few years ago held tours of Milan’s historic homes.
The group helped fund a major expansion to the Milan branch, an historic Carnegie library, as well as an additional room at the Berlin Heights branch, Christoff said.
Recently, they purchased two parcels near the Milan library and demolished the homes on them to create a green space.
The space will become a story walk with benches and other amenities for the library’s programming.
“They do a lot for a small library,” Christoff said.
Christine Sholes, director of marketing and digital services, speaks of upcoming programming that touches on everything from local history to global cultures.
“We have some really fun adult programming in Milan,” Sholes said. “We bring in local authors whenever we can. We’re really very proud of what we bring in.”
Sholes said she is especially excited about two September events focused on the history of the region.
On Sept. 23, the public is invited to “The Barn Builders: An Architectural Legacy in Ohio’s Rural Landscape.”
The noon event will cover the history of barns in Ohio and the distinctive way various migrating groups constructed their barns.
“It really is kind of an absolutely fascinating subject,” Sholes said.
On Sept. 28, local author John Kropf will discuss his recently published book on the American Crayon Company in Sandusky.
“Color Capital of the World: Growing Up with the Legacy of a Crayon Company” follows the story of three families who built a company that once produced more crayons and paints than anywhere in the world.
The library’s local history room and historian are available for those conducting genealogical searches.
The library partners with the Firelands Historical Society to host workshops as well.
All programs are free but registration is required and can be done online at milan-berlin.lib.oh.us or by calling 419-499-4117.
Community members interested in joining the Friends group can do so by calling the same number.
Other upcoming events at the Milan Library include Paws to Read on Sept. 5.
This children’s event is held on the first Tuesday of each month and gives children an opportunity to read to certified therapy dogs.
“It’s proven to help a lot of children who are struggling with literacy,” Sholes said.
Passage to India takes place on Oct. 12.
Sujatha Srinivasan will share traditional Indian costume, dance and culture.
Her explanations will provide an understanding of Indian history and culture.
Glow! At the Silent Disco takes place on Oct. 28.
This Halloween-themed program for all ages is being organized by the Teen Advisory Board.
Attendees will receive a pair of headphones for the event so they can choose the volume of the dance party or scary movie selection.
Costumes or glow-in-the-dark outfits are encouraged.
