Mercer County District Library shares upcoming programs and lesser known services on Spectrum

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CELINA, Ohio
The Mercer County District Library stopped by Spectrum Wednesday to highlight end of January programs, February favorites, and a long list of services many residents do not realize are available through the library system.

Allison Brown, circulation manager, and Emma Fisher, adult services specialist, told host Kevin Sandler the library’s current program series is called Begin the New Year by Thinking About the End, with two final sessions scheduled in the Story Hour Room at the Celina library.

Saturday, January 24 features estate planning with financial advisor Eric Muller at 10 a.m.
Saturday, January 31 follows with Making It Legal with attorney Evan Batchelor at 10 a.m.

Library staff said materials from earlier sessions are available for pickup at the library, including information tied to celebration of life planning, hospice care, and funeral planning.

Looking ahead to February, the library will bring back Blind Date with a Book, a display that runs through the month. Wrapped books are labeled with clues like genre, page count, and a rating, but the cover and title stay hidden until checkout. Readers can also fill out a short rating slip afterward for a chance at a surprise giveaway.

Beyond books, Brown and Fisher also highlighted a range of practical services, including:

Mobile hotspots that can be checked out for two weeks, useful for vacations, camping, moving, or temporary internet needs. Staff suggested placing holds early since summer demand can create a waiting list.
Free Wi Fi at library locations.
Curbside pickup, where staff will bring items out to your vehicle.
Free notary service at select locations, based on staff availability.
Tax forms and printing options, along with low cost printing for other documents.
Help with Golden Buckeye Card sign ups and voter registration forms.
Children’s learning items like Wonderbooks, plus audio options like Playaways.

Fisher also noted the library’s growing genealogy and local history resources, including birth and death records, obituary information, access to research databases, and help from staff who work in genealogy spaces. The library also discussed a digitization project that allows searching older records by keyword and date, with access available at Mercer County District Library locations.

For those needing space to meet or study, staff said meeting rooms and smaller study spaces are available across the system, with reservations handled online for cardholders.

Library cards are free. Adults can sign up with a photo ID, and children can register with a guardian if they meet age requirements.

The Mercer County District Library system includes the main library in Celina, along with branches in Marion Township, St. Henry, and Mendon. The library also shares information on programs and hours through its website and social media pages.