News
Cuyahoga Falls Library to open Sundays starting Sept. 10
Aug. 23, 2023
Cuyahoga Falls Library announces it will open weekly on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. beginning Sept. 10. This change comes directly from customer feedback.
"Since day one of joining the Cuyahoga Falls Library team, I've heard from patrons that they would like to see us open on Sundays again," said Director Andrew Harant. "Our recent survey confirms Sundays may be the most convenient, or only time, that some people in our community may be able to use our library."
During Sunday hours, most library services will be available. The public is welcome to visit the library to borrow books, movies, or items like traffic cones, Kindles, and Rokus from the Library of Things. The drive-thru will be open for pick-ups. Study rooms and meeting rooms may be reserved. The community is also welcome to utilize the tools in the MakerSpace. Plus, students can receive free homework help and tutoring through Cuyahoga Falls Library's Tutor.com subscription. Access is available in person on the library's public computers and Wi-Fi, or offsite with a library card by visiting www.fallslibrary.org/education.
"We're excited to welcome the community back to our library on Sundays. September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and school is back in session, so we felt this was the right time to re-introduce Sunday hours," said Director Harant. "Access is a core value of libraries, and being open to the public on Sundays is an important piece of serving our community."
The Cuyahoga Falls Library's current hours are Mon. through Thu. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Beginning Sept. 10, hours will include Sun. 1 - 5 p.m.
For more information on library hours or services, contact us! Email us a mail@fallslibrary.og, call 330.928.2117, or stop by the library in person at 2015 Third St., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
Press Contact
Danielle Welling
PR & Marketing Manager
Contact Danielle
330-928-2117
General Inquiries
Falls Library launches live, online Tutoring for Students with Tutor.com
Mar. 28, 2023
Cuyahoga Falls Library announces the launch of a new online tutoring and study resource, Tutor.com. The free service connects students to on-demand, online academic tutoring, homework help, and test preparation for kindergarten through 12th grade students, plus early college students and adult learners. All that’s needed to access Tutor.com is internet access and a Cuyahoga Falls Library card.
To help students and families connect to this resource at home, the library has added six new hotspots to its Library of Things collection. These hotspots provide free internet access and may be borrowed for up to seven days with an adult library card. Funding for the new hotspots and Tutor.com is provided by the Libraries Accelerating Learning grant, awarded to the Cuyahoga Falls Library by the Ohio Department of Education.
“Our staff pursued this grant because we want to help bridge the gap in learning loss brought on by the pandemic and be a partner to our local students, caregivers, and educators,” said Library Director Andrew Harant.
Live tutors are available in a variety of subjects and test prep areas from 2 p.m. – midnight, seven days a week. The service connects students with a highly qualified, expert tutor in a safe and secure online classroom. Many supplemental resources are available 24/7, including test prep resources from The Princeton Review® for the ACT®/SAT®, Advanced Placement (AP®) course videos, and more.
“I’m thrilled to bring a safe, accessible tutoring resource to our community,” said Amy Galluch, children’s department manager at Cuyahoga Falls Library. “Caregivers frequently ask us if we can recommend tutors for their children. Now I can confidently introduce them to Tutor.com, which has over 3,000 vetted, expert tutors!”
With instant access to one-to-one homework help and tutoring, students can lower their anxiety and raise their confidence about their schoolwork. Over 95% of Tutor.com student users surveyed said that having the service available helped them complete their homework and improve their grades.
“This is very helpful. It’s helping me get good grades and it helps me have a study partner when I don't have one,” said a 5th grade Tutor.com user.
To get started with Tutor.com, visit fallslibrary.org/research and select Tutor.com from the list of resources. Students logging in from home will need to enter their library card number.
Want to learn more about this tool? Browse these resources or contact us with questions.
- How It Works (English)
- How It Works (Spanish)
- Top 10 Facts for Parents (English)
- Top 10 Facts for Parents (Spanish)
- Top 10 Facts for Educators (English)
Press Contact
Danielle Welling
PR & Marketing Manager
Contact Danielle
330-928-2117
General Inquiries
Falls Library, Shelf Life announce 2nd Annual Local Lit Fest
Mar. 9, 2023
The 2nd Annual Local Lit Fest will take place April 28-29 at Cuyahoga Falls Library
Celebrate local authors, writing, and literature at the 2nd Annual Local Lit Fest, presented by Shelf Life and Cuyahoga Falls Library. The free, 2-day event will be Fri., Apr. 28 and Sat., Apr. 29 at Cuyahoga Falls Library, located at 2015 Third Street. Local Lit Fest will feature over 15 local authors for meet and greets, book signings and readings, children’s readings and crafts, local book club sign-ups, giveaways, and more.
The public can register in advance to attend free writing and publishing workshops held on the first day of the event, Fri., Apr. 28. The main event is Sat., Apr. 29, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., and no registration is required. The entire family is invited to support local authors and literature. Visit the library for author readings, book club sign-ups, giveaways, and children’s activities. Works by local authors will be available to purchase.
Last year, more than 250 people attended the inaugural event hosted at the Downtown Cuyahoga Falls Pavilion by Shelf Life, a thrift bookstore located on Front Street.
“I didn’t know what to expect when I started planning last year’s Local Lit Fest, but I had high hopes that were exceeded by the large turnout and support for our local authors.
Partnering with the Cuyahoga Falls Library for the 2nd Annual Local Lit Fest will offer even more for readers and authors alike, including workshops as well as additional readings and activities for children and families,” said Danielle Sawat, owner of Shelf Life.
For more information about the 2nd Annual Local Lit Fest, visit www.fallslibrary.org/calendar or www.ShelfLifeBookstore.com. Shelf Life bookstore is located at 2115 Front Street, Suite L, in Cuyahoga Falls. Visit Shelf Life on Facebook or Instagram for current store hours.
Press Contact
Danielle Welling
PR & Marketing Manager
Contact Danielle
330-928-2117
General Inquiries
Cuyahoga Falls Library names Assistant Director
Jan. 17, 2023
Jennifer Reynard, Assistant Director of Cuyahoga Falls Library
The Cuyahoga Falls Library has named Jennifer Reynard as Assistant Director, reporting to Library Director Andrew Harant. In this role, she will provide administrative and professional assistance to the Director in planning and administering all aspects of the library's operation. Reynard will also oversee the library's public service departments in her new role.
“This is a new position for our library, and we couldn’t have imagined a better person for it. Her previous experiences, commitment to our Falls community, and professionalism are all noteworthy. Jennifer and I have developed a great working relationship over the past several months, and I’m excited to work together to lead our library," said Director Harant.
Reynard has been with the Cuyahoga Falls Library for five years. As the Adult Services Department Manager, she supervised the information desk and programming for adults and teens. In 2022, she also served as Interim Director.
As Adult Services Manager, Reynard led the library in partnering with OhioMeansJobs of Summit County (OMJ) for various library programs. She was instrumental in creating the "Ask An Expert: Job Searching with OhioMeansJobs" program. Every Monday, an OMJ representative visits the library from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. OhioMeansJobs provides on-the-spot advice to job seekers on local job opportunities, resumes, and more.
Reynard also oversaw adding a new technology training and workforce development service, Northstar Digital Literacy. Northstar offers short online lessons and hands-on exercises to help users improve their computer skills and earn certifications. Ohio library access to Northstar is funded through a federal Institute of Museum and Library Services ARPA grant awarded by the State Library of Ohio.
Jennifer Reynard began her career in 1993 in the Akron-Summit County Library system. She worked at Medina County District Library, SEO Library Center (a branch of the State Library of Ohio), and OverDrive, Inc., a vendor for digital library collections before joining the team at Cuyahoga Falls Library.
Press Contact
Danielle Welling
PR & Marketing Manager
Contact Danielle
330-928-2117
General Inquiries
Cuyahoga Falls Library names new director
August 23, 2022
Andrew Harant, Director of Cuyahoga Falls Library
Cuyahoga Falls - The Cuyahoga Falls Library will welcome a new director, Andrew Harant, on Sept. 6. The Library Board of Trustees confirmed Harant as their selection during the Aug. 15 board meeting. He will replace former director Valerie Kocin, who retired on Jun. 30.
Interim Director Jennifer Reynard will remain in this role until Oct. 3 to assist in Director Harant's onboarding.
"The Board is very thankful to Interim Director Reynard for her excellent work during this transition. We're also delighted to welcome Andrew Harant as Director of the Cuyahoga Falls Library," said Debbie Ziccardi, Library Board of Trustees President. "We look forward to working with Director Harant to continue serving our community and building local partnerships."
Andrew Harant has managed the North Olmsted and Olmsted Falls branches of the Cuyahoga County Public Library for the past seven years. Before joining CCPL, he was a branch manager at Cleveland Public Library and spent ten years leading the Children's and Youth Services Department at Lakewood Public Library. He currently serves on the American Library Association's Core Values Task Force; Harant has previously served as Chair of ALA's Committee on Professional Ethics and the Ohio Library Council's Intellectual Freedom Committee.
"I'm thrilled and honored for this opportunity to lead the Cuyahoga Falls Library and can't wait to start getting to know our staff, board, patrons, and community. I am passionate about how we, as library staff, impact and enrich lives when we provide a welcoming space for all. I look forward to continuing and building upon the many wonderful services, events, and resources at Cuyahoga Falls Library," said Harant.
Falls Library Offers Northstar Digital Literacy for Digital Skills
May 15, 2022
Jennifer Reynard, Adult Services Manager, using Northstar Digital Literacy in the library computer lab
Cuyahoga Falls Library now offers digital skills certification in conjunction with Northstar Digital Literacy. The public can access Northstar learning paths and assessments on their own at home or make an appointment with the library's technology trainer for one-on-one guidance.
Appointments are available with the library's technology trainer for a personal introduction to Northstar Digital Literacy assessments or proctored testing. Appointments are available on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Contact the library's Information Desk at 330-928-2117x2000 to schedule your session. (Please bring your your email address, email password, and earphones to the appointment, so library staff may assist you in getting started with Northstar.)
For those who pass Northstar assessments, the library's technology trainer will certify the results. This certification can be useful for both job seekers who want to demonstrate their proficiency and employers seeking assurance of skills.
“We are excited to offer this new service to support members of our community in their personal and professional development,” says Adult Services Manager Jennifer Reynard. “This program is perfect for people just getting started with technology or looking to boost their resume. Most training skips the basics, but Northstar Digital Literacy starts at the very beginning and looks at the practical ways we use technology in our daily lives. The program includes topics from essential computer and software skills, to telehealth appointments, K-12 distance learning, social media and more. We are glad to offer Northstar Digital Literacy certification as an additional resource for lifelong learning and workforce development.”
Northstar Digital Literacy certification topics include:
- Basic Computer Skills
- Internet Basics
- Using Email
- Windows and Mac Operating Systems
- Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Google Docs
- Career Search Skills
- Supporting K-12 Distance Learning
- Social Media and Your Digital Footprint
- And more!
For more information about Northstar Digital Literacy, or other technology training opportunities at the Cuyahoga Falls Library, call the library’s Information Desk at 330-928-2117, email us, or visit in person.
Ohio library access to Northstar is funded through a federal Institute of Museum and Library Services ARPA grant awarded by the State Library of Ohio.
Fine Forgiveness during National Library Week Apr. 4 - 9
March 31, 2022
To celebrate National Library Week, Cuyahoga Falls Library (CFL) is offering Fine Forgiveness from April 4 - 9. Simply return any outstanding checked-out CFL materials, and staff will remove qualifying overdue fines from your account. If you’ve lost your library card, the library will replace it for free as well.
Cuyahoga Falls Library encourages all community members to visit during National Library week to have their fines waived and explore the library’s collection and services. The library offers a wide array of services to help you find what you need, when you need it - from one-on-one technology training, career development programs with OhioMeansJobs, pre-kindergarten readiness, and reading programs.
National Library Week highlights the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. This year’s theme is “Connect with Your Library,” which showcases that libraries are places to get connected to technology with broadband and computer access. Libraries also offer opportunities to connect with new ideas through programs and events, in addition to checking out books and media. Most importantly, the Cuyahoga Falls Library connects people to each other.
One example of how our community connects at Cuyahoga Falls Library is through its monthly Meditative Monday program. This virtual class, which began in 2021, brings people together not only to learn a particular art form, like macramé or paper quilling, but also to turn the act of creating into a meditative practice. “Patrons tell us they appreciate the simple meditation that helps relax the body and mind,” said library Customer Experience Manager Elizabeth Morrison, who currently leads the program. “Our loosely structured projects provide the space to share with each other.” Although in-person library programs have resumed, Elizabeth plans to continue holding Meditative Monday over Zoom to maximize accessibility.
During National Library Week, the public can show their appreciation and support for libraries by visiting in person or following them on social media. Share a favorite library experience and tag @fallslibrary with the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April.
Masks optional, in-person programs to resume
March 16, 2022
Effective Mar. 16, masks are optional at Cuyahoga Falls Library. Per CDC guidelines, masks are recommended for unvaccinated and/or vulnerable populations.
In-person library programming will resume on Apr. 1.
“We’re excited to start hosting in-person programs again just in time for the annual Summer Reading Program,” says Marketing & PR Manager Danielle Welling. This year, the reading program will begin on May 27.
The library’s Board of Trustees approved these policy updates at their Mar. 15 meeting.
Introducing ASL Interpretation for Adult Programs
February 22, 2022
The Cuyahoga Falls Library will offer American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation at its February and March adult programs.
"We're very excited to offer live interpretation for our deaf and hard of hearing patrons. Libraries are for everyone, and these program offerings are a step in the right direction for making library services more accessible to the deaf community. We hope to expand on these services in the future by partnering with local organizations," said Adult Services Manager Jennifer Reynard.
Scheduled library programs with an ASL interpreter will include:
- 2/28 - Sepsis, A Life-threatening Medical Emergency
- 3/3 - Zen Yoga
- 3/10 - Saving for College
- 3/16 - Modern Resume: Using Chronological vs Functional Resumes
- 3/21 - The Digital Collection
- 3/28 - Healthy Eating
The library will also offer a two-part beginners sign language course in April. Attendees will learn basic signs to aid in communicating with people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or fluent in ASL. Advance registration is required.
- 4/4 - Sign Language 101: Part 1
- 4/18 - Sign Language 101: Part 2 (Attendance at part one is required.)
To register and view a complete program list, visit www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/calendar. Use the Event Types menu to filter and view all upcoming ASL interpreted programs. Riverfront Readers book club and adult special event programs will have ASL interpretation upon request. Contact adultservices@cuyahogafallslibrary.org or the library at 330.928.2117 to request a program interpreter.
The library may add additional interpretation services and programs in the future. To stay up to date with library services and news, sign up for the Cuyahoga Falls Library email newsletter at www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/newsletter.
Library offers new digital skills training from Northstar Digital Literacy
Cuyahoga Falls Library announces a new resource, Northstar Digital Literacy, for anyone looking to improve their skills with computers, software, or technology. Northstar Digital Literacy is a self-directed assessment and learning tool that features short lessons and practice exercises to improve skills on a number of common computer topics.
The Northstar resource is available 24/7 on the library's Research page. Adult Services library staff are available to help with the resource during regular hours in person or over the phone at 330-928-2117 x 2000.
Quick Links:
“We are excited to have Northstar Digital Literacy to help meet our community needs for additional computer training and digital literacy,” says Adult Services Manager Jennifer Reynard. “The last few years have underscored the digital divide not only in computer and internet access, but also in digital skills and literacy. Northstar will be a valuable resource to anyone new to technology or looking to brush up on their skills. It can also be a great tool for local businesses to develop new staff.”
Interactive digital literacy test topics include:
- Basic Computer Skills
- Internet Basics
- Using Email
- Windows and Mac Operating Systems
- Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Google Docs
- Career Search Skills
- Supporting K-12 Distance Learning
- Social Media and Your Digital Footprint
Ohio library access to Northstar is funded through a federal Institute of Museum and Library Services ARPA grant awarded by the State Library of Ohio.
New AWE Children’s Learning Workstations
December 29, 2021
Liberty enjoys the educational games on one of the library’s new AWE Children’s Learning Computers
Cuyahoga Falls Library announces the purchase of three new AWE Learning’s All-In-One Workstation Computers. Each computer contains 85 award-winning, pre-loaded educational games designed for ages 2 – 12.
All content is STREAM-aligned (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art and Music, and Math). AWE Learning Stations are plug-and-play, with no internet connection, offering young learners a safe digital learning environment.
The wide variety of interactive content will keep kids engaged, and most importantly, learning. Educational titles include handwriting (including cursive), e-books (fiction, classic non-fiction, and poetry), coding, sight words, cyber safety, and more.
To use the new AWE computers, visit the Children’s Department at the Cuyahoga Falls Library.
Cuyahoga Falls City School District honors library
November 17, 2021
Pictured left to right: Leah Kolesar, library assistant; Meghan Palik, children's librarian; Beth Sucharzewski, children's department manager; Amy Galluch, children's librarian.
Cuyahoga Falls Library received a Certificate of Commendation at the Cuyahoga Falls City School District Board Meeting for demonstrated partnership with the district and engagement with students and staff.
School Board President Karen Schofield announced the recognition. Tina Lindy, Elementary Media Specialist, presented the certificate to Library Director Valerie Kocin. Library Board President Deborah Ziccardi was also in attendance.
"We are honored to accept this certificate on behalf of the Cuyahoga Falls Library staff and board," said Director Kocin. "We truly enjoy working with you, Tina, and with the teachers and students and look forward to continuing our partnership in the future."
The ongoing relationship between the library and the school district is a vital part of ensuring students and families stay connected to the information and resources they need to achieve their educational goals.
The Children's Department, in particular, plays a crucial role in school outreach and student support. Pictured is the Cuyahoga Falls Library Children's Department staff with the certificate.