AVON LAKE, Ohio — The Avon Lake Public Library always has something new. This week, the library is reopening its popular “Discovery Works” area for kids, with some upgrades.

“We are making some changes in Discovery Works, which opened in 1994. There have been no renovations since then,” said Shea Alltmont, the library’s communications manager.

“People will find adjustments in the kids’ areas — both for younger and older kids. We have expanded the younger kids’ area a bit, so it is roomier, with a table for activities. The older kids’ area, while a bit smaller, still contains all the activities kids have enjoyed over the years.”

Alltmont said the library and its staff have missed the kids during the pandemic as much as the parents and kids have missed the library, especially in the Discovery Works area.

“We are also looking for public opinions on the library environment,” she said, “including our projects and what people would like to see in the future. We have a short survey at www.alpl.org/survey to fill out and submit. We will work with a local company in North Ridgeville to help create an even more cohesive environment.”

After the surveys are evaluated, the company will come back to the library, probably by the end of the year.

“After that,” she said, “we will then figure the next steps to make some of those things (on the survey) a reality.”

She noted that the library has returned to in-person programming, but also has an option to do some online programs as well.

“And craft kits to take home are always an option,” she said.

Genealogy programs coming up

The library also has a series of genealogy programs on the calendar. The programs begin at 7 p.m. and are offered over Zoom. They are free and open to the public.

The September…