Unity quilt ties library branch to community

The Lorain Public Library System North Ridgeville Branch, 35700 Bainbridge Road, is encouraging community members to take part in a unity quilt community art project until Feb. 29.

The project is composed of sixinch paper squares which are provided by the library then decorated with drawing, poetry song lyrics, inspirational quotes and photography.

Square decorating kicked-off Jan. 20 and branch manager Jennifer Winkler said she’s going to start the display Jan. 27.

“We want it to have a positive message, send a positive message or be kind,” Winkler said.

She said she is hoping to get between 60 and 100 quilt pieces to make a large display through the library on a moveable display.

Winkler said she got the idea from her experience at a previous library.

“A former library I worked at did something like this with their teen library,” she said. “And when I came to

North Ridgeville, it was an idea that I was very passionate about and I wanted to bring that to the community as well.”

Winkler said she’s excited to debut the project and wants the community to get involved in something throughout Black History Month.

“We’re excited and we want to get people involved,” she said. “It’s a really great way to bring the community together.

“It’s going to continue

through February to honor Black History Month and Toni Morrison’s birthday.”

The staff wanted to start the event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to honor his message of unity, Winkler said.

“I think it’s important for usasalibrarytocelebrateour community and our uniqueness in our community and our diversity, too,” she said. “The library is still a cornerstone of the community that’s open to everyone and we want to promote that.”