ROCK CREEK – An open house Thursday, April 16, at the Rock Creek Public Library Annex showcased the space and how it’s expanded the library’s ability to offer programming and resources to residents.
The former Rock Creek United Methodist Church, which had most recently been used as a funeral home, was acquired by the library in October, 2023, for use as an annex.
Kim Blevins, the library director, said the annex doubled square footage the square footage available, which opened up programming offerings for local residents.
As staff began using the space, they realized they needed a few items to make the annex more usable, so Blevins applied for a grant through the Library Services and Technology Act and the State Library of Ohio, receiving $5,000 which was used to purchase blackout curtains, tables and chairs.
“Just basic things we needed,” Blevins said.
The library building is small and hosting programming there often meant crowding out just about anything else, Blevins said. Now, with the annex, staff and volunteers can stack as many as three programs a day and host public events, such as the Fall Fest last autumn and opening the annex to trick-or-treaters.
“The imagination is the limit,” Blevins said.
In 2025, the Rock Creek Public Library checked out 38,937 items to patrons. The library is linked to other libraries statewide and partners with a number of community organizations to offer programming.
The library saw a 103-percent increase in attendance during 2025, according to materials available at the open house. It also provides homework help, reading materials and curriculum support for students at Rock Creek Elementary.
The annex, located at 3210 N. Main St. (State Route 45) in the village, has several upcoming programming offerings:
• “Backyard Flowers” with Maaike Jenkins, Monday, May 4, at 6 p.m.
• The Learning Series, Mondays May 4-June 22 at 6 p.m. (reservations requested)
• Movie matinee, “Wicked for Good,” Wednesday, May 13, 1 p.m. (RSVP)
• The hands-on learning series: crochet, knit, cross-stich, hand sewing, Mondays in May, 3 p.m.
• Chair Yoga Mondays, 1-2 p.m. with Melissa Artman
For more information or to sign up for programming, call 440-563-3340 or visit rockcreek.lib.oh.us.
