1935

Sheffield Lake Village requested a loan collection of 100 to 200 books, marking the first time trustees approved collections outside the city. A station opened in September at Gang’s Grocery with 200 books as part of the Lorain County Library Federation.

The federation was a cooperative effort among county libraries to share duplicate titles and build a shared collection of about 1,400 books maintained by Lorain Public Library.

1940

Service transitioned to bookmobile service, which continued for 22 years.

1960

The Kiwanis Club began fundraising efforts for a permanent structure.

1962

Preparations began to open a branch in the Shoreway Shopping Center on Lake Road.

Budget Commission of Lorain County allocated $10,000. The Kiwanis Club raised $3,100 and assisted with moving materials.

1963

The Sheffield Lake Branch opened Jan. 20 in the Shoreway Shopping Center. Frances Sutman served as librarian. Friends of Sheffield Lake Library organized.

1964

The Domonkas Branch was dedicated by Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Domonkas, who donated $100,000 toward its construction. The City of Sheffield Lake provided $36,000 and

Lorain Public Library Board of Trustees provided $12,000.

An open house in November drew more than 300 attendees. The 4,727-square-foot building at 4125 E. Lake Road housed 6,100 titles and was built on land provided by the city under a 100-year lease.

A traffic light was installed nearby in December to improve safety for patrons.

1965

Rachel Enright takes over as librarian.

1970

Virginia Collier becomes librarian. Friday hours added.

1971

Preschool story times began. 34,002 items circulated.

1973

The Ruth Domonkas Room was dedicated and a bust of Stephen Domonkas was donated. Limited funding resulted in reduced branch hours.

1974

Photocopier service was introduced. The branch celebrated its 10th anniversary with an open house attended by more than 200 people. Children use real voting booths to vote for their favorite books. Charlotte's Web wins. 

1975

Staffing, services and open hours were reduced due to a budget crisis.

1976

A 2-mill operating levy fails.

1977

Leased books were introduced to support circulation in order to reduce the tight budget. Mildew issues affected the building.

1978

The card catalog was reorganized into Author-Title and Subject. Mildew issues continued. Two additional levy attempts failed.

1979

A $1 million levy passed and hours increased from 15 to 23 per week. Benefactor Stephen Domonkas died Jan. 5.

1980

100 people came to a library program where “The Making of Star Wars” was shown. Hours increased to 30 per week. 30,562 items circulated.

1981

Preschool story times were reinstated.

1982

Videos were added to the collection. Circulation hits 42,498.

1984

The branch was remodeled and new technology including a TRS-80 computer was added. The levy was renewed and circulating items are now at 50,807.

1985

Computer use expanded and hours increased. Mrs. Domonkas died in July, leaving a trust to support building improvements.

1986

Open 46 hours a week now. Roof repairs and landscaping improvements were completed.

1987

A study on shoreline erosion by the Army Core of Engineers informed future planning.

1988

Technology upgrades included a phone system, computers and a new fax machine. CDs were added to the collection.

1989

The building was expanded with a 3,700-square-foot addition and renovated with new windows. Nov. 5 was declared Domonkas Library Day as Sheffield Lake celebrated 25 years of library service to the community, passed a 2-year levy and increased hours to 52 per week. The collection expanded to include videos and books-on-tape.

1990

Staff began entering data into CLEVNET. A large section of land to the north of the library was lost to erosion.

1991

Circulation surpassed 100,000. Use of the online catalog begins. Erosion continued, taking another 25 feet of shore. The 1-mill levy was renewed.

1992

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers scheduled erosion control work next year.

1993

A donation from the estate of Contance Bickers is made to support special materials and programming.

1994

The U.S. Corps of Engineers complete the rubble breakwall to stop erosion. New automatic doors and computers were added. Record albums are removed from the collection.

1996

A 1-mill renewal and .538 additional levy both fail in spring but pass in the fall.

1997

Internet access was introduced through an OPLIN computer. Hours increase to 56 during the school year and 52 during the summer months.

1998

The parking lot was expanded to 41 spaces, new landscaping and an exterior sign were added.

1999

The adult book discussion group met regularly.

2002

Renovations were completed including a redesigned children's area.

2003

Teen programming expanded with events such as a murder mystery.

2004

Teen Advisory Board members won first prize in a parade.

2009

Public computers were upgraded and wireless printing added.

2013

Technology and building systems were upgraded.

2014

The branch celebrated its 50th anniversary and renovated the entrance.

2015

The branch participated in Sheffield's bicentennial.

2016

Technology upgrades were completed. An operational levy passed.

2017

The branch partnered to provide free lunches to those 18 and under every weekday while school is out for the summer.

2018

A community garden supported youth programming.

2019

Technology upgrades and new circulating materials were introduced. Windows and landscaping were updated.

2020

COVID-19 led to temporary closure, expanded digital services and curbside pickup. The branch also launched culinary programming using a mobile kitchen.

2021

The building was updated and programming expanded to include food educationinitiatives.

2022

A Storybook Trail was installed in Ferndale Park. Community service initiatives expanded and new services were introduced including a photo studio program.

Naloxone boxes were installed and a dramatic play station was added.

2023

A Maker-In-Residence program and expanded programming were introduced.

2024

Solar eclipse glasses were distributed and later recycled.

2026

Lorain Public Library System celebrated its 125th anniversary with events at each branch.

The Domonkas Gift

Stephen Domonkas, owner of car dealerships in the Cleveland area and in Sandusky, and his wife, the former Ruth McVeigh, had a love for the city of Sheffield Lake and its lakeshore. The Domonkas Branch Library building is a living tribute to their love for the community.

Mr. and Mrs. Domonkas made their home on the lakeshore of Sheffield Lake in 1929 when they built Casa del Mar. Mrs. Domonkas once said, “We don’t have a family. We found Sheffield Lake, watched it grow and wanted to do something good for it.”

When asked about his donation for the construction of the library, Mr. Domonkas replied, “I have always been interested in education. A library is the best medium for educating youngsters and adults - you’re never too old to learn. Actually the motive in back of this whole thing is that I am glad to do this for the group of people I live with.”