Books unite us - censorship divides us. That's the focus in public libraries across the nation. This week marks the American Library Association's annual Banned Books Week. The Lima Public Library is participating with a display of books. The library's executive director says he has not had a challenge of a book in the 11 years that he has been at the library. Nationally the American Library Association says there has been a rise in book challenges mostly on the school level.

Gary Fraser, director of Lima Public Library, announced Monday that the main library in Lima and branch libraries in Cairo, Elida, Lafayette, and Spencerville will expand their hours starting Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

Lima Public Library, along with many others across the state, has partnered with the Ohio Department of Health to distribute at-home COVID-19 tests to the public. They are free and can be requested by calling any of the 5 Lima Library locations. Tests can then be picked up curbside.