Mike Migden and Dominic Basile Jr. from Summit County Fiscal Office join librarians Ris and Keith to discuss what an increase in property value means for homeowners and renters alike, and what steps you can take if you would like your value reappraised. 

For more information on making an appointment by phone or email for reappraisal or for their roadshow schedule, visit https://fiscaloffice.summitoh.net/index.php/2023-reappraisal-meeting. 

Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Rita Aggarwal and Christina Hernandez from Proyecto Raices join librarians Ris and Keith to discuss their services, programs, and events to help the Latino community thrive. 

For more information on Proyecto Raices’ upcoming programs and events—including the Akron Latin Festival, visit facebook.com/MiProyectoRAICES. 

Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. 

Joann Sahl and Russ Nichols from the University of Akron School of Law’s Reentry Clinic join librarians Ris and Keith to discuss what legal options are available for those who are justice involved to seal or expunge their records. 

For information on the next Reentry Clinic, visit https://www.uakron.edu/law/curriculum/clinical-programs/reentry.dot. 

Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. 

Theron Brown and Will Blake from the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival and Katie Carver Reed and Anita Marron from Highland Square Porchrokr Music and Art Festival join librarians Ris and Keith to discuss how music has—historically and currently—created community in our local neighborhoods. 

For the most up to date information on these two festivals, visit direct.me/rubbercityjazz and porchrockr.org. 

Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. 

Smoke from the wildfires in Canada has been blown in our direction with dystopic results—from noxious smells to hazy skies and a red-orange moon to unhealthy air quality. 

Sam Rubens from the Akron Regional Air Quality Management District (ARAQMD) joins librarians Ris and Keith to discuss how to make sense of Air Quality Alerts, what the Air Quality Index measures, and ways to stay safe when the air you breathe isn’t. 

To check the air quality, visit airnow.gov, download the EPA AirNow mobile app, or call 330.375.2545 if you’re in the Akron area. 

Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

House Bill 458 was signed into law by Governor Dewine on January 6, changing voting laws in Ohio. So what do you need to know before going up to the polls next? 

Librarians Ris and Keith speak to Mary Robbins from the League of Women Voters of Akron Area to learn about the new ID requirements, altered timelines, and another matter that may affect your future vote: Issue 1 on the August 8 special election ballot. 

To register to vote or update your voter registration information online, visit Ohio’s Online Voter Registration System at olvr.ohiosos.gov. 

Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. 

Northeast Ohio has lots of squirrels, deer—and ticks. According to records from the Summit County Department of Health, cases of Lyme disease, which are transmitted by ticks, have increased over the last decade. 

Librarians Ris and Keith speak to several area experts--Kelsie Hengle from Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Sara Cochrane and Dr. Erika Sobolewski from Summit County--to find out why there’s been an increase, how to avoid tick bites, and what to do if you’ve been bit. 

To learn more about ticks, visit the Ohio Department of Health’s Be Tick Smart! initiative. 

Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Years of social distancing and virtual connection has greatly impacted how we socialize—from spending less time with friends to the decline of social organizations and clubs—and increased feelings of isolation. So how do you achieve feelings of group belonging when there are no groups to join? You start one yourself! 

Librarians Ris and Keith speak to Bronlynn Thurman about her experience with co-founding Black Women Explore, an outdoor recreation group centered on creating space for Black & Brown women/fem-identifying folks in the Akron community. 

Connect with Black Women Explore on Facebook and Instagram @blackwomenexplore. 

For further reading on the subject, check out Bowling Alone (Revised & Updated) by Robert D Putnam and The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. 

Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. 

Ohio Edison, the distributor and default supplier of electricity to Northeast Ohio residents, will be doubling its supply rates on June 1. So how do you make sense of your energy bill to ensure you’re making the best choices? 

Librarians Ris and Keith speak to Tonja Stewart-Shaw from the Office of the Ohio Consumer Council to learn how to tell if this rate hike will affect you, evaluate alternate energy suppliers, and make educated decisions regarding your energy bill. 

To compare energy suppliers and learn more about aggregation programs, visit energychoice.ohio.gov. 

Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.