what’s happening
Events and opportunities to connect hosted by Civic Saturday Akron Fellows with partner organizations and community groups.
Neighborhood Network: Middlebury
Neighborhood Network Middlebury Meeting
We are less than a month away from the next Middlebury Meeting! Hope to see you there primed and ready to take action and get involved. We have discussed the different concerns around housing, safety, and health of the community. Now we work on building solutions for these together.
Ideas into Action!
Action into Results!
Results into Change!
This town hall-style conversation invites residents, leaders, and nonprofits to share what can be done, the actions one can take to address some of these neighborhood issues. Let's work together to create positive change!
Tuesday, June 10th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Family of Faith UMC (800 East Market Street, Akron).
Dinner will be provided.
More information on our Facebook!
Have any questions? Email ArellT@hfhsummitcounty.org
FIDE Citizens' Assembly School
The Federation for Innovation in Democracy North America has chosen Akron to host its annual Citizens’ Assembly School, June 12 - 13 at Bounce Innovation Hub in partnership with Unify America.
Join catalysts from across the nation working to advance democratic culture and process that is citizen-centric, holds government accountable, and brings a diversity of voices to the table through Citizens’ Assemblies. What’s a Citzens’ Assembly? Check out this guide from Democracy Next.
The FIDE Citizens’ Assembly School is 8am - 5:30pm Thursday, June 12 - Friday, June 13 with optional closing celebration at Civic Saturday, June 14.
Civic saturday at bounce
Civic Saturday at Bounce Innovation Hub, June 14, 2025, 10 am - 1 pm
celebrating community and shared civic power
Join us for the first Civic Saturday Akron of 2025, June 14, at Bounce Innovation Lab in partnership with Unify America, featuring music from Kate Tucker, poetry from Xposyur, and Civic Reflections from special guest Marjan H Ehsassi of the Federation for Innovation in Democracy (FIDE).
Stay after the program for the Civic Matchmaking Hour to connect with Akron organizations offering resources and ways to make an impact.
Refreshments available for purchase from ACR Coffee Lab.
The 2025 Charity Ball
The 2025 Charity Ball
Step into Elegance, Give with Purpose
Join us for a night of glamour and generosity at the 2025 Charity Ball, hosted at the stunning House Three Thirty! This unforgettable evening will be filled with entertainment, philanthropy, and community spirit, all in support of an incredible local non-profit making a difference.
✨ Event Highlights ✨
📍 Venue: House Three Thirty – A stunning backdrop for an evening of sophistication and celebration.
🎶 Entertainment: DJ TashBeatz will be providing the sounds for the evening, setting the perfect atmosphere for an elegant and lively night. Our charismatic host will guide you through the evening’s program.
📸 Capturing the Night: Enjoy professional photography, videography, and photobooths to make your evening truly memorable.
🍸 Open Bar & Cocktail Hour: Enjoy a selection of premium beverages throughout the evening and network during our cocktail hour.
🎟️ Raffles: Enter for a chance to win fantastic prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night.
🏆 Non-Profit Selection: Cast your vote live at the event to support one of five outstanding local non-profits:
Akron Sneaker Academy
Empowering Queens
Sarah's House
Dream's Academy
People Feeding People
👔 Dress Code: Strictly Formal & Black & White Theme
This year, we are introducing an all black and white dress code. Attendees must comply by embracing the elegance of the evening in formal black and white attire:
✔ Men: Dinner suits, tuxedos, dress shirts, tailored suits.
✔ Women: Full-length evening gowns or tailored suits.
❌ Not permitted: Jeans, t-shirts, athletic gear, sneakers, cocktail dresses, or casual wear. Guests who do not adhere to the dress code will not be admitted.
🔞 Age Restriction
🚫 21+ ONLY | A valid photo ID is required at the registration desk.
⏳ Final Entry: To guarantee entrance, please arrive no later than 8:30 PM. No entry permitted after 8:30 PM.
🎟️ Ticket Information: Limited Availability
General Admission & Table Options
🎟 General Admission (Individual Tickets) – Grants entry to the event with access to the cocktail hour, open bar, presentation, ceremony, entertainment, and raffles.
⚠️ Limited seating available for general admission ticket holders. A seat is not guaranteed unless a half or full table is purchased.
🪑 Half Table (Seats 4) – Secure reserved seating at a shared table for you and your guests.
🪑 Full Table (Seats 8) – Reserve an entire table for your party to enjoy the evening together.
❌ No tickets will be sold at the door.
📸 Photo & Media Disclaimer
By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree that photographs and videos may be taken throughout the evening. These images may be used for promotional purposes, including social media and marketing materials.
💼 Sponsorship Opportunities
Want to support the 2025 Charity Ball as a sponsor? Contact us at thecharityball23@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities and ways to get involved.
Let's get dressed up, celebrate, and make a lasting impact at the 2025 Charity Ball! We look forward to an elegant evening of giving, community, and unforgettable moments.
Gayme night out
GAYME Night OUT is happening every month in 2025!
Come join us at The Green Dragon Inn Board Game Bar and Cafe in downtown Akron anytime from 6-11pm, every 2nd Monday of every month!
An LGBTQ+ and Allied event for all ages to play board games, card games, enjoy snacks - and we even offer a crafting corner for folks who want to bring a craft to make, a book to read, or their knitting to spend time with community too!
Pride & Wrath*: A Summit County LGBTQIA+ Civic Celebration for Change
Pride is powerful—but so is purpose.
Join us for Pride & Wrath, brought to you by Civic Saturday Fellows Ben Bisbee, Sarah Fink, Gabe Minson, and Jenna Eastman! Pride & Wrath is a bold kickoff ahead of Akron’s Pride season and the debut LGBTQIA+ edition of Civic Saturday Akron. Part rally, part community fair, part call to action, this one-of-a-kind event offers a joyful space to channel both your love for community (Pride) and your hunger for meaningful change (Wrath).
Together, we’ll gather as a diverse and empowered community at the Akron Main Library to connect, learn, and activate across every corner of Summit County. Whether you're a longtime advocate or just starting to explore your civic superpowers, you'll find real, doable ways to get involved in a better, stronger tomorrow.
What to Expect:
A Civic Engagement Gallery featuring 20+ local orgs with ways to plug in—from voting to volunteering, from community pantries to community gardening.
The 1st Annual Akron Envy Awards - created to honor the LGBTQIA+ people who aren’t always on the marquee or the head of an organization—but those who make civic life in Akron more just, joyful, and deeply queer.
Opening remarks from Akron LGBTQIA+ leaders and changemakers
Fran Wilson - Akron's Ward 1 City Council Candidate
Amanda Cole - Executive Director, Plexus LGBTQ and Allied Chamber of Commerce
Live performances by local queer artists, musicians, and drag/burlesque talent
Xposyur - spoken word artist, lyricist, and queer hip-hop artist
Breakout spaces to reflect, share, and strategize
The Social Good Graffiti Room
Organizing sessions on canvassing, advocacy, and writing your reps with focus, fire and clarity
Free snacks and water (because community care is also about having snacks)
Our Goal:
To help every attendee leave with at least one new, tangible way to channel their Pride into civic action, because showing up matters, especially when our rights, lives, and futures are on the line. This isn’t a town hall. This is a launchpad.
Looking to become involved? Check out our engagement options below or reach out to Ben Bisbee (benbisbee@txakron.org) for other options or interest.
RSVP for free tickets
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:
Host a Booth
If you're a business or organization that offers a powerful community benefit or opportunity that benefits the community--and especially the LGBTQIA+ community--please apply for a booth today! Spaces are limited.It’s free, easy, and a great way to connect with attendees to invite them to learn more about your organization and how to become more involved. You can fill out the Engagement Booth sign-up here.
Become a Civic Ally
We’re also inviting organizations and groups to sign on as Civic Allies—supporters who champion LGBTQIA+ civic life and community connection. It’s not about money—it’s about standing up and standing with us. Interested in learning more? You can fill out the Civic Ally sign-up here.
Nominate Someone for a 2025 Akron Envy Award
We're debuting the Akron Envy Awards to celebrate civic-minded LGBTQIA+ leaders and allies who make Akron better. Got someone in mind? Learn more here and nominate someone!
Tedx Akron 2025: Shaking the Rules
TEDx Akron 2025: Shaking the Rules
2:00pm - Saturday, September 13th, 2025
The Knight Stage at The Akron Civic Theater
182 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308
This year’s TEDxAkron event invites speakers who have questioned the status quo, redefined boundaries, or seen the world through a different lens. 2025’s “Shaking the Rules” isn’t just about rebellion—it’s about vision, exploration, and the courage to ask, What if? From bold innovations to quiet revolutions, from rethinking history to redesigning the future, our speakers will explore the gray spaces where transformation happens. Because sometimes, progress isn’t about breaking the rules—it’s about shaking them.
Are you shaking at the possibility of speaking in 2025? We want to hear from you! This year the TEDxAkron team will be directly curating some speakers and securing others from our open call. Learn more here to consider if this year and this theme is the right fit for your TEDxAkron speaker interests.
Are you interested in becoming a 2025 Shaking The Rules Sponsor? Become one of the leading companies, businesses, or individuals who are excited to support one of the brightest events of the year, celebrating Akron’s big ideas in 2025. Learn more here to help us make Akron a bigger, smarter, more wonderful place to live.
GAYME Night OUT
GAYME Night OUT is happening every month in 2025!
Come join us at The Green Dragon Inn Board Game Bar and Cafe in downtown Akron anytime from 6-11pm, every 2nd Monday of every month!
An LGBTQ+ and Allied event for all ages to play board games, card games, enjoy snacks - and we even offer a crafting corner for folks who want to bring a craft to make, a book to read, or their knitting to spend time with community too!
People Feeding People: grocery Distro
Volunteer with People Feeding People for their bi-weekly food drop, and help bring fresh nutritious food to communities without access to affordable, healthy groceries. Set up begins at 3:30pm, folks arrive for groceries at 5:30pm. Volunteers are invited to go through the line and stock up on delicious free food. Sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/WT8Q9
2025 Arts Alive Gala & Ceremony
Wednesday, May 21 · 6 - 8:30pm EDT
House Three Thirty - 532 West Market Street Akron, OH 44303
Get tickets here.
It’s time to honor the best and brightest representing local arts and culture!
Since 2002, the Arts Alive Awards have recognized gifted artists, talented arts educators, and change-making advocates who bring art to life and help shape our community’s culture.
This evening celebrating the 2025 recipients and benefitting Summit Artspace, music, entertainment, and a special program honoring this year's recipients. Heavy appetizers, desserts, and signature cocktails will be served.
GOLD VIP Tickets - $250 each
Includes a Meet & Greet with Arts Alive Award recipients in VIP reception rooms from 5:30-6:30 pm featuring hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktail, two drink tickets, entertainment, swag bag featuring local artists' work, Arts Alive Award Ceremony, and VIP Mitchell's Ice Cream Dessert.
Tax-deductible portion: $150 per person
VIP Tickets - $150 each
Includes a Meet & Greet with Arts Alive Award recipients in VIP reception rooms from 5:30-6:30 pm featuring passed hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktail, drink ticket, local artist gift item, entertainment, Arts Alive Award Ceremony, and VIP Mitchell's Ice Cream dessert.
Tax-deductible portion: $90 per person
Patron Tickets $80 each
Includes heavy appetizers, drink ticket, entertainment, and Arts Alive Award Ceremony.
Tax-deductible portion: $25 per person
PROGRAM
5:30-6:30 p.m. VIP/Sponsor Reception, Meet & Greet Award Recipients
6:00:-7:00 p.m. Doors Open, General Reception
7:00-8:00 p.m. Arts Alive Awards Ceremony Evening Program
8:00 p.m. Dessert Reception
VIRTUAL AWARDS BROADCAST
Do you know someone who would like to attend but can't make it in person? They can register for our 30-minute pre-recorded virtual ceremony broadcast on our Virtual Event Eventbrite page.
For more information on the virtual broadcast, CLICK HERE.
People Feeding People: grocery Distro
Volunteer with People Feeding People for their bi-weekly food drop, and help bring fresh nutritious food to communities without access to affordable, healthy groceries. Set up begins at 3:30pm, folks arrive for groceries at 5:30pm. Volunteers are invited to go through the line and stock up on delicious free food. Sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/WT8Q9
Film club
Please join us on May 16 for the first Film Club, a chill movie night to get together with neighbors and find creative ways to strengthen democracy and build community in Akron.
On May 16th, we'll feature All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, a documentary that explores the advocacy of photographer, artist, and activist Nan Goldin throughout the HIV/AIDS crisis and the current opioid epidemic. Stay after the film for group discussion, snacks and drinks.
GAYME Night OUT
GAYME Night OUT is happening every month in 2025!
Come join us at The Green Dragon Inn Board Game Bar and Cafe in downtown Akron anytime from 6-11pm, every 2nd Monday of every month!
An LGBTQ+ and Allied event for all ages to play board games, card games, enjoy snacks - and we even offer a crafting corner for folks who want to bring a craft to make, a book to read, or their knitting to spend time with community too!
People Feeding People: Colonial hills
Volunteer with People Feeding People for their bi-weekly food drop, and help bring fresh nutritious food to communities without access to affordable, healthy groceries. Set up begins at 3:30pm, folks arrive for groceries at 5:30pm. Volunteers are invited to go through the line and stock up on delicious free food. Sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/WT8Q9
OHIO Primary/Special Election
What Are We Voting On?
Akron City Council SEATs for Ward 1 and Ward 8
Not sure what ward you’re in? View your sample ballot here. FYI, all candidates running for city council are running as Democrats and will only show up on the Democratic ballot.
OHIO ISSUE 2
There's one statewide Issue on the May 6 ballot -- and that's Ohio Issue 2, which would take effect immediately if approved.
So what's it all about? Ballot language as listed by the Ohio Secretary of State's Office outlines Issue 2 as follows:
Authorize the state to issue bonds or other obligations to finance or assist in financing public infrastructure capital improvements for local governments and other governmental entities. Capital improvement projects would be limited to roads and bridges, waste water treatment systems, water supply systems, solid waste disposal facilities, storm water and sanitary collection, storage, and treatment facilities.
Determine that such capital improvements are necessary to preserve and expand the public infrastructure, ensure public health, safety and welfare, create and preserve jobs, enhance employment opportunities, and improve the economic welfare of the people of Ohio.
Limit the total principal amount of the state general obligations issued under the amendment to no more than $2.5 billion over a ten-year period. Any principal amount that could have been issued in any prior fiscal year, but was not issued, may subsequently be issued.
Require that obligations issued under this amendment mature no later than thirty (30) years after their date of issuance, and that any obligation issued to retire or refund other obligations mature no later than the permitted maturity date for the obligations being retired or refunded.
Authorize the General Assembly to pass laws implementing this amendment, including laws establishing procedures for incurring and issuing obligations, and laws providing for the use of Ohio products, materials, services and labor to the extent possible.
ISSUE 18
Voters in Summit County will see Issue 18 on the May 6 ballot, which is a bond issue for the Akron-Summit County Public Library that would cost homeowners an extra $35 annually for each $100,000 of appraised value.
“The funding is needed to make necessary repairs and improvements to buildings," according to the library's site.
"Without levy funds from Issue 18, the library will not be able to make needed repairs or modernize buildings to keep pace with ever-expanding community needs," according to the library's site, which also notes the last time they asked voters for capital funding was back in 1997.
Here's the full ballot language for Issue 18:
Shall bonds be issued by the Akron-Summit County Public Library District for the purpose of constructing, adding to, renovating, remodeling, furnishing, equipping and otherwise improving library buildings and facilities, and acquiring, clearing and improving the sites thereof in the principal amount of $160,000,000, to be repaid annually over a maximum period of 20 years, and an annual levy of property taxes to be made outside the ten-mill limitation, estimated by the county fiscal officer to average over the repayment period of the bond Issue 1 mill for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $35 for each $100,000 of the county fiscal officer’s appraised value, commencing in 2025, first due in calendar year 2026, to pay the annual debt charges on the bonds, and to pay debt charges on any notes issued in anticipation of those bonds?
EARLY VOTING HOURS
Early in-person voting begins Tuesday, April 8 at Summit County Board of Elections.
April 8-11: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
April 14-18: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
April 21-25: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
April 28: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
April 29: 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
April 30 - May 2: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
May 3: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
May 4: 1-5 p.m.
VOTING ON ELECTION DAY May 6
Polls are open throughout Ohio for the May 6 primary election from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Remember, you are still permitted to vote as long as you're in line before the polls close at 7:30 p.m.
VOTING ABSENTEE?
Request your ballot here.
April 8: Absentee voting begins.
May 5: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by this date.
May 6: If not returned by mail, absentee ballots must be received by your Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m.
WHAT FORM OF ID SHOULD I BRING SO I CAN VOTE?
Acceptable forms of identification as listed by the Secretary of State's office are:
Ohio driver's license
State of Ohio ID card
Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV
A U.S. passport
A U.S. passport card
U.S. military ID card
Ohio National Guard ID card
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card
Akron Documenters orientation
Join Documenters and become more civically engaged, earn money and connect with others! Akron Documenters continues to flourish, with more than 230 involved residents and counting. We have space for many more! Our upcoming virtual meetings include a Community of Practice on April 24 and a Documenters Orientation on May 3. Learn more here or reach out to Kevin Dilley at documenters@signalakron.org.
Citizen university homecoming: Seattle
Citizen University Fellows and Alum gather in Seattle for a weekend of reconnection and rejuvenation. Register at CitizenUniversity.us
The Freedom Bloc Housing Meeting
Have housing issues? Landlord problems, or ideas for living conditions… join us! We believe Housing is a human right!. Housing Meetings every 1st Thursday of the month. 848 W Exchange St, Akron 44302 For more info visit https://www.thefreedombloc.org/
Akron Documenters community meeting
Join Documenters and become more civically engaged, earn money and connect with others! Akron Documenters continues to flourish, with more than 230 involved residents and counting. We have space for many more! Our upcoming virtual meetings include a Community of Practice on April 24 and a Documenters Orientation on May 3. Learn more here or reach out to Kevin Dilley at documenters@signalakron.org.
People Feeding People: Channelwood Village
Volunteer with People Feeding People for their bi-weekly food drop, and help bring fresh nutritious food to communities without access to affordable, healthy groceries. Set up begins at 3:30pm, folks arrive for groceries at 5:30pm. Volunteers are invited to go through the line and stock up on delicious free food. Sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/WT8Q9
Bonds on the Ballet: Election Forum
There are two bonds on the May 6 election (currently in early voting!)
The League of Women Voters invites you to join them Monday, April 21 at 5pm at the Akron Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High Street, to learn all about the two bond issues on the ballot - what they are, how they work, and most importantly, what they mean for you.
Candidates vying for Akron City Council seats in wards 1 and 8 are also on the May ballot. Go to VOTE411.org to find background on the candidates and their responses to LWV questions in their own words, as well as more information on the bond issues.
Register for the free forum here.
Akron Ward 1 & 8 Candidate forum
Summit County Young Dems invite you to get to know the candidates running for City Council Ward 1 & Ward 8 on April 16th from 6 - 8:30 pm at 981 W Market St Akron, corner of W Market and N Rose.
Not sure if Ward 1 or Ward 8 is on your ballot this May? View your sample ballot here.
FYI, all candidates running for city council are running as Democrats and will only show up on the Democratic ballot.
EARLY VOTING HOURS
Early in-person voting begins Tuesday, April 8 at Summit County Board of Elections.
April 8-11: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
April 14-18: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
April 21-25: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
April 28: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
April 29: 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
April 30 - May 2: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
May 3: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
May 4: 1-5 p.m.
VOTING ON ELECTION DAY May 6
Polls are open throughout Ohio for the May 6 primary election from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Remember, you are still permitted to vote as long as you're in line before the polls close at 7:30 p.m.
VOTING ABSENTEE?
Request your ballot here.
April 8: Absentee voting begins.
May 5: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by this date.
May 6: If not returned by mail, absentee ballots must be received by your Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m.
WHAT FORM OF ID SHOULD I BRING SO I CAN VOTE?
Acceptable forms of identification as listed by the Secretary of State's office are:
Ohio driver's license
State of Ohio ID card
Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV
A U.S. passport
A U.S. passport card
U.S. military ID card
Ohio National Guard ID card
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card
neighborhood network middlebury meeting
We will be continuing the discussion on neighborhood issues and opportunities for improvement. We will explore the ideas of the Middlebury Neighborhood Plan and elaborate on past issues to establish more in-depth understanding of community concerns.
Ideas into Action!
Action into Results!
Results into Change!
This town hall-style conversation invites residents, leaders, and nonprofits to share what can be done, the current plans in place, and ideas for how to address these issues. Let's work together to create positive change!
Tuesday, April 15th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Family of Faith UMC (800 East Market Street, Akron).
Dinner will be provided.
More information on our Facebook!
Have any questions? Email ArellT@hfhsummitcounty.org
GAYME Night OUT
GAYME Night OUT is happening every month in 2025!
Come join us at The Green Dragon Inn Board Game Bar and Cafe in downtown Akron anytime from 6-11pm, every 2nd Monday of every month!
An LGBTQ+ and Allied event for all ages to play board games, card games, enjoy snacks - and we even offer a crafting corner for folks who want to bring a craft to make, a book to read, or their knitting to spend time with community too!
People Feeding People: Summit Lake
Volunteer with People Feeding People for their bi-weekly food drop, and help bring fresh nutritious food to communities without access to affordable, healthy groceries. Set up begins at 3:30pm, folks arrive for groceries at 5:30pm. Volunteers are also given the opportunity to go through the line and stock up on delicious free food. Sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/WT8Q9
Early Voting Ohio Primary and Special Elections
What Are We Voting On?
Akron City Council SEATs for Ward 1 and Ward 8
Not sure what ward you’re in? View your sample ballot here. FYI, all candidates running for city council are running as Democrats and will only show up on the Democratic ballot.
OHIO ISSUE 2
There's one statewide Issue on the May 6 ballot -- and that's Ohio Issue 2, which would take effect immediately if approved.
So what's it all about? Ballot language as listed by the Ohio Secretary of State's Office outlines Issue 2 as follows:
Authorize the state to issue bonds or other obligations to finance or assist in financing public infrastructure capital improvements for local governments and other governmental entities. Capital improvement projects would be limited to roads and bridges, waste water treatment systems, water supply systems, solid waste disposal facilities, storm water and sanitary collection, storage, and treatment facilities.
Determine that such capital improvements are necessary to preserve and expand the public infrastructure, ensure public health, safety and welfare, create and preserve jobs, enhance employment opportunities, and improve the economic welfare of the people of Ohio.
Limit the total principal amount of the state general obligations issued under the amendment to no more than $2.5 billion over a ten-year period. Any principal amount that could have been issued in any prior fiscal year, but was not issued, may subsequently be issued.
Require that obligations issued under this amendment mature no later than thirty (30) years after their date of issuance, and that any obligation issued to retire or refund other obligations mature no later than the permitted maturity date for the obligations being retired or refunded.
Authorize the General Assembly to pass laws implementing this amendment, including laws establishing procedures for incurring and issuing obligations, and laws providing for the use of Ohio products, materials, services and labor to the extent possible.
ISSUE 18
Voters in Summit County will see Issue 18 on the May 6 ballot, which is a bond issue for the Akron-Summit County Public Library that would cost homeowners an extra $35 annually for each $100,000 of appraised value.
“The funding is needed to make necessary repairs and improvements to buildings," according to the library's site.
"Without levy funds from Issue 18, the library will not be able to make needed repairs or modernize buildings to keep pace with ever-expanding community needs," according to the library's site, which also notes the last time they asked voters for capital funding was back in 1997.
Here's the full ballot language for Issue 18:
Shall bonds be issued by the Akron-Summit County Public Library District for the purpose of constructing, adding to, renovating, remodeling, furnishing, equipping and otherwise improving library buildings and facilities, and acquiring, clearing and improving the sites thereof in the principal amount of $160,000,000, to be repaid annually over a maximum period of 20 years, and an annual levy of property taxes to be made outside the ten-mill limitation, estimated by the county fiscal officer to average over the repayment period of the bond Issue 1 mill for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $35 for each $100,000 of the county fiscal officer’s appraised value, commencing in 2025, first due in calendar year 2026, to pay the annual debt charges on the bonds, and to pay debt charges on any notes issued in anticipation of those bonds?
EARLY VOTING HOURS
Early in-person voting begins Tuesday, April 8 at Summit County Board of Elections.
April 8-11: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
April 14-18: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
April 21-25: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
April 28: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
April 29: 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
April 30 - May 2: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
May 3: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
May 4: 1-5 p.m.
VOTING ON ELECTION DAY May 6
Polls are open throughout Ohio for the May 6 primary election from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Remember, you are still permitted to vote as long as you're in line before the polls close at 7:30 p.m.
VOTING ABSENTEE?
Request your ballot here.
April 8: Absentee voting begins.
May 5: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by this date.
May 6: If not returned by mail, absentee ballots must be received by your Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m.
WHAT FORM OF ID SHOULD I BRING SO I CAN VOTE?
Acceptable forms of identification as listed by the Secretary of State's office are:
Ohio driver's license
State of Ohio ID card
Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV
A U.S. passport
A U.S. passport card
U.S. military ID card
Ohio National Guard ID card
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card
Deadline to Register to Vote for May Primary/special Election
To vote in the primary/special election May 6, you must be registered to vote by Monday, April 7. You can register online at VoteOhio.gov
Already registered? Double-check your registration status, and for any last minute questions or assistance, Summit County Board of Elections is open 8am-9pm on April 7.
Civic Saturday Fellowship Training
Civic Saturday Fellowship Virtual Training with Citizen University Team.
Civic Seminary
Citizen University Civic Saturday Fellowship cohort 27 training intensive.
Civic Saturday
Your neighbors in Highland Square invite you to Civic Saturday Akron, a joyful neighborhood gathering to celebrate community and shared civic purpose.
Music, Spoken Word, Inspiration and Reflection, Voter Support, Civic Matchmaking
On November 2, Civic Saturday returns to Highland Square for the fourth and final time this year. We'll hear music from Lydia Joy, poetry ready by Floco Torres, Civic Reflections from Morgan Lasher, and announcements from the community, and we'll gather in Civic Circles to hear from each other.
Stay after the program for the Civic Matchmaking Hour to meet your neighbors, enjoy free refreshments from local purveyors including Portal West Coffee, and connect with Akron organizations including League of Women Voters, One of a Kind Pet Rescue, Unify America, Elevate Akron, Summit County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), People Feeding People, The Sisterly Collective, and more, offering resources and ways to support their impactful work.
Civic Saturday Akron
Music, Spoken Word, Inspiration and Reflection, Voter Registration, Civic Matchmaking
Civic Saturday returns to Highland Square for a third time on October 5, 2024. We'll hear poetry from Xposyur, music from Kate Tucker, Civic Reflections from Brant Lee, and announcements from the community, and we'll gather in Civic Circles to share our thoughts on building a stronger Akron together.
Stay after the program for the Civic Matchmaking Hour to meet your neighbors, enjoy free refreshments from local purveyors including Portal West Coffee, and connect with Akron organizations including The Summit FM, League of Women Voters, Freedom Bloc, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Summit County Continuum of Care, Rebuilding Ministries, People Feeding People, Summit Artspace, Akron Cooperative Farms, and more, joining us to offer resources, and ways to volunteer and support their impactful work.
Civic Saturday Akron
Music, Spoken Word, Inspiration and Reflection, Voter Registration, Civic Matchmaking
For the second Civic Saturday in Highland Square we'll hear spoken word poetry from Xposyur, music from Sarah and Ben White, Civic Reflections from Alicia Robinson, community announcements from you, and we'll gather in Civic Circles to share our thoughts on how we can build a stronger Akron together.
Stay after the program for the Civic Matchmaking Hour to meet your neighbors, enjoy free refreshments from local purveyors like Portal West Coffee, and connect with Akron organizations including The Summit FM, League of Women Voters, Signal Akron, Akron Black Artist Guild, Big Love Akron, Rubber City Reuse, Preserve the Valley, Akron Urban Agriculture, Shanti Community Farms, Akron Cooperative Farms, and more, joining us to offer resources, and ways to volunteer and support their impactful work.
Civic Saturday akron
Your neighbors in Highland Square invite you to Civic Saturday Akron, a non-partisan neighborhood gathering in celebration of community and shared civic purpose.
Music, Spoken Word, Inspiration and Reflection, Voter Registration, Civic Matchmaking
On the first Civic Saturday in Highland Square, singer-songwriter and Citizen University alum Kate Tucker will offer reflections, we'll hear poetry from Jason Blakely, music from Jenny Baird, community announcements from you, and we'll gather in Civic Circles to share our thoughts on how we can build a stronger Akron together.
Stay after the program for the Civic Matchmaking Fair to meet your neighbors, enjoy free refreshments from local purveyors like Portal West Coffee, North Hill Donuts, and Summit Croissants, and connect with Akron organizations including The Summit FM, Summit County Continuum of Care, League of Women Voters, Project Learn, Shelter Care, South Street Ministries, Akron Cooperative Farms, International Institute of Akron, County of Summit ADM Board, Rubber City Reuse and more, joining us to offer resources, and ways to volunteer and support their impactful work.