The City of Ravenna has owned and operated the Ravenna Public Library for the past 106 years. The City recognizes the library is critical not only for retaining Ravenna's residents but also for serving the residents of surrounding areas by providing access to the library's various services. The library currently provides over 14,200 items available for checkout in addition to participating in Libby - Nebraska OverDrive Libraries, which provide patrons with access to eBooks and audiobooks. The library hosts a variety of community outreach programs including Story Time, Summer Reading Programs - youth-teen-adults, Teen Nights, monthly Family Movie Nights, weekly Senior Movie Matinee, LEGO Club, Create It!, Game Day, Adult Pinterest Nights, Creative Clovers' 4-H Club, Science Kits, S.T.E.M. Discovery Kits, S.T.E.A.M. Discovery Cupboard, AWE Learning Station, and Microfilm of the Ravenna Newspaper from 1888 - 2008. Many surrounding communities benefit from the programs and materials provided by the library.
On September 12th, 2020 the library opened its Makerspace. This space allows patrons to have hands-on learning, on machines and technology that they might not otherwise be able to have access to. The Makerspace has available for use; a 30 Watt Epilog Zing Laser, a Graphtec CE 6000 plus Vinyl cutter/plotter, a 3D printer, a Sublimation ink printer, a VEVOR Heat Press, a mug press, an Accuiquilt GO! fabric cutter, Serger sewing machine, two button makers, and SNAP-ON tools. In 2023 we added 6 Sewing Stations, each complete with, a sewing machine, cutting mats, irons, pins, needles, thread, and bobbins thanks to grant funding through the Ravenna Community Foundation.
Ravenna is a low to moderate-income community and many patrons use the library for its free services including movies, books, and magazines as well as free internet access for job searching, applying for government aid, and for leisure. The library provides a much-needed amenity to residents of all ages and adds a positive quality of life to Ravenna and surrounding communities.
