Residents of Medina County, Ohio, seeking to obtain a passport can utilize the services provided by the Medina County District Library (MCDL). The library is one of the few locations in the area offering passport photo and processing services, alongside the Brunswick and Lodi libraries.
According to Tina Sabol, community engagement manager for MCDL, individuals must schedule appointments in advance, with the last appointment available two hours before closing. During the appointment booking, staff conduct a pre-interview to ensure applicants are prepared and can address any specific circumstances that may affect the application process. This is particularly important for cases involving custody, adoption, or non-guardian parents not being present for a minor’s application. Sabol emphasized the library’s commitment to understanding unique situations and ensuring that patrons have all necessary documentation.
For a family of four without complex issues, the entire passport application process typically takes about one hour. Sabol advised against wearing glasses, hats, or certain clothing, like white or camouflage shirts, for passport photos. “We always recommend people go to mcdl.info/Passport before they come in to see exactly what they need,” she noted. Applicants can download and print forms at home or pick them up directly at the library. The website also provides detailed information on application fees, mailing costs, and expedited service charges. Notably, MCDL also processes passport applications for infants, which can be particularly challenging and often requires assistance from multiple staff members.
In 2025, MCDL issued a total of 3,958 passports, reflecting a 1 percent increase from the previous year. Sabol indicated that the library typically sees a surge in applications during the first four months of the year, as many prepare for summer travel. For instance, in January 2025, the Medina Library processed 255 applications, followed by 191 in February, 228 in March, and 176 in April. In contrast, the numbers tend to decrease later in the year, with 113 processed in October and 107 in November.
As summer approaches, residents are encouraged to take advantage of the library’s passport services to ensure they have the necessary documentation for travel.
