Things are heating up at the Bay Village Library even though there is still snow on the ground. The Adult, Teen and Children's Departments have programs and specials for all ages and interests. 

The Teen department is offering a free SAT Practice Test for grades 9 - 12 on Sat., Jan. 30 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. This exam is administered by The Princeton Review and will sharpen skills for the real thing! Please bring a calculator and two number 2 pencils to the test. 

Did someone mention chocolate? Of course, since Valentine's Day is right around the corner! Teens in grades 6 - 12 are invited to join us for a chocolate lover's dream with hands-on chocolate and candy making, an Unwrap the Hershey's Kiss relay, and a Name the Candy Bar contest. Those sound like win-win games!!

Thinking about starting your own business? Need help getting started? We can help! The Adult Department will host a lecture on "Communicating Your Company's Value" on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 7:00 p.m. Do you know your company's value? Are you able to convey that value to your potential clients using marketing techniques? Learn how from experts Jeff Bauer of Giraffe, Inc. and Jeffrey Jones of the Law Offices of Jeffrey P. Jones LLC. This lecture is sponsored by TiE, a global network of entrepreneurs. 

"The Life and Times of George Washington Carver" will be presented on Feb. 10 at 7:00 p.m. Explore the life of the former slave who developed over 300 uses for the peanut! An actor from the Foluke Cultural Arts Center in Cleveland will present a portrayal and a slide show.

Part 3 of the "Starting Your Own Business" series will continue with "Details, Details... Developing a Solid Business Plan" on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7:00 p.m. A business plan is critical to establishing a business. This program will go over the basics of writing a business plan. 

Be sure to browse the different displays that are set up throughout the Adult Department when you come for a program. A collection of romantic DVDs will be coming soon – in time for Valentine's Day. There are also books that are well-reviewed, and a selection of books that other patrons have enjoyed. Check them out and see if you agree!

The Children's Department has exciting programs, as well, including the Magic Tree House Club which will meet on Feb. 2 and Feb. 16 at 4:15 p.m.

Read two of your favorite Magic Tree House books and try some fun related activities. On Feb. 8 join us for "W.A.G.S. 4 Kids" and learn about working with dogs and how they can help children with disabilities.

We'll have a Valentine's Scavenger Hunt on Feb. 10 at 4:15 p.m. Have fun working in teams to find Valentine's Day-related items around the library.

To register for these programs, call the library at 871-6392 or visit our website at www.cuyahogalibrary.org. 

Storytimes for birth - age 5 have begun, but everyone is invited and encouraged to join us. No registration is needed – just come to the day and time that fits your schedule. A complete list of days and times is available online or by calling the library.

The benefits to bringing a child to library storytime are far-reaching and lasting. Besides exposing your child to books, songs, and rhymes, you are fostering a love of reading and encouraging early literacy skills. We'll give parents tips on how to encourage their child's developing literacy in order to help them to become readers. Participate in a storytime with your child and give them several gifts – good stories, songs, and rhymes, and socialization for them, and you! Share a special time with your child – you might even be singing a catchy tune on the way home!

Joyce Sandy works in the Children's Department at the Bay Village Library.