December events at Westlake Porter Public Library

Monday, Dec. 1 (3:45-5:30 p.m.) Teen Lounge – Need a place to hang out after school? Come to WPPL's Teen Lounge on Monday afternoons! We've got computers, video games, board games, snacks and more! Grades 7-12.

Monday, Dec. 1 (7-8:30 p.m.) Monday Night Movie – This month’s title is a heartwarming drama about three misfits living on the streets of Tokyo who discover a baby left in a garbage dump on Christmas Eve. As they try to find out what has become of the child's parents, the three must first face their own dark pasts. Animated. Japanese with English subtitles. Rated PG-13. Please register.

Tuesday, Dec. 2 (10 a.m.-noon) Career Transition Center: Setting Up A LinkedIn Profile – Job seekers in almost all fields need to have a LinkedIn profile to be considered for an interview or even a screening phone call. Learn techniques for setting up a great profile. Bring a resume to view and a flash drive with your resume on it in Word to cut and paste from. Sign up early by calling Cynthia at 216-367-3011. Only 12 seats at computers; you may also bring your own.

Tuesday, Dec. 2 (7-8:45 p.m.) Cooking with Maria Isabella – Cleveland cookbook author Maria Isabella will discuss her book, "In the Kitchen with Cleveland's Favorite Chefs," and prepare one of the appetizers for you to sample. Books will be available for purchase. Please register.

Wednesday, Dec. 3 (10:15 & 11 a.m.) Let’s Sing and Dance! – Sing and move to the music with Miss Nancy! For children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Please arrive early to receive a ticket at the Preschool Desk.

Wednesday, Dec. 3 (4-5:30 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by the Youth Services Department each Wednesday and sign your child up for a 10-minute reading time with a reading therapy dog! Bring your own book or choose one of ours. Registration begins each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 3 (7-8:45 p.m.) Rock 'N' Roll History: A Journey in Sounds 1949-1964 – Join Dr. Joel Keller of Baldwin Wallace University for an evening of musical history, as we explore the classic genre of rock 'n' roll. Learn about rock's historical and cultural significance, and prepare to enjoy to some of the biggest hits of the era and other musical selections! Please register.

Thursday, Dec. 4 (4-5 p.m.) Magic Tree House Book Club – Do you already love the "Magic Tree House" adventures or are you curious to find out what the fuss is all about? Join us for one of the "Magic Tree House" books, discussion and craft related to the book. Grades K-2. No registration required.

Thursday, Dec. 4 (7-8:30 p.m.) Cheese Tasting – Learn about and sample different types of cheese provided by Heinen's supermarkets. Recommendations for holiday cheese trays will be featured. Sparkling cider will be served. Don't miss this exceptional program. Please register.

Friday, Dec. 5 (basic sessions: 10 and 11:30 a.m.; advanced session: 1 p.m.) Connecting for Kids "Teach Me to Play" – For children 3-6 years old. Join us for this hands-on program designed to help parents positively discipline and facilitate playdates. This program is geared toward children struggling in an area of development. You must RSVP to attend. Register by calling 440-250-5563 or at www.connectingforkids.org.

Friday, Dec. 5 (2-4 p.m.) Artists' Reflections on Nature – View large-screen images of art treasures created over the centuries. Find out about the artists who created them, their inspirations and the symbolic references incorporated in their art, as well as the historical and cultural events during the time they worked. Presented by Bill Mannion, MBA, MFA, an award-winning artist and instructor at Malone University. Please register.

Saturday, Dec. 6 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Sensory Storytime – Join us for a storytime for children with special needs and their parents/caregivers. The program includes interactive stories, rhymes, songs and movement activities, followed by 30 minutes of play. Content is geared to ages 3-7.

Saturday, Dec. 6 (2-2:45 p.m.) Gingerbread Fun – Create your own gingerbread house with us! Just bring your sweet imagination, and we'll supply all the necessary parts and pieces! Registration begins Nov. 29.

Sunday, Dec. 7 (2-4 p.m.) Chess Club – Hone your chess skills (or learn how to play the game). The club is recommended for kids ages 6+, but all ages are welcome to attend. If you have a chess set, please bring it.

Sunday, Dec. 7 (1:30-3 p.m.) Celebrate Hanukkah – Learn about the customs and meaning of Hanukkah. We’ll celebrate with food, fun and activities! A collaboration of PJ Library, Jewish Family Services Association of Cleveland, the Mandel JCC, the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Ages 1 month to 12 years. Registration begins Nov. 30.

Sunday, Dec. 7 (2-3 p.m.) Meet-Ups – Interactive games and activities for socialization and play among children with special needs ages 6-11 with their caregivers. Registration begins Nov. 30.

Monday, Dec. 8 (3:45-5:30 p.m.) Teen Lounge – See listing on Dec. 1.

Tuesday, Dec. 9 (10 a.m.-noon) Career Transition Center: LinkedIn for Job Search – Learn techniques to better utilize this growing social media tool to help you meet people who can assist your search, and find companies that are hiring and fit the requirements for your future position.

Tuesday, Dec. 9 (7 p.m.) Tuesday Evening Book Discussion – In December we’ll discuss "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" by Rachel Joyce.

Wednesday, Dec. 10 (10:15 & 11 a.m.) Let’s Sing and Dance! – Sing and move to the music with Miss Nancy! For children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Please arrive early to receive a ticket at the Preschool Desk.

Wednesday, Dec. 10 (4-5:30 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by the Youth Services Department each Wednesday and sign your child up for a 10-minute reading time with a reading therapy dog! Bring your own book or choose one of ours. Registration begins each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 10 (7-8 p.m.) Gifts From A Jar – Create a "gift from a jar" and surprise your mom, teacher, babysitter, etc. with your homemade gift during the holiday season. Grades 4-6. Registration begins Dec. 3.

Thursday, Dec. 11 (4-5 p.m.) Magic Tree House Book Club – Do you already love the "Magic Tree House" adventures or are you curious to find out what the fuss is all about? Join us for one of the "Magic Tree House" books, discussion and craft related to the book. Grades K-2. No registration required.

Thursday, Dec. 11 (7 p.m.) Non-Fiction Book Discussion – The December selection is "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1939 Olympics" by Daniel James Brown.

Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13 – Music Therapy & More – Join us as we play instruments, sing, move to music and discuss how to carry over the music therapy experiences into the home. This program is geared toward children struggling in an area of development. You must RSVP to attend. Call 440-250-5563 or visit www.connectingforkids.org. Sessions are as follows –

• Dec. 12: All Ages Family Session, 9:30 a.m.; Toddler Session, 10:30 a.m.; Preschool Session, 11:30 a.m.
• Dec. 13: All Ages Family Session, 9:30 a.m.; Preschool Session, 10:30 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 12 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) iPad Users Group – Listen to a brief iPad topic then share talk and share tips and techniques with other iPad users. Must bring your iPad with you. Registration required.

Saturday, Dec. 13 (2 p.m.) Parent Discussion Group – Meet other parents as we discuss childhood development topics with a local expert. Free child care is available, but registration is required at www.connectingforkids.org or call 440-250-5563. This month’s topic is "How to Form an Emotional Connection with your Elementary-Aged Child (or A Child You Love) with Social Delays" with Meghan Barlow, Ph.D.

Saturday, Dec. 13 (2-4 p.m.) Carryout Crafts – Stop by the Youth Services Department to see what each day’s featured craft is! Tables will be set up with all of the supplies needed.

Saturday, Dec. 13 (3-5 p.m.) Mad 4 Manga – Each month we watch a different Anime series and talk about our favorite Manga. Sometimes we even throw in some crafts, Manga drawing or Japanese treats! Grades 7-12 only.

Sunday, Dec. 14 (2-4 p.m.) Ugly Sweater Palooza – Get ready for the holidays by making your very own Ugly Sweater! We’ll supply the sweaters and supplies, you bring the creativity to make them as tacky as possible! Grades 7-12. Registration begins Dec. 7.

Sunday, Dec. 14 (2-4 p.m.) Chess Club – Hone your chess skills (or learn how to play the game). The club is recommended for kids ages 6+, but all ages are welcome to attend. If you have a chess set, please bring it.

Monday, Dec. 15 (2-3 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m.) WPPL’s 130th Anniversary – Join us as we celebrate the library’s 130th anniversary with a visit by Leonard Porter himself and a fireside chat with Library Director Andrew Mangels!

Monday, Dec. 15 (3:45-5:30 p.m.) Teen Lounge – Need a place to hang out after school? Come to WPPL's Teen Lounge on Monday afternoons! We've got computers, video games, board games, snacks and more! Grades 7-12.

Monday, Dec. 15 (7-8:30 p.m.) Investors' Interest Group: Tax Savvy Strategies to Help Preserve Your Nest Egg – Learn how to take advantage of the tax rules when putting together a retirement plan and the specific action steps to make the tax laws work in your favor. Please register.

Tuesday, Dec. 16 (10 a.m.-noon) Career Transition Center: Time Management for Job Seekers – Are you running around in circles trying to find a new position? Most jobseekers do not spend time efficiently to get the best outcome for their time invested. Learn the ABC method and how to overcome obstacles to find success!

Wednesday, Dec. 17 (9:30-10 a.m.) Stories and Signs – Enjoy interactive stories, songs and movement activities while learning a few words in sign language! Ages 0-3 with caregiver, siblings welcome. No registration required.

Wednesday, Dec. 17 (10:15 & 11 a.m.) Let’s Sing and Dance! – Sing and move to the music with Miss Nancy! For children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Please arrive early to receive a ticket at the Preschool Desk.

Wednesday, Dec. 17 (2 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – The November selection is "The Baker’s Daughter" by Sarah McCoy.

Wednesday, Dec. 17 (4-5:30 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by the Youth Services Department each Wednesday and sign your child up for a 10-minute reading time with a reading therapy dog! Bring your own book or choose one of ours. Registration begins each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 19 (10-10:45 a.m.) Come Play With Me! – Open playtime with age-appropriate toys. Teaches sharing and socialization. For children ages 2-5 with a caring adult. Siblings welcome! Registration begins Dec. 12.

Friday, Dec. 19 (10 a.m.-noon) Porter's Fiber Fanatics – A time for needlecrafters to share, solve problems, and show off.

Friday, Dec. 19 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Sensory Storytime – Join us for a storytime for children with special needs and their parents/caregivers. The program includes interactive stories, rhymes, songs and movement activities, followed by 30 minutes of play. Content is geared to ages 3-7.

Friday, Dec. 19 (4-5:15 p.m.) Mini Clay Charms – Make tiny clay charms to use for jewelry, decorating stuff, or just for collecting. They also make great gifts! Expect your first 45 minutes to be spent creating, followed by up to 30 minutes of baking. Grades 2-4. Registration begins Dec. 12.

Saturday, Dec. 20 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Pokemon League – Bring your cards and accessories for a fun morning of play! For kids ages 6-12 only. Please, no younger siblings. Registration begins Dec. 13.

Saturday, Dec. 20 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders Club – Bring your ideas and imagination to the club! All bricks provided. Ages 6-12. No registration required.

Saturday, Dec. 20 (3-5 p.m.) Who-vian Haven (Dr. Who Club) – Who-vian Haven is a place for Who-vians to get together, watch episodes of Doctor Who, and talk about Doctor Who and all other Timey-Wimey things. Grades 9-12. Please register.

Sunday, Dec. 21 (2-3:30 p.m.) Boredom Busters! – Games, crafts, puzzles and more! All ages. In accordance with library policy, children under age 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday, Dec. 21 (2-4 p.m.) Chess Club – Hone your chess skills (or learn how to play the game). The club is recommended for kids ages 6+, but all ages are welcome to attend. If you have a chess set, please bring it.

Sunday, Dec. 21 (3-4:30 p.m.) Magic: The Gathering – Magic: The Gathering is the world's premier trading card game. It was the first of its kind, and it's still the best and the biggest. Come and learn to play the game, or bring a group and fight with other planeswalkers for glory, knowledge and conquest. Players must furnish their own cards. Grades 7-12.

Monday, Dec. 22 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Monday, Dec. 22; Friday, Dec. 26; and Monday, Dec. 29 (2-4 p.m.) Movies @ Your Library! – Join us for movie matinees! Based on availability; movie titles may change without notice. In accordance with library policy, children who are under age 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration begins one week before each session. Movies are as follows:

• Dec. 22: Dorothy wakes up in post-tornado Kansas, only to be whisked back to Oz to try to save her old friends the Scarecrow, the Lion, the Tin Man and Glinda from a devious new villain, the Jester. Rated PG.
• Dec. 26: After receiving a bizarre series of encrypted messages, a group of kids embark on an adventure with an alien who needs their help. Rated PG.
• Dec. 29: A vengeful fairy is driven to curse an infant princess, only to discover that the child may be the one person who can restore peace to their troubled land. Rated PG.

Wednesday, Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve: Library Closed

Thursday, Dec. 25 – Christmas: Library Closed

Saturday, Dec. 27 (10:30-11 a.m.) Mother Goose on the Loose! – An interactive storytime featuring simple books, rhymes, songs and movement. For ages birth-3 with an adult caregiver.

Sunday, Dec. 28 (2-4 p.m.) Chess Club – Hone your chess skills (or learn how to play the game). The club is recommended for kids ages 6+, but all ages are welcome to attend. If you have a chess set, please bring it.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 (11:15 a.m.-noon) Countdown to Noon Family Storytime – Join us for a special New Year's Eve family storytime celebrating our favorite stories, songs and rhymes. We'll make a simple craft and do our own early countdown to 12:00 (noon). Ages 3-5. Registration begins Dec. 23.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 (1-4 p.m.) New Year’s Smashin’ Eve – Teens in grades 7-12 are invited for a smashin’ event! We’ll be competing in a Super Smash Brothers tournament on Wii U. Registration begins Dec. 23.

Wednesday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve: Library closes at 5 p.m.

To register for any of the programs, please call 440-871-2600 or visit signup.westlakelibrary.org:8080.