November events at Westlake Porter Public Library

Tuesday, Nov. 1 (7 p.m.) Coffee and Chat – Join us as we discuss a topic related to parenting children who struggle. The group discussion is facilitated by a mental health professional. Topic: "Marriage Under Pressure – Parenting a Child Who Struggles."

Tuesday, Nov. 1 (7 p.m.) Tuesday Evening Book Discussion – In November we’ll discuss "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein.

Wednesdays, Nov. 2 and 9 (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.

Wednesday, Nov. 2 (1-2:30 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogy Society Help Session – Please join the genealogy group for an informal walk-in help session.

Wednesdays, Nov. 2 and 9 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursdays, Nov. 3 and 10 (6:30-8 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by the Youth Services Department and sign up your child for a 10-minute reading time with a reading therapy dog! Registration begins each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and each Thursday at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 2 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Horror Film Club – Join us as we explore some of the classic films from the genres of horror, science fiction and suspense. Children under 13 should be accompanied by an adult. Please register.

Wednesday, Nov. 2 (7-8 p.m.) Badge 387 and Other Stories From the Cleveland Police Department – Author Robert Sberna and a representative of the Cleveland PD will discuss the recent developments in police and community dynamics – what works and what doesn’t work. Please register.

Thursday, Nov. 3 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Thursday, Nov. 3 (6-8 p.m.) and Monday, Nov. 7 (4-6 p.m.) NaNoWriMo at Porter – Working on a novel for National Novel Writing Month? Join other writers for a write-in session! Work solo or brainstorm ideas with others. All aspiring authors are welcome.

Friday, Nov. 4 (9:30 OR 10:30 a.m.) and Saturday, Nov. 5 (9:30, 10:30 OR 11:30 a.m.) Music Therapy & More – This program is designed for children ages 1-6 who are struggling in an area of development. Join us for a program designed to model and teach families how to use music to improve their child’s skills. Led by a board-certified music therapist. Register at connectingforkids.org or by phone: 440-250-5563.

Friday, Nov. 4 (11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.) and Monday, Nov. 14 (6:30-7:15 p.m.) Sensory Storytime – Features an adapted storytime for children with special needs and their caregivers. Siblings are welcome. Includes time for social play. Content is geared to ages 3-7. Registration begins one week before each session.

Friday, Nov. 4 (4-4:45 p.m.) Fun Science Friday – Join Mrs. K as we explore the wonders of the world. This month we’ll explore the leaves changing colors before our eyes! Ages 4-6. Please register.

Saturday, Nov. 5 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Pokemon Fun! – Bring your cards and accessories for a fun morning of Pokemon-themed play, prizes, and crafts! Ages 6-12.

Saturday, Nov. 5 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders – Bring your ideas and imagination to the club! Ages 3-12. Lego and Duplo bricks provided.

Saturday, Nov. 5 (2-3 p.m.) Connecting for Kids’ Elementary Experiences – These programs are designed for children ages 7-12 who are struggling in an area of development. During each program, a professional will lead families in a hands-on learning experience. Children and their families will learn the targeted skills together and receive a handout with ideas and resources to use at home. November topic: Fine Motor Fun.

Sunday, Nov. 6 (3-4 p.m.) Art Smarts – Explore some works of a well-known artist and then use what you've seen to create an art piece of your own! Grades 3-5. Please register.

Mondays, Nov. 7 and 14 (3:30-5:30 p.m.) Teen Lounge – Need a place to hang out after school? Come to WPPL’s Teen Lounge on Monday afternoons! We have computers, video games, board games, snacks, and more! For grades 7-12 only.

Monday, Nov. 7 (7-8 p.m.) Cut the Cord on Cable! – This program will help you sort through the variety of viewing alternatives available. Learn about digital media players, streaming services, and additional options. Please register.

Monday, Nov. 7 (7-8 p.m.) Find Your Next Book with Goodreads – Goodreads is a fun and easy-to-use online program for readers that offers book suggestions, genre lists and group discussion. Join your friends online to share your favorite titles, keep track of your reading suggestions and more! Please register.

Tuesday, Nov. 8 (10 a.m.-noon) Career Transition Center: LinkedIn for Job Search – People in almost all fields need to have a LinkedIn profile to be considered for an interview. Learn techniques to better utilize this growing social media tool to help you meet people who can assist with your search and find companies that are hiring.

Tuesday, Nov. 8 (7-7:30 p.m.) Bedtime Stories – Put on your pajamas and join Mrs. K as we unwind at the end of the day. We’ll count some sheep and unwind with quiet stories, songs, fingerplays and other activities to help us get ready for bedtime. This month: Big Yawn! Ages 4-6. Siblings welcome.

Wednesday, Nov. 9 (noon-1:30 p.m.) Career Transition Center: Speaker Series Lunch & Learn – Guest speakers join Career Transition Center to present informative and timely topics for job seekers. Bring your lunch; learn and grow. Coffee provided.

Thursday, Nov. 10 (11 a.m.-noon) Unlocking Social Security – Explore who is entitled to Social Security benefits, how to coordinate spousal benefits, how working while retired affects your benefits, and more. Medicare basics will also be discussed. Please register.

Thursday, Nov. 10 (3:30-6 p.m.) Super Smash Tournament – We’re going head-to-head in an epic brawl! Test out your skills in Super Smash to see who will claim the top spot! Retro consoles and other games will be available to play as well. FREE snacks and pop will be available! Grades 7-12. Registration begins Nov. 3.

Thursday, Nov. 10 (7 p.m.) Non-Fiction Book Discussion – The November selection is "Avenue of Spies: A True Story of Terror, Espionage, and One American Family’s Heroic Resistance in Nazi Occupied Paris" by Alex Kershaw.

Friday, Nov. 11 (10-10:45 a.m.) Come Play With Me! – Open playtime with age-appropriate toys. For children ages 2-5 with a caring adult. Siblings welcome!

Saturday, Nov. 12 (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.

Saturday, Nov. 12 (2 p.m.) Connecting for Kids: Family Discussion Group – Join us for a discussion on a relevant, childhood topic with a local pediatric expert. Register at connectingforkids.org or by phone: 440-250-5563. Topic: No Body is Perfect.

Saturday, Nov. 12 (2-3 p.m.) Pinterest Club for Teens – Calling all crafters! This is the perfect place to exercise your creativity. Each month we will make a craft inspired by a Pinterest post. Grades 7-9. November craft: Decorating bottles with yarn. Please register.

Saturday, Nov. 12 (4-5 p.m.) Full STEAM Ahead – STEAM = Science & Technology interpreted through Engineering & the Arts, all based in Mathematical elements. This month: Word Wonders. Grades 3-4. Registration begins Nov. 5.

Sunday, Nov. 13 (1–3 p.m.) iPad Skills Lab – If you need help with basic iPad skills, stop by the Computer Lab  with your questions and your iPad.

Sunday, Nov. 13 (2-3 p.m.) American Girl Doll Club: Tea Party – Bring your American Girl doll and join us for a tea party at the Library. Ages 6-11. Registration begins Nov. 6.

Sunday, Nov. 13 (2-4 p.m.) What’s Your Story: Writing a Memoir – In this hands-on workshop, Nancy Seubert will present three approaches to writing your memoirs. Participants will receive a copy of  her book "Something that Happened at Night: A Workbook to Begin Your Memoirs or End Writer’s Block." Copies are limited so register early!

Monday, Nov. 14 (7-8 p.m.) International Education from Westlake Schools – Please join us to learn how the Westlake Schools are preparing kids with the International Baccalaureate program.

Monday, Nov. 14 (7-8:30 p.m.) Road to Wealth: How to Manage Your Financial Life – The Savings Plan: Learn about setting goals, paying off debt, and funding emergency and “Sinking Funds.” Get on the path to becoming a saver. Explore some of the "uncomfortable conversations" surrounding money. Please register.

Tuesday, Nov. 15 (10 a.m.-noon) Career Transition Center: LinkedIn Profile – Not on LinkedIn yet? Learn techniques for setting up a great profile. This is a hands-on session in the computer lab, so please bring a flash drive with your resume in a Word document to cut and paste from. You’ll leave with your profile draft.

Tuesday, Nov. 15 (2-4 p.m.) and Wednesday, Nov. 30 (6-8 p.m.) NaNoWriMo at Porter – Working on a novel for National Novel Writing Month? Join other writers for a write-in session! Work solo or brainstorm ideas with others. All aspiring authors are welcome.

Tuesday, Nov. 15 (7-8:30 p.m.) Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis: A One-Woman Show – Carol Starre-Kmiecik will perform a first-person interpretive impersonation of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, an original script using many of the actual words of the former first lady. The performance promises to be educational and entertaining, sometimes humorous and sometimes sad, telling the story of this courageous woman who made a significant contribution to our country. Please register.

Wednesdays, Nov. 16, 23 and 30 (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.

Wednesday, Nov. 16 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursday, Nov. 17 (6:30-8 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by the Youth Services Department and sign up your child for a 10-minute reading time with a reading therapy dog! Registration begins each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and each Thursday at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 16 (6:30-8:45 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogical Society – Sunny Morton presents "Urban Genealogy: Finding Ancestors in City Directories, Urban and Suburban Maps, Voting Records, Local Histories and Other Rich Local Records."

Thursday, Nov. 17 (2-3:15 p.m.) Can’t Miss Gifts for Your Holiday Lists – We will highlight trendy titles as well as share samples of great ideas for everyone on your holiday list, from a beautiful pop-up book for a grandchild to a colorful hardback for a gardening enthusiast and everyone in between! Please register.

Thursday, Nov. 17 (4-5 p.m.) TBD – Make an autumn leaf bowl. Grades 5-7.

Thursday, Nov. 17 (6:30-7:30 p.m.) and Friday, Nov. 18 (9:30 OR 11 a.m.) Connecting for Kids: Teach Me to Play – This program is designed for children ages 3-6 who need help with communication and social skills. Join us for a play-based program designed to model and teach families strategies to improve their child’s social interactions, facilitate communication and manage behavior in a positive way. Register at connectingforkids.org or by phone: 440-250-5563.

Friday, Nov. 18 (10 a.m.-noon) Fiber Fanatics – A time for needlecrafters to share, solve problems, and show off.

Friday, Nov. 18 (1-2:30 p.m.) Fantastic Fridays – Fantastic Friday is a great day for homeschoolers! Every month we’ll explore a new topic with related activities. Ages 6-12. Please register.

Saturday, Nov. 19 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) Turkey Time Crafts! – It’s almost time to celebrate Thanksgiving! Join us at the library and make some fun turkey crafts.

Saturday, Nov. 19 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) International Games Day! – Celebrate the 9th Annual International Games Day! We’ll have all kinds of different games to try out – come play an old favorite or try out something new! All ages.

Saturday, Nov. 19 (10:30-11:15 a.m.) Sensory Storytime – Features an adapted storytime for children with special needs and their caregivers. Siblings are welcome. Includes time for social play. Content is geared to ages 3-7. Registration begins one week before each session.

Saturday, Nov. 19 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders – Bring your ideas and imagination to the club! Ages 3-12. Lego and Duplo bricks provided.

Saturday, Nov. 19 (3:30-5 p.m.) Teen SN Lounge – Enjoy a centers-based open lounge including video games, LEGO and more! For teens in grades 6-12 with special needs, siblings are welcome. Please register.

Sunday, Nov. 20 (1-1:45 p.m.) Meet-Ups! – Join us for a centers-based open play group including video games, LEGO and more! For children in grades 1-5 with special needs. Siblings are welcome. Please register.

Sunday, Nov. 20 (2-3:30 p.m.) Boredom Busters! – Are you bored? Drop by the Storytime Room and join in the fun! We will have different activities available each month. All ages welcome! Children under age 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

Monday, Nov. 21 (1-1:30 p.m.) Yoga Rhyme Time! – This is a perfect way to introduce yoga and practice simple poses with rhymes. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat. Ages 3-1/2 to 5 with a caregiver.

Mondays, Nov. 21 and 28 (3:30-5:30 p.m.) Teen Lounge – Need a place to hang out after school? Come to WPPL’s Teen Lounge on Monday afternoons! We have computers, video games, board games, snacks, and more! For grades 7-12 only.

Monday, Nov. 21 (7-8:30 p.m.) Maker Monday: Fun Things to 3D Print – Come and see the possibilities at this Maker Monday, and go home with a souvenir. If you see any projects to recommend in advance, and are one of the first 12 people on the list, email it to reference-2@westlakelibrary.org, and we’ll see what we can do. Please register.

Wednesday, Nov. 23 (2 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – The November selection is "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" by Gabrielle Zevin.

Wednesday, Nov. 23 – Library Closes at 5 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 24 – Thanksgiving Day: Library Closed

Friday, Nov. 25 (2-4 p.m.) Movies at the Library! – Scrat's epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. Rated PG. All ages. Registration begins Nov. 18.

Saturday, Nov. 26 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) SAT Practice Exam – Get ready for test time with an SAT practice exam. Results will be returned to students the following week at the results session. Grades 9-12. Registration begins Nov. 19.

Saturday, Nov. 26 (2-4 p.m.) Carry-Out Crafts – Stop in to create our featured craft. We have all the supplies you'll need to create something fantastic!

Sunday, Nov. 27 (2-4 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, trivia or Japanese treats! Grades 7-12.

Tuesday, Nov. 29 (10 a.m.-noon) Career Transition Center: Improving Interviewing Skills – Preparation is the essential ingredient for a successful job interview. It starts with research to ensure the job is right for you and that you are well qualified and includes learning about the job and the company and preparing to answer difficult questions.

Tuesday, Nov. 29 (6-8 p.m.) Ugly Sweater Party – Get ready for the holiday festivities by making your very own ugly sweater! We’ll provide the sweaters and supplies, you bring the creativity to make them as tacky as possible! Grades 7-12. Registration begins Nov. 22.

Wednesday, Nov. 30 (7-8:30 p.m.) Green Up Your Holidays with Dean’s Greenhouse – Learn new and exciting ways to decorate your home, including porch pots, wreaths, swags and more, all with fragrant fresh greens and unique accents and touches. Special coupons and door prizes for attendees. Please register.

To register for any of the programs, please call 440-871-2600 or visit westlakelibrary.evanced.info.