Westlake Porter Public Library's February calendar of events

Tuesday, Feb. 6 (6:30-8 p.m.) Connecting for Kids’ Coffee and Chat – Join our interactive support group and meet other families facing similar struggles. Free, supervised children’s activities are available; adults and children must register separately. Topic: "How to Avoid Stress and Become a More Mindful Parent": Join Terri McNeely, MEd, BS, in this interactive session as she teaches caregivers ways to calm both themselves and their child. Attendees will also gain an understanding of mindfulness. For more information, visit connectingforkids.org/support. To register, call 440-250-5563.

Wednesdays, Feb. 7 and 14 (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. Arrive early to receive a ticket.

Wednesday, Feb. 7 (1-2:30 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogy Society Help Session – Join the genealogy group for an informal walk-in help session.

Wednesdays, Feb. 7 and 14 (3:45-5 p.m.) Tween Scene – Weekly hang-out for 5th and 6th graders only!

Wednesdays, Feb. 7 and 14 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursdays, Feb. 8 and 15 (6:30-8 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by Youth Services to sign up for a 10-minute reading time with one of the reading therapy dogs! Registration begins each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 7 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Horror Film Club – Join us as we explore the classics of horror, science fiction and suspense! Children under 13 should be accompanied by an adult. Please register.

Wednesday, Feb. 7 (7-8:30 p.m.) Wonders of Weather – Have you ever wondered how a storm forms, or why the seasons change? Now you can find out from CBS-TV meteorologist Jon Loufman in a presentation for the whole family. Please register.

Thursday, Feb. 8 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Thursday, Feb. 8 (2-3 p.m.) Great Decisions Discussion Program on World Affairs – Discuss critical global issues facing America today. At the beginning of each month, a copy of the article may be picked up at the Ask Us Desk. Please read the article prior to the meeting. Please register.

Thursdays, Feb. 8 and 15 (4-5:15 p.m.) Code Club! – Learn how to build an app, design a video game, and change the world through code! Grades 3-4. Registration begins one week before each session.

Thursday, Feb. 8 (7-8 p.m.) Non-Fiction Book Discussion – "Cutting Back: My Apprenticeship in the Gardens of Kyoto" by Leslie Buck.

Friday, Feb. 9 (9:30 and 10:30 a.m.) and Saturday, Feb. 10 (9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.) Music Therapy & More – For families and their children (ages 0-6 years) who are struggling in an area of development. Siblings (ages 0-6 years) are welcome to attend. Join us for a program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child’s motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior. Each session is 30 minutes. Register at connectingforkids.org/register or by phone: 440-250-5563. 

Friday, Feb. 9 (3:30-4:15 p.m.) Fun Science Friday – Join Mrs. K as we explore our world! We’ll explore the science behind sledding, including gravity and friction. Discoveries will be made through hands-on experiments, active participation and a simple take home project. Ages 4-7. Please register.

Saturday, Feb. 10 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) Valentine’s Day Fun! – Have a heart and join us in the Youth Services Department for a variety of Valentine’s Day crafts! All ages welcome.

Saturday, Feb. 10 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Pokemon Fun! – A fun morning of Pokemon-themed play, prizes, and crafts! Ages 6-11.

Saturday, Feb. 10 (11 a.m.-noon) Tai Chi for Health – Rescheduled from Jan. 13. Discover the healing effects of this movement therapy. Wear comfortable clothing. Please register.

Saturday, Feb. 10 (1-2:30 p.m.) Connecting for Kids’ Speaker Series – Free, supervised children’s activities are available; adults and children must register separately. Topic: "Struggling to Learn": Join Carole Richards as she answers your questions and provides practical ideas families can implement immediately.For more information, visit connectingforkids.org/speakerseries. To register, visit connectingforkids.org/register or call 440-250-5563.

Saturday, Feb. 10 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders – Love those bricks? Bring your ideas and imagination! Lego and Duplo bricks provided. For ages 3-12.

Sunday, Feb. 11 (3-4 p.m.) Art Smarts – Explore works of a well-known artist and then use what you’ve seen to create an art piece of your own! Grades 3-6. Please register.

Monday, Feb. 12 (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, Feb. 12 (6:30-7:15 p.m.) Adapted Storytime – Children with varying learning styles and abilities learn in a safe, supportive environment where respect and appreciation for differences are encouraged. This 30 minute storytime, followed by time for socialization, is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience. Content is geared toward ages 3-7, but all ages are welcome. Siblings may also attend, but must register separately. Registration begins one week before each session.

Monday, Feb. 12 (7-8:30 p.m.) Maker Monday: How to Hackproof Your Smartphone – Financial advisor Michael Wasylyshyn will present the best ways to prevent hackers from taking over your smartphone. Please register.

Tuesday, Feb. 13 (9:30-10 a.m.) Stories and Signs – Enjoy an interactive storytime while learning a few words in sign language! Ages 0-3, siblings welcome.

Tuesdays, Feb. 13 and 20 (2-3 p.m.) Conversational Spanish – Please join us to learn Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation with an expert instructor.

Tuesday, Feb. 13 (7-7:30 p.m.) Bedtime Stories – Put on your pajamas and join Mrs. K as we unwind at the end of the day with quiet stories, songs, fingerplays and other activities. Ages 4-6. Siblings welcome.

Tuesday, Feb. 13 (7 p.m.) Tuesday Evening Book Discussion – "Lily and the Octopus" by Steven Rowley.

Thursday, Feb. 15 (1:30-4:30 p.m.) First Aid Training – Heartsaver First Aid teaches students critical skills to respond to and manage an emergency in the first few minutes until emergency medical services arrives. Please register.

Thursday, Feb. 15 (Preschool session: 6:30 p.m.) and Friday, Feb. 16 (Preschool session: 9:30 a.m.; Toddler Session: 11:30 a.m.) Teach Me to Play – For families and their children (Toddler: ages 18 months-2 years and Preschool: ages 3-6 years) who are struggling in an area of development. Register at connectingforkids.org/register or by phone: 440-250-5563. 

Friday, Feb. 16 (3:30-4:30 p.m.) Got Science? – Be A Liquid Detective: Learn how to investigate and record observations about mystery liquids. Grades 1 and 2. Registration begins Feb. 9.         

Saturday, Feb. 17 (10:30-11 a.m.) Mother Goose On the Loose! – An interactive storytime featuring simple books, rhymes, songs and movement. For ages birth-3 years old with a caregiver.

Saturday, Feb. 17 (11 a.m.-noon) 3D Printing Orientation – In order to use the library’s new 3D printer, you’ll need to take this orientation first. Learn library policies about using it, how to download a 3D-printable object, and how to prepare it for a great print. Please register.

Saturday, Feb. 17 (1-2 p.m.) Adults with Aging Parent Drivers – This presentation discusses many of the legal, ethical and emotional challenges faced when considering a loved one’s retirement from driving. Please register.

Saturday, Feb. 17 (4-5:30 p.m.) STEAMMaker Lab – This month’s topic: Chain Reactions! Grades 3-5. Registration begins Feb. 10.

Sunday, Feb. 18 (2-3 p.m.) American Girl Doll Club – Ivy Ling is a Chinese American who wants to make her family proud. Celebrate the Chinese New Year (the year of the dog) with a craft and traditional Chinese games. Ages 6-11. Registration begins Feb. 11.

Monday, Feb. 19 (7-8:30 p.m.) Investors’ Interest Group: What to Do When Mom or Dad Needs Long Term Care – Local elder law lawyer Elizabeth L. Perla will walk you through making the best long-term care plan for your loved one. Learn about legal documents, care options and financial responsibilities. Please register.

Tuesday, Feb. 20 (1-3 p.m.) Reinventing Yourself and Your Career – Do you have a plan for the future? Do you know what changes you might need to make to be more current or valuable in your career? This class starts you down the road to success.

Tuesday, Feb. 20 (6:30-8:45 p.m.) Anime Movie Club – Enjoy and discuss all your favorite anime movies from Studio Ghibli and beyond! Grades 7 to adult.

Tuesday, Feb. 20 (7-8:45 p.m.) Westlake Westshore Arts Council – Enjoy the “Catch a Rising Star” program featuring Michelle Pauker from Baldwin Wallace University. Free and open to the public.

Wednesdays, Feb. 21 and 28 (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. Arrive early to receive a ticket.

Wednesdays, Feb. 21 and 28 (3:45-5 p.m.) Tween Scene – Weekly hang-out for 5th and 6th graders only!

Wednesdays, Feb. 21 and 28 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursday, Feb. 22 (6:30-8 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by Youth Services to sign up for a 10-minute reading time with one of the reading therapy dogs! Registration begins each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 21 (7-8 p.m.) Wedding Planning from A-Z – A comprehensive guide to planning your wedding from start to finish with wedding planner Jen Wilson. Please register.

Thursday, Feb. 22 (noon-1:30 p.m.) Small Business Lunch & Learn: Search Engine Optimization – Explore the elements needed to optimize your website for SEO and off-site local link building tactics to get your business ranking high in local search engine results pages. Please register.

Thursday, Feb. 22 (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. For grades 7-12 only.

Thursday, Feb. 22 (4-5:15 p.m.) Code Club! – Learn how to build an app, design a video game, and change the world through code! Grades 3-4. Registration begins one week before each session.

Thursday, Feb. 22 (7-8:30 p.m.) Community Conversation: Evicted – Academic scholar Dr. Megan Hatch of Cleveland State University will lead a discussion around the topic of eviction and its effect on the community. The purpose of the discussion is to engage both the public and community leaders in a conversation about the impact of housing insecurity on the region and shed light on the work being done by fair housing, veterans affairs, mental health and social services. Discussion will be based on Matthew Desmond’s book, "Evicted," but it is not mandatory to read the book prior to program. Please register.

Friday, Feb. 23 (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.

Friday, Feb. 23 (10 a.m.-noon) Fiber Fanatics – A time for needlecrafters to share, solve problems, and show off.

Saturday, Feb. 24 (10-11:30 a.m.) Beginning Coding for Adults – Learn the basics of coding through self-paced online modules. An instructor will be on hand to help get you started and to facilitate lessons.

Saturday, Feb. 24 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) SAT Practice Exam – Get ready for test time with an SAT practice exam. Study skills will be discussed and detailed results will be returned to students the following week at the results session. An optional writing portion will be offered immediately following the initial practice exam. Grades 9-12. Registration begins Feb. 17.

Saturday, Feb. 24 (10:30-11:15 a.m.) Adapted Storytime – Children with varying learning styles and abilities learn in a safe, supportive environment where respect and appreciation for differences are encouraged. This 30 minute storytime, followed by time for socialization, is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience. Content is geared toward ages 3-7, but all ages are welcome. Siblings may also attend, but must register separately. Registration begins one week before each session.

Saturday, Feb. 24 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders – Love those bricks? Bring your ideas and imagination! Lego and Duplo bricks provided. For ages 3-12.

Saturday, Feb. 24 (3:30-4 p.m.) Family Storytime – An interactive family storytime featuring books, rhymes, songs, movement and a small craft. For families with children ages 2-6.

Sunday, Feb. 25 (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.

Sunday, Feb. 25 (2-4 p.m.) Chess Club – Hone your chess skills or learn how to play the game. Recommended for ages 6+, but all ages are welcome. If you have a chess set, please bring it with you.

Sunday, Feb. 25 (2-3 p.m.) Friends’ Sunday Sounds – The Friends of the Library will present "Music and the Movies," performed by Eileen Burns and her live band.

Monday, Feb. 26 (1-1:30 p.m.) Yoga Time! – This is a perfect way to introduce yoga and practice simple poses that imitate animals and nature. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat. Ages 3 and up with a caregiver.

Monday, Feb. 26 (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, Feb. 26 (7-8:15 p.m.) Pre-Oscars Party – Cleveland Scene film critic Sam Allard will discuss this year’s Academy Awards nominees. Test your movie trivia knowledge and make your predictions for the 2018 winners, and you could be a winner too! Please register.

Tuesday, Feb. 27 (2-3 p.m.) Travel Club: Savannah, Georgia – Enjoy a walk through the beautiful, historic city of Savannah. Please register.

Tuesday, Feb. 27 (2-3 p.m.) Conversational Spanish – Please join us to learn Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation with an expert instructor.

Tuesday, Feb. 27 (6:30-8 p.m.) Connecting for Kids’ Speaker Series – Free, supervised children’s activities are available; adults and children must register separately. Topic: "Emotional Intensity in Gifted Children": Does emotional intensity go hand-in-hand with giftedness? Meghan Barlow, Ph.D., will discuss why gifted children may have more extreme emotional reactions, explosions and anxieties. For more information, visit connectingforkids.org/speakerseries. To register, visit connectingforkids.org/register or call 440-250-5563.

Wednesday, Feb. 28 (2-3 p.m.) Kanopy Movie Discussion Club – We’ll discuss the movie "Anita: Speaking Truth to Power," available for viewing with a Kanopy account. Watch at home, then meet and discuss! See the library’s website for details on setting up an account and viewing the movie. (Click “Research Resources” then “K” to find the Kanopy link.) Please register.

Wednesday, Feb. 28 (2 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – "Dinner with Edward" by Isabel Vincent.

Wednesday, Feb. 28 (7-8:30 p.m.) Crafting Paper Flowers – Margaret Bakke of Small Studio Productions will show you how to create a variety of paper flowers suitable for invitations and party decor. Hands-on workshop. Please register.

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

Elaine Willis

Elaine Willis is the Public Relations Associate at Westlake Porter Public Library.

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Volume 10, Issue 3, Posted 10:01 AM, 02.06.2018