April events at Westlake Porter Public Library

Wednesday, April 3 (9:30-10 a.m. OR 10:15-10:45 a.m.) Angelina Ballerina Story Time – Join the Baldwin Wallace Community Arts School for a magical story time and dance lesson! Your little ballerina will be delighted by the adventures of Angelina Ballerina, a young mouse training to be a real ballerina. After the story the young ballerinas will learn some basic ballet positions and steps and have a chance to show off their new knowledge with some interactive dance games. This program is for children ages 0-5.

Wednesday, April 3 (1-2:30 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogy Society Help Session – Join the genealogy group for an informal walk-in help session.

Wednesdays, April 3 and 10 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursdays, April 4 and 11(6:30-8 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by Youth Services to sign up for a 10-minute reading time with a reading therapy dog. Registration begins Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, April 3 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Horror Film Club – Join us for another creepy classic from the vault ... if you dare! New members are always welcome, but children under 13 should be accompanied by an adult. Please register.

Wednesday, April 3 (7-8 p.m.) Alternatives to Cable TV – This program will help you sort through the viewing alternatives available. Learn about digital media players, streaming services and additional options. Please register.

Thursday, April 4 (1-7 p.m.) – American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Thursdays, April 4 and 11 (4-5 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, April 4 (7-8 p.m.) Empowering Seniors: Proactively Planning for the Aging Process – To protect your quality of life as you age it is crucial to surround yourself with a team of experts who will guide you through the aging process. Additionally, there are some steps you can take on your own to secure yourself through your senior years. Presented by an Aging Life Care Manager/Nurse who has spent her career working with seniors and their families. Please register.

Friday, April 5 (4-5 p.m.) Got Science? – Join us as we delve into the world of science. This month’s topic: "Eggs!" Grades 1 and 2. Please register.

Saturday, April 6 (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, April 6 (2-4 p.m.) Craftapalooza – Come to the library and help us clean out our craft closet! A variety of make-it and take-it crafts will be available at the Youth Services desk.

Saturday, April 6 (3:30-5 p.m.) STEAMMaker Lab: Chemists Celebrate Earth Week – Take note: the Chemistry of Paper. Grades 3-5. Please register.

Saturday, April 6 (4-5 p.m.) 3D Printing Orientation – In order to use the library’s 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.

Sunday, April 7 (2-3 p.m.) American Girl Doll Club – Lea Clark, a fifth-grader from St. Louis, loves animals and loves to photograph them. We’ll play games and make a theme-related craft. Ages 6-11. Please register.

Mondays, April 8 and 15 (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.

Mondays, April 8 and 15 (4-5 p.m.) Learning Centers – Learn about science, technology, engineering, arts and math using STEAM kits set up in stations around the PC Lab. Space is limited for each weekly session. Grades 4-5. Registration begins one week before each session.

Mondays, April 8 and 15 (6-7 p.m.) Next Chapter Book Club – An opportunity for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities to make friends, enjoy books and have fun on a regular basis.

Monday, April 8 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Personal Financial Planning Fundamentals – Learn the importance of financial planning, basic steps in the financial planning process, how to put the power of compounding to work for you. Discussion includes terminology, budgeting, retirement planning, investment options and more. Intended for the beginner. Please register.

Monday, April 8 (7-8:30 p.m.) Maker Monday: Transform Your Memories into Digital – WPPL has Maker Stations that can convert your records into mp3s, your slides and pictures into digital formats and your VHS tapes into DVDs. Learn how here! Please register.

Tuesday, April 9 (10-11:30 a.m.) What Is Cloud Computing – ...and how can it help me? Discover how Google products, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Apple iCloud, and other cloud-based services can make your life easier. Please register.

Tuesday, April 9 (1-3 p.m.) Career: Financial Issues in Employment – Learn the pros and cons of becoming a contractor (1099 employee), working part-time or as a temporary employee, and asking for a raise or promotion. Open your mind to new employment options in your future.

Tuesdays, April 9 and 16 (2-3:30 p.m.) Conversational Spanish – Learn Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation with an expert instructor.

Tuesday, April 9 (7-8:30 p.m.) Tuesday Evening Book Discussion – We’ll discuss "The Marsh King’s Daughter" by Karen Dionne.

Wednesday, April 10 (2-3:30 p.m.) Intro to Smartphones – Learn the basics of using smartphones, such as screen brightness, wi-fi settings, adding apps and more! If bringing your device, please bring all account passwords. Please register.

Thursday, April 11 (2-3:30 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 prior to the meeting. Please register.

Thursday, April 11 (7-8:45 p.m.) Cleveland Indians’ Team Historian – Come out to hear Jeremy Feador, the Indians team historian and archivist. Jeremy will tell the story of the Indians and their players through objects brought from the team’s archives. Jeremy will provide a unique way to view the team’s long history in Cleveland. A must-see for Indians fans and anybody interested in baseball! Please register.

Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13 (9:30 and 10:30 a.m.) Music Therapy & More – For families and their children (ages 0-6 years) who are struggling in an area of development. Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child’s motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior. This program is led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist. Siblings (ages 0-6 years) may also attend but must register separately. Each session is 30 minutes. To register, visit connectingforkids.org/music or call 440-570-5908.

Friday, April 12 (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, April 13 (9 a.m.-noon) Paper Shredding – Protect your personal identity by shredding your confidential papers. Gateway Recycling will securely shred paper with staples, paperclips and rubber bands and will recycle plastic bags and cardboard on-site. No binders, spiral-bound notebooks, metal hanging files, large binder clips, or plastic in material. The shredding truck will be located in the south parking lot. There is no limit to the number of boxes you can have shredded. Event is rain or shine.

Saturday, April 13 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) Springtime Crafts! – Join us in the Youth Services Department and get in the mood for spring with some cheery, colorful crafts!

Saturday, April 13 (10:30 -11:30 a.m.) Pokemon Fun! – A fun morning of Pokemon themed play, prizes and crafts! Ages 6-11.

Saturdays, April 13 and 27 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders – Love those bricks? Bring your ideas and imagination! Lego and Duplo bricks provided. For ages 3-12.

Saturday, April 13 (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, April 14 (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.

Monday, April 15 (7-8:30 p.m.) Investors’ Interest Group: Avoid Outliving Your Income – Decisions you make today can have a dramatic effect on the quality of your retirement tomorrow, even if it’s years down the road. Participants learn about core concepts including: portfolio construction, managing risk and asset allocation. Please register.

Tuesday, April 16 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Tablet Tuesday User Group – This group will share tips and tricks with each other about using iPads and Android tablets. Kindle Fire users welcome! Bring your devices. Please register.

Tuesday, April 16 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Earth Day Origami – Come celebrate Earth Day with us! This program, designed for adult beginners, will teach you how to make a beautiful origami bouquet out of recycled magazines! Please register.

Tuesday, April 16 (7-8:45 p.m.) King of the Moondoggers: Alan Freed and the Birth of Rock and Roll – Follow Alan Freed on his journey to Cleveland and beyond as Rock and Roll is being born. Dance at the Moondog Coronation Ball! This program will include audio clips from 9 early Rock and Roll favorites. Please register.

Wednesdays, April 17 and 24 (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, April 17 (2-3:30 p.m.) eBooks, Streaming Music, Digital Movies, and More! – Learn how to access free eBooks and eAudiobooks, digital music, streaming movies and more! Bring your own device. The class will include an open lab. Please register.

Wednesday, April 17 (6-8:45 p.m.) CPR – CPR and AED certification for adult, child and infant. Instruction by certified instructor/paramedic Ken Hehnen. Must be 13 years of age. Please register.

Wednesday, April 17 (6:30-8:45 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogical Society – Jane Gramlich, Special Collections Librarian at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, will present "Resources and Services in the Special Collections Division, Akron-Summit County Public Library."

Thursday, April 18 (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. The class focus is on HTML and CSS. Please register.

Thursdays, April 18 and 25 (4-5 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, April 18 (noon-1:30 p.m.) Small Business Lunch & Learn: Intellectual Property – This is an introduction to the general concepts of protecting various forms of intellectual property including: patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. A general description of the various forms of intellectual property, their purposes, how to legally protect them, and potential shortcomings and risks will be introduced. Please register.

Thursday, April 18 (6:30 p.m., Preschool session) and Friday, April 19 (9:30 a.m., Preschool session; 11:30 a.m., Toddler Session) Teach Me to Play – A play-based program 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. Diverse opportunities for learning are provided, with an emphasis on facilitating communication, practicing social interactions and responding to behaviors in a positive way. The staff coaches families, demonstrates and suggests strategies, responds to questions and provides resources. Register at connectingforkids.org/register or by phone: 440-570-5908.   

Saturday, April 20 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) Escape Artists Writers Group – This group meets monthly to provide guidance, encouragement, inspiration and feedback for those looking to improve their writing skills.

Saturday, April 20 (2-3:30 p.m.) Attracting Butterflies, Hummingbirds and Other Pollinators to Your Garden – Join horticulture expert Cynthia Druckenbrod as she shares tips and tricks on how to create a pollinator-friendly garden. Please register.

Saturday, April 20 (2-4 p.m.) Carry Out Crafts – Stop by the Youth Services Department to see what our featured craft is this afternoon. We have all the supplies you’ll need to create something fantastic!

Saturday, April 20 (3-5 p.m.) Anime Club – A great club for anime and manga lovers! All otakus and newbies are welcome! Grades 7 to adult.

Sunday, April 21 – Easter: Library Closed

Monday, April 22 (2-3 p.m.) Unlocking Social Security – Join us to explore: Who is entitled to Social Security benefits; what to do to coordinate spousal benefits; when should I retire; where to go for more help; how working while retired affects your benefits; and more. Medicare basics will also be discussed. Please register.

Tuesdays, April 23 and 30 (2-3:30 p.m.) Conversational Spanish – Learn Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation with an expert instructor. 

Tuesday, April 23 and Thursday, April 25 (2-4:15 p.m.) Movies @ Your Library – Join us for movie matinées! Rated PG. All ages. Registration begins one week before each session.

• April 23: A Yeti is convinced that the elusive creatures known as “humans” really do exist.
• April 25: Ralph and Vanellope discover a WiFi router in their arcade, leading them into a new adventure.

Tuesday, April 23 (7-8:45 p.m.) Westlake Westshore Arts Council – The Oberlin Conservatory will present a program.

Wednesday, April 24 (2 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – "The Map of Salt and Stars" by Zeyn Joukhadar.

Wednesday, April 24 (7-8:30 p.m.) An Evening of Poetry with George Bilgere – Join us for an entertaining evening with local poet George Bilgere. Bilgere has given readings in venues around the country, including the Library of Congress. His poems were a regular feature on Garrison Keillor’s "The Writer’s Almanac" and U.S. Poet Laureate (2004–2006) Ted Kooser’s newspaper project “American Life in Poetry.” He is the author of seven poetry collections. Please register.

Thursday, April 25 (1-3:30 p.m.) Teen Super Smash ULTIMATE Tournament – Battle it out in Super Smash Ultimate for Nintendo Switch to see who will take the top spot and reign as champion! Plus, retro game consoles and free snacks.

Thursday, April 25 (7-8 p.m.) Introduction to Reiki – Learn with Reiki master Libby White. Find out about this alternative form of stress reduction and healing. Please register.

Friday, April 26 (10 a.m.-noon) Fiber Fanatics – A time for needlecrafters to share, solve problems and show off.

Friday, April 26 (4-4:45 p.m.) Fun Science Friday: A Home for Birds – Join Mrs. K as we explore the wonders of our world! Let’s be birds and build a nest! Discoveries will be made through hands-on experiments, active participation and a simple take-home project. Ages 4-6. Registration begins April 19.

Sunday, April 28 (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, April 28 (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, April 28 (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! This month’s focus is Henri Rousseau. Grades 3-6. Registration begins April 21.

Monday, April 29 (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, April 29 (4-5 p.m.) Learning Centers – Learn about science, technology, engineering, arts and math using STEAM kits set up in stations around the PC Lab. Space is limited for each weekly session. Grades 4-5. Registration begins one week before each session.

Monday, April 29 (7-8:30 p.m.) Medicare 101 – Navigating the world of Medicare can be a daunting task for the average consumer. John Avon, a Medicare specialist with Aetna Insurance Company, will explain what Medicare is, who is eligible to receive it, when and where to apply, what are the various parts of original Medicare and how it compares to Advantage Plans, and your options when choosing how to receive your coverage. Learn about Original Medicare, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans. Increase your understanding of the “Donut Hole” and other Part D prescription coverage rules and learn how to utilize Medicare enrollment periods. Please register.

Tuesday, April 30 (6:45-8:45 p.m.) International Culture Fair – Please join us for an evening celebrating international cultures in our community. Students from Tri-C's Westshore Campus English as a Second Language Program will share information about their home countries, followed by refreshments and international music.

Tuesday, April 30 (7-8 p.m.) ACT/SAT Test Prep Planning: Best Practices – Learn best practices for developing a college test prep plan that allows your student to perform their best. There is no single best testing plan, but there is a plan that will work best for your student’s specific needs. A good plan puts the student’s well-being front and center and sets priorities. Teens and parents welcome! Registration begins April 23.

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