Libraries

If you like rock music and local bands, head to Westlake Porter Public Library on Friday, July 29, starting at 11 a.m. for the WPPL Battle of the Bands. Six local acts will vie for a grand prize of eight hours of recording time at Playroom Studios in North Ridgeville plus the opportunity to sell one of their recorded songs on iTunes.

Scheduled to compete are: Dempsey Hall, Krych Sisters, Lumpia, The Sludge, Texting While Driving and The Triptyx, all of which consist of local musicians ages 12 to 18. The free concert will take place outside, and blankets or lawn chairs are recommended for seating. The event will move inside in the case of rain. No tickets or reservations are necessary.

Former Cleveland Press reporter, John Tidyman, will appear at the Bay Village Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library on Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss his newest book, "Gimme Rewrite, Sweetheart." You won't want to miss this fascinating presentation of stories from veteran reporters as they talk about life on the job at Cleveland's newspapers during the 1950s, '60s and '70s – when fierce competition between The Cleveland Press and The Plain Dealer made daily newspapers the most exciting business in town.

Westlake Porter Public Library’s Friends of the Library is holding a silent auction fundraiser to collect money for Friends-sponsored library programs and projects. From October 5th to November 9th, library patrons were encouraged to borrow a bare miniature tree, wreath or stocking to decorate at home. The decorated items were then put on display in the library’s lobby, as well as its Art Gallery, for bidding.

Over 60 trees, wreaths and stockings were decorated for the event. The auction also features a number of holiday gift packages, including gift certificates, home items and a ski package. The bidding period lasts until December 13th at 2:00 p.m. Winning bidders will be notified that evening and may pick up their items December 13-15 at Portables Gift Shop.

Westlake Porter Public Library will stay open until 10 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31 for the benefit of local residents who are finding respite there from their powerless homes. On Tuesday the library was packed with visitors seeking to charge their cell phones and laptops, access the Internet, find some warmth or get a hot beverage from the café, Picc-a-Deli at Porter.

In addition, the library has arranged an impromptu free “Blackout Movie Fest” which will run most of the day today (October 31). Movie times are 1:30, 3:30 and 6 p.m. and there are offerings suitable for various ages. No registration is required. Here is the line-up:

Porter Room

1:30 p.m. - Greg and Roderick are back from summer camp, and their parents are trying hard to get them to get along.

3:30 p.m. - A mad scientist's hunchback assistant wants to break out on his own and win the annual science fair in this animated feature from 2008

6:00 p.m. - Three chipmunks get stranded on a deserted island.

Storytime Room

1:30 p.m. - Children from the twelve districts compete in a fight to the death in this teen favorite.

3:30 p.m. - Tyler Perry's latest installment in his series featuring his over-the-top female alter ego, whose family takes care of a witness who is under witness protection.

6:00 p.m. - Opposites attract in this story about the all-important high school dance.

For more information, please call the library at 440-871-2600.

The Bay Village Branch Library will once again resemble a spooky graveyard for the Second Annual Zombie Party on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 2-4:30 p.m. There will be an additional hour of makeup application this year. Katie Lane from the Legion of Terror will be applying/demonstrating zombie makeup from 2-4 p.m.

Ms. Lane is the co-owner of local design and production company Raven’s Wolf and has been involved in the haunt industry for over a decade. She specializes in training actors and makeup artists across the country, working with haunts, entertainment venues, theater groups and schools. Katie spends her haunt season traveling the nation to guest act (everywhere from Dream Reapers, to Darksyde Acres, to Haunted Hydro, to Spookyworld/Nightmare New England). She also does custom costume design and set design for a variety of events and teaches acting seminars which she did a few years ago at all the Cuyahoga County Public Library branches.

Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and relax as you listen to the talented Keller Brothers of Elyria, Ohio.

They will be appearing at the Bay Village Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 2:00 p.m.  This trio of young brothers, George (Dramatic Tenor), Peter (Bass) and John (Lyric Tenor), will present a variety of holiday favorites sure to delight the entire family.

Do you know why Bay Village was originally called Dover Township? Who was the first schoolteacher and where did she teach? Can you name the families that arrived in the ten years after the Cahoons and Osborns?

In honor of the Bay Village Bicentennial, Kay Laughlin and Ginny Peterson of the Bay Village Historical Society will present some interesting well-known and possibly not-so-well-known facts about the founding families of Bay Village, known then as Dover Township. This event will take place on August 24 at 7:00 p.m. Please register online at www.cuyahogalibrary.org or call 440-871-6392.

George Washington Carver will visit the Bay Village Library on February 10 at 7:00 p.m. An actor from Foluke Cultural Arts Center in Cleveland will present the portrayal and a slide show.  

An American scientist, botanist, educator and inventor, Carver is credited with the research and promotion of alternative crops to cotton, such as peanuts and sweet potatoes. He created about 300 products and uses for peanuts for the house and farm including cosmetics, dyes, paints, plastics, gasoline, and nitroglycerin. His other important accomplishments include improvement of race relations, mentoring children, painting, and religion. 

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s January, 2010 Calendar of Events.

Wednesday, January 13 (7 - 7:30 p.m.), Friday, January 22 (10:30 - 11 a.m.) and Thursday, January 28 (3-3:30 p.m.) Let’s Sing and Dance – Join us for a fun session of singing and dancing. For children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. No registration required.

Thursday, January 7 (7 - 8:45 p.m.) Investor Interest Group – Herb Geissler of AAII wil discuss "Back to Basics: Using the Tools and Indicators of Technical Analysis to Outwit the Stock Market." Please register.

Friday, January 8 (10-10:45 a.m.) and Saturday, January 16 (10-10:45 a.m.)Come Play With Me! – Open playtime for ages 2-4 and their caring adults. Registration begins one week before each session.

Saturday, January 9 (9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) ACT Practice Test— Bring a #2 pencil and calculator to take a practice ACT exam. For Grades 10-12. Registration begins January 2.

Friends of Porter Public Library board member Nancy Shaw has received the Myrna Chelko Volunteer Award from Westlake Porter Public Library. The Myrna Chelko Award, established in 1994, is given annually to the library volunteer who has made a significant contribution to the library in volunteer time and whose volunteer efforts have made an impact on library services. The award is named for the late Myrna Chelko, whose contributions to the library epitomized the spirit of volunteerism.

Shaw is currently the Friends board’s membership chair. She began volunteering in 2002, and joined the Friends board in 2006. Shaw also works in the Book Nook and at the annual book sale, and volunteers as a shelver and at the library’s reception desk. In 2012 she gave 158.5 hours to the library, and has served for a total of 1,842 hours.

Music teacher Carrie Singler and some members of the Bay High School chamber orchestra will be the next “stars” at our Reading with the Stars program on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. The audience will be entertained with stories while the musicians provide the soundtracks. Ms. Singler will talk a bit about her job and show her musical skills. The program will wrap up with a fun craft for the children.

The Bay Village Library is very excited to have these award-winning music students and their teacher present a program. Recently, Bay Village was once again named one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. They have been on the list yearly since 2003.

Preschoolers ages 3-5 and their adult caregiver are in for a fun, interactive treat on Saturday, Sept. 15, at either 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Stephanie Sutton will be presenting a program called Preschool Digital Media during which preschoolers and their caregiver will work together to create and illustrate stories. 

Using age-appropriate software, Stephanie will take participants through the steps of digital storytelling. Small motor skills will be strengthened as children work the mouse, and literacy skills will be enhanced through vocabulary and sentence expansion. Microsoft Paint is the software used to illustrate the stories, which some home computers already have installed.

Wednesday, June 27 (10:30-11 a.m.) Let’s Sing and Dance! – Join us for a fun session of singing and dancing. For children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. No registration required.

Wednesday, June 27 (2 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – June’s selection is "The Dry Grass of August" by Anna Jean Mayhew.

Wednesday, June 27 (3-4:30 p.m.) Snips 'n Scraps – Bring your mementos, snips and scraps and make some cool pages for your scrapbook or journal! We'll provide paper and embellishments. For kids grades 5-7. Please register starting June 20.

Wednesday, June 27 (6-7:30 p.m.) Wii-stravaganza! – The gauntlet has been thrown down! Westlake Library has been challenged to a Super Smash Brothers Brawl competition with Wells Public Library in Maine. Help showcase Ohio's skills in this Wii competition! Grades 6-12 only. Please register starting June 20.

Thursday, June 28 (3-4:30 p.m.) Boredom Busters – Drop in and play a game, do a craft or make some art! All supplies provided. Open for all ages; children under nine must be with a grown-up.

Meet author Mary Helen Stefaniak at the Bay Village Branch Library on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 7:00 pm. Her most recent book, “The Cailiffs of Baghdad, Georgia,” received the 2011 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Fiction. This prestigious award has recognized books that “make important contributions to our understanding of racism and our appreciation of the rich diversity of human cultures.” 

Her book was chosen as a “rollicking tale  that manages to speak seriously to the tragedy of ignorance and the damage caused by fear.” In the book, the town is thrown into an uproar when new teacher Grace Spivey arrives and turns the annual festival into an exotic Baghdad Bazaar. Although her progressive spirit proves threatening to some, Miss Spivey succeeds in pushing the limitations of stereotypes and inspiring change.

Here's a question for any Browns fan: Why, more than four long decades after your team's last championship...despite a relentless pattern of heartbreak, capped with a decade of utter futility...do you still stick with the Cleveland Browns?

Veteran sportswriter Terry Pluto gets a daily barrage of email from fans letting their hearts bleed out orange and brown. So he decided to ask his readers: Just what is it about this team that makes you love them, hate them, and still keep coming back for more? A thousand fans responded – in detail. Their stories, along with interviews with former players and Pluto's own expert analysis, deliver the answer. But, like any intense relationship, it's a little complicated...

You've read the book, now come meet the author!

Linda Castillo, author of the Amish murder mystery series, "Sworn to Silence," "Pray for Silence" and the latest title, "Breaking Silence," will be at the Bay Village Branch Library on June 23 at 7:00 p.m. Come meet the mystery lady in person and break your silence with her.      

Westlake Porter Public Library is issuing a spelling challenge to the Westshore area: Find out how well you can spell at the Second Annual Friends of Porter Library Spelling Bee. The Bee will be held as a special Friday evening program on May 13 at 7 p.m. It is open to teams of four to six.

The library will be fielding a team of spellers, and invites families, neighborhoods, civic and community organizations, local companies, and more to create a team and enter the spelling bee. Entry information and a word list are available at the library now. Spelling teams will compete for bragging rights as the Westshore’s best spellers.

Celebrate the Bay Village Bicentennial at the Bay Village Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library where history comes alive.

On Saturday, October 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the library will be one of the stops on the Bicentennial Lolly the Trolley Tour. There will be a full schedule of crafts, stories, activities and displays. A story program for children ages 3-10 years will be offered throughout the day at these times: 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in the large meeting room where a display of quilts from the Bay Village Historical Society will provide a beautiful backdrop.

Wednesday, Sept. 22 (2 p.m.) Afternoon Book Discussion – The September selection is "South of Broad" by Pat Conroy.

Wednesday, Sept. 22 (4-6:30 p.m.) High School Manicures — Student nail estheticians from Brown Aveda Institute will be giving free manicures to teens in grades 9-12. Space is limited, and teens must present their own Westlake Porter Public Library card at the time of their appointment. Appointment times are 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., or 6:00 p.m. Call the Youth Services Department at 440-250-5471 to reserve your spot. Registration is required and begins September 15.

Thursday, Sept. 23 (2-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile – Type-O Drive

Friday, Sept. 24 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Porter’s Fiber Fanatics – Socialize, share, and solve problems with fellow needle artists while you work on your current project.

Saturday, Sept. 25 (9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) ACT Test Results – Get your results for the previous week's exam, and discuss strategies and tips for effective test-taking.

Monday, Sept. 27 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Tuesday, Sept. 28 (6-8:30 p.m.) Karaoke Madness – Call it Porter Idol! For all of you aspiring singers out there, come sing karaoke and show us what you've got! Choose from a large selection of songs – country, rock, pop, hip-hop, and more! For ages 11-18. Please register starting September 21.

The Bay Village Library staff hopes everyone had a wonderful holiday season and we're ready to continue to provide programs that educate and entertain in the new year. Please join us for storytimes and special programs for all ages. 

Storytimes for children ages birth - 5 years old will begin the week of Jan. 18, although the library will be closed on Monday.  Please stop in for a flyer or view the days and times online. Registration is not required for storytimes - just come to the ones that suit your schedule.

Join us for Play, Learn, and Grow on January 13 at 10:00 a.m. A pediatric nurse will be on hand to informally answer your questions about sleep problems, eating issues and other concerns. Babies ages birth - 3 years old and their caregivers are invited to attend and age appropriate toys will be available to share. 

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s November Calendar of Events.

(NOTICE: Due to circumstances beyond our control, Westlake Porter Public Library has cancelled the Monday Night Movie program which was scheduled for Monday, November 16.)

Tuesday, November 3 (2-4:30 p.m.) We’re Off to See the Wizard – Follow the yellow brick road to WPPL for a special interactive viewing of The Wizard of Oz. Rated G. For ages 7-12. Please register.

Tuesday, November 3 (7-8 p.m.) Teens Talk Books – Join us for an evening of books and conversation. Please register. Grades 6-12. 

Thursday, November 5 (7 - 8:45 p.m.) Investor Interest Group – Herb Geissler of AAII will discuss Back to Basics: Using the Tools and Indicators of Technical Analysis to Outwit the Stock Market. Please register.

Friday, November 6 (10:30-11 a.m.), Wednesday, November 11 (7 - 7:30 p.m.) and Tuesday, November 24 (2-2:30 p.m.) Let’s Sing and Dance – Join us for a fun session of singing and dancing. For children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. No registration required.

The Third Annual Great Lake Erie Boat Float is only a few weeks away and the Bay Village Branch Library can help you get ready! Nancy Hughes, Compost and Recycling Coordinator with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, will visit the Bay Village Branch Library on August 22 at 7 p.m., to discuss the impact of plastics on the marine environment. Learn how your actions can make a difference in addressing this global issue. Also hear some hints on how to build your own plastic boat from the trophy-winning Sea Scouts of Ship 41.

The Boat Float will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Lower Edgewater State Park Beach. Boat launch is at 10 a.m. Registration is required, but there is no registration fee. All boats must be family friendly and made from post-consumer recyclable materials. A beach clean-up follows the Boat Float.  To register or learn more about the Boat Float, visit: LakeErieBoatFloat.org. The Boat Float is sponsored by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Cleveland Metroparks.

Adult Department

July 24, 26 & 27 - Friends of Bay Village Library Book Sale – The Friends of the Bay Village Library will have used books for sale.

Tuesday, August 10 (7:00 p.m.) Gem Crystal Singing Bowls – Kathleen Calby from Re-Sounding Joy will explore the ancient tradition of gem crystal singing bowls. All ages are welcome.

Teen Department

Thursday, July 29 (1:30 p.m.) Personal Treasure Map– Engage in a multiple printmaking process to design your own unique map to your personal treasure with Jen Craun. Learn to use a printing press and other equipment as you build up a layered treasure map. Ages 11-18.

Children's Department

Monday, July 19 (11:00 a.m.) Splashin' Science Spectacular – The Mad Science scientists are back and they have some awesome experiments with nature's most abundant compound – water! For grades K-5.

Thursday, July 29 (7:00 p.m.) Families Reading Together – You're invited to discuss the book "Shipwreck" by Gordon Korman, try a related activity, and enjoy a treat. For ages 8-12 and parents.

Cuyahoga County Public Library has partnered with Facing History and Ourselves to present “Choosing to Participate,” a nationally acclaimed interactive exhibit that challenges us to examine biases and consider the responsibilities of citizenship. 

“Choosing to Participate” is on exhibit at the Western Reserve Historical Society now through February 2010. The exhibit looks at the choices people make every day to build strong and inclusive communities and examines the impact and history of racism, injustice, and the courage of citizens to make change. 

In conjunction with the exhibit, the Bay Village Branch library partnered with the Bay Village Historical Society and created a display featuring the Cahoon Family. This founding family of Bay Village chose to make a difference in their community and country in many ways, not least of which was by donating their land for public use. As October 2009 kicked off the beginning of Bay Village’s Bicentennial celebrations, we are pleased to present this tribute to the Cahoon Family, their courage and their choice to participate and make lasting change.    

Three award-winning and bestselling authors will visit Westlake Porter Public Library in October during the library’s biennial Westfest author festival.  Mystery/ suspense author Tess Gerritsen, Young Adult fantasy novelist Cinda Williams Chima, and children’s picture book author Cynthia Lord will all appear. Westfest is underwritten by the Friends of Porter Public Library.  Books will be available for purchase and signing at each event courtesy of Barnes and Noble.

Tess Gerritsen will headline WestFest on Friday, October 16 at 7 p.m. and speak about how she transitioned from being a physician to a writer. Gerritsen has won both the Nero Wolfe Award and the Rita Award. Her medical and romantic suspense novels have been top-5 bestsellers both in the Unites States and abroad. More than 20 million copies of her books have been sold. Her recent novels include The Keepsake, The Bone Garden, and The Mephisto Club.  The doors will open for the event at 6:30 p.m.

The Bay Village Branch Library is kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with two programs, one Sept. 16 with Moises Borges and his Brazilian Jazz Quartet and another on Sept. 18 when the manager of Si Senor Mexican Restaurant shares a story and craft.

Moises Borges is a self-taught acoustic guitarist and singer born in the heart of Brazil’s musical state, Bahia. As Moises says, “music and Bahia are synonymous.”

Strongly influenced by Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Joao Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim, he grew up experimenting with rhythms such as bolero, baião, xote, afoxé, frevo, forró, and especially samba and bossa nova, which are basic to his performances.

The Westlake Porter Public Library Board of Trustees voted at their June meeting to increase the number of hours the library is open. Starting on Sunday, August 5, the library will be open on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Traditionally the library is closed on summer Sundays until Labor Day. In addition, the library will be open until 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays starting on Friday, August 10. Currently the library closes at 5 p.m. on those days.

The decision to add these hours was based upon several factors, including customer requests, Westlake City School districts’ earlier starting time this year, and the hours of other area libraries.

On March 19, I will begin the next phase of my career with Cuyahoga County Public Library by becoming the manager of the Berea Branch. I have served at the Bay Village Branch for the past four years and have enjoyed all of it. 

This community is a  dream come true for a librarian – a community filled with passionate readers who appreciate the importance of an active, involved library. Thank you for your support of our programs and resources. 

The branch Friends group is outstanding and many of the programs you enjoy are courtesy of them. I owe a special thank you to all of them as they have been generous with their support and enthusiasm.  

Friday, Nov. 18 (10 a.m.-noon) Porter’s Fiber Fanatics – Socialize, share, and solve problems while you work on your current project.

Friday, Nov. 18 (10:30-11 a.m.) Let’s Sing and Dance! – Join us for a fun session of singing and dancing. For children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. No registration required.

Saturday, Nov. 19 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) Crafts A Go-Go! – Join us for a fun and easy craft experience! All supplies provided; just drop in. A new, cool craft idea every time!

Saturday, Nov. 19 (10:45 a.m.) West Side Writers

Saturday, Nov. 19 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders Club – Love those LEGO bricks? Then bring your ideas and imagination to the club! All bricks provided. Ages 6-13. Registration begins one week before each session.

Sunday, Nov. 20 (2 p.m.) Sunday Sounds – The Friends of the Library will present the poets of the 2100 Lakeside Men’s Shelter.

Monday, Nov. 21 (6:45-8:45 p.m.) Monday Night Movie – Note earlier starting time! This historical drama tells the story of Mary Surratt, the only woman tried as a co-conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. MPAA rating: PG-13. Please register.

Tuesday, Nov. 22 (4-4:45 p.m.) Last Minute Crafts – Leaving things 'til the last minute can be frantic – or fun! Join us for a fun, easy holiday-themed craft and film. For grades 1-2. Please register starting Nov. 15.

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

Thursday, Nov. 24 – Thanksgiving - Library Closed

The annual summer book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Bay Village Library will be Saturday, July 23, through Tuesday, July 26. The book sale is held during regular library hours on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, but closes at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening.  

There is a wide range of adult and children’s hardback and paperback books, as well as DVDs, CDs, books on tape, and magazines. Items are priced to sell and have been categorized for easy selection. Tuesday, the last day of the sale, is “bag day” when patrons can buy a bagful of books for only $1.00. Bags are provided by the library.

THE SEVERANCE FAMILY, Wednesday, May 4 (7:00 p.m.)
Join us as Diana Tittle talks about her new book "The Severances: The American Odyssey from Puritan Massachusetts to Ohio Western Reserve and Beyond." The Severance family's basic belief was to give to the community and share their good fortunes as their wealth grew. Northeast Ohio has been greatly influenced by their philanthropy. Find out little-known facts or learn more about one of Cleveland's own "royal families"! A book signing will follow the program.

AUTHOR BRIAN FREEMAN, Thursday, May 5 (7:00 p.m.)
Meet Brian Freeman, internationally acclaimed author of psychological suspense novels featuring Lieutenant Jonathan Stride. His books have been sold in 46 countries and translated into 18 languages. His debut thriller won the Macavity Award and was nominated for the Edgar, Dagger, Anthony and Barry awards. His newest book is "The Bone House," the story of the investigation into the mysterious death of 16-year-old Glory. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

The Case Western Reserve University-sponsored group at the Bay Village library recently finished a class on world culture, and it was a big success. Lots of interesting conversation.

Our next session is titled “Ernest Hemingway: The Main Man.” It’s been said that Hemingway did more to change the style of English prose than any other writer in the 20th century. We will visit this literary giant in his second great classic, in his memorable novella, and in a variety of his short stories.

Monday, Nov. 1 (7 p.m.) Find Money for Your Non-Profit Organization – Learn how to research foundations and companies that give money to non-profit organizations using Foundation Center's database Foundation Directory Online. Please register.

Nov. 1-10: "Wimpy Kid" Trivia Contest – Think you know your "Wimpy Kid"? Find out with this fiendishly hard contest! Ages 8-11.

Tuesday,Nov. 2 (2-3 p.m.) Porter Puppet Idol – Pick the puppet and the song, then make your puppet lip-sync and dance! Grades 4-6. Please register starting Oct. 26.

Wednesday, Nov. 3 (10:30-11 a.m.), Wednesday, Nov. 10 (1-11:30 a.m.) and Wednesday, Nov. 17 (7-7:30 p.m.)Let’s Sing and Dance! – Join us for a fun session of singing and dancing. For children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. No registration required.

Wednesdays, Nov. 3, 10 and 17 (4-5 p.m.) Wii Wednesdays – Come play Wii with us Wednesdays after school! We’ll feature a different game each week. Ages 10-18.

Thursday, Nov. 4 (7-8:30 p.m.) Investor Interest Group – Herb Geissler of AAII will discuss "Profitably Bottom Fishing during an Annual Stock Market Correction." Please register.

 

Area book lovers exceeded their summer reading goal by more than 3,000 hours, earning the long-term “adoption” of the aquatic animals living in Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s Tide Pool Exhibit. The Friends of the Bay Village Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library group offered to pay the adoption fees if participants in the "Books Ahoy!" Summer Reading Program would complete 18,000 hours of reading. The unique incentive encouraged readers of all ages to log more than 21,000 hours!

Librarian Susan Ballard presented a check to cover the adoption fees to Center Executive Director Catherine Timko. “We’re proud of the way the community embraces reading, supports our library and Lake Erie Nature & Science Center,” said Ballard. “We set the reading bar high and readers of all ages responded.”

“This has been a wonderful partnership bringing together two valued community resources,” observed Timko. “We hope the summer readers will come visit the Tide Pool animals they’ve 'adopted.' We recently added some new fish and invertebrates to the exhibit. Joining the popular Clownfish of 'Nemo' fame, there are new anemones, starfish, urchins, crabs, coral, shrimps and a Lettuce Nudibranch. Our visitors have been enthusiastically searching out these new inhabitants.”

Ahoy, mateys! Cuyahoga County Public Library’s summer reading game, "Books Ahoy," starts Saturday, June 5, and the Bay Village Branch Library is celebrating with a Pirate Party between the hours of 2-4 p.m.

"Pirates of the Caribbean" impersonators, Captain Jack Sparrow, Elizabeth Swan and other feisty characters will swashbuckle their way throughout the library. They're friendly pirates and willing to stand still for pictures, but you need to bring your own camera! Pirates don't have any of that new fangled technology. If you dare, you can enter their Pirates Cove; a treasure hunt, pirate grub, crafts, and prizes await brave landlubbers. Dress like a pirate and maybe they won't throw you overboard! Blimey!

ADULT DEPARTMENT

Wednesday, March 3 (7 p.m.) YOU TOO CAN WRITE THE NEWS – Bob Rosenbaum will present a simple step-by-step approach to find, report, and write news stories of the goings on in our community. This program is sponsored by the Bay Village Friends of the Library.

Thursday, March 4 (7 p.m.) AUTHOR VISIT WITH RICK PORRELLO – Author Rick Porrello talks about his book "To Kill the Irishman: The War That Crippled the Mafia." A book signing will follow.

Tuesday, March 9 (7 p.m.) STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS – Speak with experts about financing your business and learn how to apply for financing.

Saturday, March 13 (2 p.m.) BIT O' THE IRISH – Join us as the Irish band "Turn the Corner" celebrates St. Patrick's Day with Celtic music.

TEEN DEPARTMENT

Saturday, March 6 (3 p.m.) SHOW YOUR COLORS ART SHOW RECEPTION – Cash prizes will be awarded at a public reception for 7th and 8th grade students of Bay Village. Light snacks will be provided. This program is sponsored by the Bay Village Friends of the Library.

Storytimes will begin again after the holidays on January 19, but in the meantime there's still plenty to do at the Bay Village Library. Join us on November 23 at 7:00 p.m. for a Thanksgiving Family Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs and activities about Autumn and Thanksgiving.

On December 1, the Teen Department will welcome Chef Sherry as she presents Fondue Fun for teens in grades 6 - 12. She will teach you the art of making and eating fondue and will include recipes for cheese and chocolate dipping creations. This yummy program sponsored by the Friends of the Bay Village Library begins at 3:30.

The Adult Department at the Bay Village Library has interesting and informative programs lined up for November. Spend an afternoon with Ken Yenke - The Yenke Peddler - as he discusses antiques and collectibles. Attendees may bring one item to the program to have it appraised. Join us on Saturday, November 7 at 2:00 p.m. 

On Tuesday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m., Sue Sifritt will present a program called Great Lakes Exposition of 1936 - 1937. We will explore this exposition organized by a group of Clevelanders to showcase the industries of Cleveland. Join us for this nostalgic tour through postcards and photographs.

The Bay Village branch of the Cuyahoga Library invites everyone to join us for Fall storytimes for children of all ages. To register for the teen or adult programs and for any further information please call the library at 871-6392, go online at cuyahogalibrary.org, or stop in at the library.

UPCOMING CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS:

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: This 6 week storytime is for children ages 3 - 5 yrs.

• Mondays, 9/21 through 10/26, 1:30pm - 2:00pm
• Wednesdays, 9/23 through 10/28, 9:45am - 10:15am

 
MORNING MOVERS: This 6 week storytime is for ages 1 - 3 yrs. and a caregiver.

• Tuesdays, 9/22 through 10/27, 10:00am - 10:30am
• Thursdays, 9/24 through 10/29, 10:00am - 10:30am

Friends of Westlake Porter Public Library is sponsoring a coloring contest for kids up to age 10! The coloring page features Porter J. Mouse, the library mascot, holding a stack of books (all with mouse themes, of course!) while exclaiming, "I Love My Library!"

Printable coloring pages can be found online at www.westlakelibrary.org under the "Friends" tab. Coloring pages are also available in the library lobby and at the Youth Services desk. The deadline for entries is April 26, and there is a collection box in the library lobby. All entries will be displayed in the library lobby and prizes will be determined.