Libraries

Has it been years since you last picked up your guitar? Or, did you recently get a new guitar and want an introduction to how it is played? Join us at the Bay Village branch library on Wednesday, March 23, at 7 p.m. to re-discover your guitar as Rob Steinhardt, a former teacher at The Music Academy Asheville and participant in the prestigious Swannanoa Gathering, demonstrates the basics including an overview of the physical aspects of the guitar, basic chords and learning a simple song. Space is limited, so please register.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Storytimes: Caregivers and their children are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books and stories together. No registration is required.

• Mondays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays (6:45 p.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages
• Wednesdays (10 a.m.) Baby and Me Storytime – ages birth-18 months
• Thursdays (10 a.m.) Preschool Storytime – ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten)
• Thursdays (6:45 p.m.) Sensory Storytime – Geared for children who are developmentally at the preschool level and specifically designed for children with special needs and their families. The program incorporates a schedule board, double visuals and sensory opportunities for participants as well as socialization time following the program.
• Fridays (10 a.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages

Thursday, March 17 (3 p.m.) Cookies and Books – Children in grades 3-4 are invited to join us to discuss a good book. Copies of this month's book, "Skellig" by David Almond, will be available one month before the discussion.

Saturday, March 19 (10:30 a.m.) Sensory School Age Program – Geared for children who are developmentally at the kindergarten to fifth-grade age level, this program is designed specifically for children with special needs and their families. First we will build with Lego building blocks. Then we will have the option to use our creations to make a stop-motion animation movie. Registration required.

Westlake Porter Public Library Book Nook and Book Sale volunteer Kathy Fern received the library’s Myrna Chelko Volunteer Award at a volunteer recognition ceremony held on March 6.

A volunteer for over 12 years, Fern is an unsung hero who’s not always visible to library visitors. She is known for helping Book Nook customers locate specific titles, and her interactions with them are always friendly and welcoming. Fern also actively looks for books that Book Nook customers request, and holds them, if found.

In addition, Fern not only works one or two shifts a week at the Book Nook, she also helps manage and sort the donations. Even when she’s not scheduled for a shift, she will stop by to see if there’s anything that needs to be done, and she’s always looking for ways to improve service and organization in the Book Nook.

Help us celebrate local student artists at the Bay Village branch library Show Your Colors Art Reception on Saturday, March 5. Come admire the art projects, enjoy refreshments and watch the prize announcements. The seventh- and eighth-grade reception will start at 2 p.m. The fifth- and sixth-grade reception will start at 3 p.m. We hope you can join us in honoring young artists.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Storytimes: Caregivers and their children are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books and stories together. No registration is required.

• Mondays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays (6:45 p.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages
• Wednesdays (10 a.m.) Baby and Me Storytime – ages birth-18 months
• Thursdays (10 a.m.) Preschool Storytime – ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten)
• Thursdays (6:45 p.m.) Sensory Storytime – Geared for children who are developmentally at the preschool level and specifically designed for children with special needs and their families. The program incorporates a schedule board, double visuals and sensory opportunities for participants as well as socialization time following the program.
• Fridays (10 a.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages

Wednesday, March 2 (7 p.m.) Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss – It will be a Seussapalooza! We'll celebrate with stories, silly games and a craft.

Thursday, March 17 (3 p.m.) Cookies and Books – Children in grades 3-4 are invited to join us to discuss a good book. Copies of this month's book, "Skellig" by David Almond, will be available one month before the discussion.

Ghoulardi, Barnaby, Dorothy Fuldheim, Jungle Larry – if these names bring back fond memories, you'll want to join us as at the Bay Village branch library when authors Mike and Janice Olszewski discuss and sign their book, "Cleveland TV Tales," on Monday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. Talk a walk back in time and relive the days of classic local television. The authors will have books for sale after the event.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Storytimes: Caregivers and their children are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books and stories together. No registration is required.

• Mondays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays (6:45 p.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages
• Wednesdays (10 a.m.) Baby and Me Storytime – ages birth-18 months
• Thursdays (10 a.m.) Preschool Storytime – ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten)
• Thursdays (6:45 p.m.) Sensory Storytime – Geared for children who are developmentally at the preschool level and specifically designed for children with special needs and their families. The program incorporates a schedule board, double visuals and sensory opportunities for participants as well as socialization time following the program.
• Fridays (10 a.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages

Thursday, Feb. 18 (4 p.m.) Cookies and Books – Children in Grades 3-4 are invited to join us to discuss this month's title, "George Washington's Spy" by Elvira Woodruff. Copies of the book will be available one month before the discussion. A parent/guardian must sign a release form before the program.

Tuesday, Feb. 16 (7-8:45 p.m.) Catch a Rising Star – The Westlake/Westshore Arts Council brings the Catch a Rising Star program from Baldwin Wallace University. Free and open to the public.

Wednesdays, Feb. 17 and 24 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursdays, Feb. 18 and 25 (6:30-8 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by the Youth Services Department 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. and each Thursday at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 17 (6:30- 8:30 p.m.) Writing with a Flourish: The Art of Calligraphy – Modern calligraphy is often found in wedding and event invitations, graphic design, memorial documents, and even film and television. Learn a brief history of the art from Jim Williams of the Western Reserve Calligraphers, and practice learning basic lettering techniques. Previous experience is not required and materials will be provided. Please register.

Wednesday, Feb. 17 (7-8:45 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogical Society

Thursday, Feb. 18 (noon-1:30 p.m.) Small Busine$$ Lunch & Learn: Is Marketing Necessary for Your Business? – Learn how to do market research, decide what approach to marketing is best for your Feb., and how to develop and execute your plan. Bring your lunch; coffee is provided. Please register.

Thursday, Feb. 18 (2-3 p.m.) Travel Club – Join us for travel planning tips/sources and destination suggestions. Let's share our best travel experiences with others. This month: A Scotland travelogue!

Thursday, Feb. 18 (Combined Basic/Advanced Session: 6:30 p.m.) and Friday, Feb. 19 (Basic: 9:30 a.m., Advanced: 11 a.m.) Teach Me to Play – For children 3-6 years old 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. Led by an early intervention specialist in behavior from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Register at connectingforkids.org/handsontraining.

Thursday, Feb. 18 (7–8:30 p.m.) Google’s Picasa 2 – In this class we will learn how to import and edit photos in Picasa. We will also learn how to share digital photos on Picasa Web Albums. Prerequisite: Gmail account. Please register.

Friday, Feb. 19 (4-5:30 p.m.) Weirder Science: It’s Elementary! – Learn science while having fun! Our interactive after-school science program for middle school students teaches fundamental principles in an entertaining format. This month we’ll explore the periodic table and elements! Grades 5-6. Please register.

The Friends of Westlake Porter Public Library announced it gave over $100,000 to the library in 2015. The organization’s members raised the funds through used book sales, the library gift shop, and a trees & wreaths silent auction. The group also donated thousands of volunteer hours throughout the year.

Porter Library used a majority of the gift for building renovations and updates in 2015-2016. The remaining funds went towards providing all of the library’s programming, such as Science Week, National Library Week, and the adult and youth Summer Reading programs.

The Westlake Porter Public Library board of trustees has appointed Jason Nolde to serve a term from 2016-2022.

A Westlake resident, Nolde is a partner and architect at Richard Fleischman & Partners Architects. He is also a member of the board of the American Institute of Architects Cleveland Chapter, and served as its Director of Development in 2015. Nolde received both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Architecture degrees from Kent State University.

Nolde brings the board experience in project management, scheduling, human resources and business finance. Having led a team that has built or renovated numerous libraries, he also offers a unique perspective on managing and adapting the library facility to meet changing needs.

Laura Ingalls Wilder captured our hearts through her "Little House" books and the adaptation on television, join us as we commemorate her birthday at the Bay Village branch library on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. We'll celebrate with crafts, snacks and hands-on activities. We'll also read excerpts from her books and learn about her life and times in Walnut Grove. Come help celebrate one of America's beloved pioneer girls.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Storytimes: Caregivers and their children are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books and stories together. No registration is required.

• Mondays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays (6:45 p.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages
• Wednesdays (10 a.m.) Baby and Me Storytime – ages birth-18 months
• Thursdays (10 a.m.) Preschool Storytime – ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten)
• Thursdays (6:45 p.m.) Sensory Storytime – Geared for children who are developmentally at the preschool level and specifically designed for children with special needs and their families. The program incorporates a schedule board, double visuals and sensory opportunities for participants as well as socialization time following the program.
• Fridays (10 a.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages

Wednesday, Feb. 10 (7:00 p.m.) It's Electric – Join us as we explore static electricity with simple hands-on experiments. For grades K-2. Registration required.

Please join the Friends of Porter Public Library for their annual book sale Feb. 4-7 at Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road. Thousands of books and audio-visual items will be available including fiction and non-fiction books, children's books, DVDs and CDs. There will be so many items that three rooms are needed to display all the choices. 

Preview night for members of Friends will be Wednesday, Feb. 3, 4:30-7 p.m. Memberships will be available at that time. Regular sale days are Thursday, Feb. 4, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday, Feb. 5, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 6, there will be a half-price sale of all items from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, Feb. 7, there will be a $2 bag sale from 1:15-4 p.m. A bag costs $2, and you can fill it to the top with as many books as possible.

The annual winter book sale of the Bay Village Library branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library will begin Saturday morning, Jan. 23, and run through Tuesday, Jan. 26. The sale will be held at the library during regular hours, with the exception of Tuesday, when it closes at 7 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of Bay Village Library with the proceeds of the sale to be used for upcoming programs and activities. There is a large selection of books for readers of all ages as well as magazines, DVDs, CDs, books on tape and more. All materials have been categorized for easy shopping. Tuesday, the last day of the sale, is bag day when a full bag of books costs $1. Bags are provided by the library.

Recently the American Library Association honored Viet Thanh Nguyen's debut novel, "The Sympathizer," and Sally Mann's memoir, "Hold Still," with the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in fiction and non-fiction. Bill Kelly – a jurist on the Andrew Carnegie Medal Committee, former chair of the ALA Notable Books Council, Adult Services Supervisor with the Cuyahoga County Public Library and "literary guru" – will join us at the Bay Village Branch Library on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. to discuss the best books of 2015. Come find out what great reads you may have missed this past year.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Storytimes: Caregivers and their children are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books and stories together. No registration is required.

• Mondays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays (6:45 p.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages
• Wednesdays (10 a.m.) Baby and Me Storytime – ages birth-18 months
• Thursdays (10 a.m.) Preschool Storytime – ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten)
• Thursdays (6:45 p.m.) Sensory Storytime – Geared for children who are developmentally at the preschool level and specifically designed for children with special needs and their families. The program incorporates a scheduled board, double visuals and sensory opportunities for participants as well as socialization time following the program.
• Fridays (10 a.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages

Stuffed Animal Sleepover – Drop off your stuffed animal at the Bay Village Library on Tuesday, Jan. 26, any time between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Then join us for a stuffed animal sleepover party on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 3:15 p.m. for stories, crafts and activities when you pick up your favorite stuffed friend. One stuffed animal per child.

Wednesdays, Jan. 20 and 27 (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.

Wednesdays, Jan. 20 and 27 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursdays, Jan. 21 and 28 (6:30-8 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by the Youth Services Department 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. and each Thursday at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 20 (7-8:45 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogical Society

Wednesday, Jan. 20 (7-8:30 p.m.) Death by Chocolate – Susan Aldrich will demonstrate chocolate recipes and offer tastes of some. Please register.

Thursday, Jan. 21 (10-11:30 a.m.) Bringing Your Past Into the Present: Historical Photo Scanning – Do you have old photographs that you would like to save? Bring up to 5 family or historical photos to us, along with a USB drive, and we will scan them onto the drive to ensure their safe keeping for years to come! If you do not have your own USB drive, they will be available to purchase at cost. Please register.

Thursday, Jan. 21 (12-1:30 p.m.) Small Busine$$ Lunch & Learn – Thinking of starting a business? Take a guided assessment to find out if you have the right personality, skill set, tools, etc. to be an entrepreneur. This session will help you to answer those questions and provide you with tools and resources to get you moving in the right direction. Bring your lunch; coffee is provided. Please register.

Thursday, Jan. 21 (3:30-5 p.m.) Tabletop Gaming Group – Board games! Card games! RPGs! Stop by for an afternoon of playing tabletop games with other gamers! Games will include Munchkin, Settlers of Catan, Forbidden Island and more! Grades 7-12.

Friday, Jan. 22 (10 a.m.-noon) Fiber Fanatics – A time for needlecrafters to share, solve problems, and show off.

Friday, Jan. 22 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) Connecting for Kids Parent Discussion Group – Meet other families as we discuss relevant childhood topics with local pediatric experts. Free child care is available. Christine A. Chambers, MEd, OTR/L, will discuss "Managing Meltdowns." Registration is required at connectingforkids.org or call 440-250-5563.

Friday, Jan. 22 (4-5:30 p.m.) Weirder Science – Learn science while having fun! Our interactive after-school science program for middle school students teaches fundamental principles in an entertaining format. This month we’ll build a marble rollercoaster! Grades 5-8. Please register.

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season. As we start 2016, many of us will make resolutions to kick off the new year. Stop by the Bay Village branch library to check out materials to get you started with your goals. If you plan to maintain a healthier lifestyle, we have a wide array of exercise DVDs, cookbooks, and fitness books to help you get on your way. Is decluttering on your list? We have plenty of books to help you organize your space. Or, have you joined a reading challenge? the library is the perfect place to help you reach your goal. If you need help finding or ordering titles either in the library or through our digital collection, please speak to a librarian.

Here are some of our upcoming events:

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Storytimes: Caregivers and their children are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books and stories together. No registration is required.

• Mondays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays (6:45 p.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages

It is that time of year again. Mom, Dad, Grandpa and Grandma might be getting the latest technology from well-meaning offspring. It happens with more and more frequency as the offspring become increasingly more attached to their latest gadgets.

“Wouldn't it be great for Mom (Dad) to be able to get answers to all those questions that time has seemed to bury in her memory a little deeper each year by just asking Siri, Cortana, Google Now, or even Alexa (not to mention the about-to-take-the-world-by-storm, Hound app)?” Well the answer is yes and maybe no!

The Bay Village Branch Library will offer Sensory Storytime every Thursday evening from 6:45-7:15 p.m. beginning Jan. 7. This weekly storytime is an extension of the monthly sensory programs previously held on Saturday mornings.

The storytime is open to children with special needs who are developmentally at the preschool level and their families. The literacy-based program uses double visuals of books and flannel boards to accommodate the various ways children listen and learn. Music and movement are included and dancing with scarves and ribbons adds to the sensory experience. Walking on a balance beam and interactive rhymes and songs round out the program. A schedule board is used so the children know what to expect and they quickly learn that each storytime ends with bubbles! The program is followed by a half-hour of socialization time.

If you receive an e-reader this holiday season and want help on how to get started with downloadables on the Cuyahoga County Public Library's website, please join us at the Bay Village branch library on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8 p.m. A librarian can help get you started on your way to searching and downloading books, music, and movies on your device.

Our storytimes will start back up the first week of January. See below for days and times.

*The library will be closed on Dec. 24, 25, 26, 27, 31 and Jan. 1.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Tuesday, Dec. 15 to Wednesday, Dec. 23 (all day) Make and Take Seasonal Craft – Stop by and make a craft to take home.

Thursday, Dec. 17 (4 p.m.) Cookies and Books – Children in grades 3-4 are invited to join us to discuss "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick. Copies of the book are available one month before the discussion. A parent/guardian must sign a release form before the program. Refreshments sponsored by the Friends of the Bay Village Library.

The lobby of Westlake Porter Public Library is looking a little brighter and more festive thanks to the Westlake Garden Club. On Nov. 30, Marsha McEntee, Kathy Bruening, Cathy Karls, Regina McCarthy, Margaret Schulz, Carolyn Steigman and Jean Smith gathered to decorate the holiday tree at the library. 

This year’s theme is a Winter Woodlands Christmas with many owls, animals, pine cones and other natural materials decorating the tree, and animals on the floor around the tree. 

This is the fourth year the garden club has decorated a tree at the library. The garden club bought the tree and lights and members provide the ornaments, usually making some decorations at a workshop in late November. This is a fun project for the garden club and we know the staff and visitors to the library enjoy our efforts.

Wednesdays, Dec. 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, Dec. 16 (2 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – The November selection is "The Gift" by Cecelia Ahern.

Wednesdays, Dec. 16, 23 and 30 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursday, Dec. 17 (6:30-8 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by the Youth Services Department 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. and each Thursday at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 16 (6-8:30 p.m.) "Star Wars" Pre-Release Party – Join us as we watch the original movie in the series in preparation for the upcoming release of the latest. Talk "Star Wars" with other fans and enter to win movie tickets or a gift card. Please register.

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

Friday, Dec. 18 (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! Registration begins Dec. 11.

Friday, Dec. 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. Registration begins Dec. 11.

Saturday, Dec. 19 (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, Dec. 19 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) Elf Academy – Santa is extra busy this year and needs your help. Visit the Youth Services Department, join in our reindeer games, and train to become a "Certified Elf" by completing several elf-ercises. Just drop in! While supplies last.

Saturday, Dec. 19 (2-3 p.m.) Holiday Creatures – Let your imagination be your guide when you create holiday creatures from cornstarch clay. Ages 10-12. Registration begins Dec. 12.

Saturday, Dec. 19 (4-5 p.m.) Full STEAM Ahead – Each session will explore a different aspect of STEAM learning. This month we’ll focus on library databases. Grades 3 and 4. Registration begins Dec. 12.

Cuyahoga County Public Library's “Great Books for Kids” has arrived at the Bay Village branch library just in time for your holiday shopping. Filled with book selections divided by age, it contains summaries of titles for ages birth to 18 years. All of the books featured in Great Books for Kids have been selected by our very own librarians, so you know they’re the very best. Pick up your copy and get great book and gift ideas for the children in your life!

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

*Weekly storytimes will be on hiatus for month of December. Please join us again in January.

Tuesday, Dec. 1 (6:45 p.m.) and Wednesday, Dec. 2 (10 a.m.) Play, Learn and Grow – Children ages birth-5 years and a caregiver are invited to this casual, drop-in play program. Age-appropriate toys will be available for the children while the adults mingle. Check out the many toys available through our library toy catalog that you can take home.

Monday, Dec. 7-Wednesday, Dec. 23 (all day) Make and Take Seasonal Craft – Stop by and make a craft to take home

Tuesday, Dec. 8 (7 p.m.) Hour of Code: Code with Anna & Elsa – Grades 3 & 4. Use code to join Anna and Elsa as they explore the magic and beauty of ice. You'll create snowflakes and patterns as you ice-skate and make a winter wonderland.

Wednesday, Dec. 9 (7 p.m.) Scratch Digital Animation 101 – Grades 3 & 4. Learn how to create your own digital animation from Scratch! Join us as we explore, create and share our own stories, games, music and art. You must have your own email address.

Friends of Westlake Porter Public Library will offer two opportunities this month to take care of some holiday shopping while supporting the library. Through Saturday, Dec. 12, a selection of festive, decorated wreaths and miniature trees will be on display in the library’s lobby and available for bidding in a silent auction. Each item was created and donated by library patrons, and would make a lovely gift or accent to your seasonal home decor.

Portables Gift Shop, also located in the library’s lobby, will hold an open house and jewelry event on Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 6, 1-4 p.m., featuring unique jewelry, purses, wraps, gifts and more. All proceeds from the auction and gift shop support Porter Library events and programming.

As we approach the holidays, stop by the Bay Village branch library to check out those items you may need for family get togethers or to while away the hours while traveling. The library is the place to go for your favorite holiday movies, music CDs, or audio books. And, don't forget to browse our cookbooks for some great entertaining and meal ideas for those family gatherings.

Note: The library will be closed from 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, through Thursday, Nov. 26, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Regular hours resume on Friday, Nov. 27.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Storytimes: Caregivers and their children are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books and stories together. No registration is required. Weekly storytimes will be on hiatus the last week of November and the month of December. Please join us for storytimes again in January.
    •    Monday, Nov. 23 (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
    •    Tuesdays, Nov. 17 and 24   (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
    •    Tuesdays, Nov. 17 and 24  (6:45 p.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages
    •    Wednesdays, Nov. 18 and 25 (10 a.m.) Baby and Me Storytime – ages birth-18 months
    •    Thursday, Nov. 19  (10 a.m.) Preschool Storytime – ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten)
    •    Friday, Nov. 20  (10 a.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages

Thursday, Nov. 19 (4 p.m.) Cookies and Books – Children in grades 3-4 are invited to join us to discuss a good book. Copies of the book will be available one month before the discussion. A parent/guardian must sign a release form before the program. Refreshments sponsored by the Friends of the Bay Village Library.

Do you have a background or interest in helping older students develop 21st century skills? The Bay Village Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library is excited to recruit volunteers to work with our STEAM program.

Our STEAM coordinators will work with a group of volunteers who are comfortable working in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and/or math. The coordinators and volunteers will help out with teen programs – topics can range from LEGO robotics to coding to stop motion animation. Bay Village’s TEEN ZONE is especially looking for after-school volunteers to help with upcoming programs such as making simple Rube Goldberg machines, terrariums, circuits, sculptures and watercolor painting.

Tuesday, Nov. 17 (7-7:30 p.m.) Bedtime Stories – Put on your pajamas and join Mrs. K as we unwind at the end of the day. Our themes each month will include quiet, possibly silly or strange stories, followed by shared songs, finger plays and other activities to help us get ready for bedtime. Ages 4-6; siblings welcome!

Tuesday, Nov. 17 (7-8:30 p.m.) The Assassination of JFK: One Researcher’s Theories About What Happened – Beverly Sadowski will put the JFK assassination into historical perspective while presenting her interpretation of available research on the subject. Please register.

Wednesdays, Nov. 18 and 25 (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. 18 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursday, Nov. 19 (6:30-8 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by the Youth Services Department and sign your child up 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. 18 (7-8:45 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogical Society – Chris Staats will present "Unlocking the Keystone State: Key Resources and Repositories for Pennsylvania Research."

Wednesday, Nov. 18 (7-8:30 p.m.) Maker Club: Take Apart Toys – This club celebrates STEAM initiatives (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). Bring in a toy you'd like to take apart to see how it works (make sure it's nothing valuable!). There will be screwdrivers, scissors, seam rippers and more for all "reverse elves." Please register.

Wednesday, Nov. 18 (7-8:30 p.m.) Proposal Writing Basics – Learn the key components of a proposal to a foundation, from planning to writing to following up. Please register.

Thursday, Nov. 19 (12-1:30 p.m.) Small Busine$$ Lunch & Learn: Insurance & Retirement Plans – Learn if and why you need insurance for your business, what options you have, and what insurance is best. Find out about options for retirement programs for you and your employee(s). Please register.

Thursday, Nov. 19 (Combined Basic/Advanced Session: 6:30 p.m.) and Friday, Nov. 20 (Basics Session: 10 a.m. and Advanced Session: 11:30 a.m.) Connecting for Kids: Teach Me to Play – For children 3-6 years old who need help with communication and social skills. Join us for a play-based program designed to model and teach parents/caregivers strategies to improve their child’s social interactions, facilitate communication, and manage behavior in a positive way. Led by an early intervention specialist in behavior. To register: connectingforkids.org/handsontraining.

Thursday, Nov. 19 (3:30-5 p.m.) Tabletop Gaming Group – Board games! Card games! RPGs! Stop by for an afternoon of playing tabletop games with other gamers! Grades 7-12.

Friday, Nov. 20 (10 a.m.-noon) Porter's Fiber Fanatics – A time for needlecrafters to share, solve problems, and show off.

With the holidays approaching, you may be thinking of ways to keep your meals healthier this year. On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Heinen's will join us at the Bay Village Branch Library to talk about alternative dishes and healthy additions to your traditional meals. Please join us and get a jumpstart on your holiday plans.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Storytimes: Caregivers and their children are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books and stories together. No registration is required.

• Mondays, Nov. 9 and 16  (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays, Nov. 10 and 17  (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays, Nov. 10 and 17  (6:45 p.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages
• Wednesdays, Nov. 4, 11 and 18 (10 a.m.) Baby and Me Storytime – ages birth-18 months
• Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12 and 19  (10 a.m.) Preschool Storytime – ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten)
• Fridays, Nov. 6 and 13 (10 a.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages

Thursday, Nov. 19 (4 p.m.) Cookies and Books – Children in grades 3-4 are invited to join us to discuss a good book. Copies of the book will be available one month before the discussion. A parent/guardian must sign a release form before the program. Refreshments sponsored by the Friends of the Bay Village Library.

Friends of Westlake Porter Public Library announced three winners from our recent essay contest: “What does Westlake Porter Public Library Mean to You?”

More than 50 entries were received and judged by a group of library staff members. Thank you to all who entered!

The winners by age category are Devyani Choudhury (0-12 age group), Carolyn Bedell (13-17 age group) and Jason Wissman (adult age group). Each winner received a gift certificate to Portables Gift Shop, located in the library lobby.  Portables is run by volunteers of Friends of WPPL.

The winning entries will be displayed through Oct. 25 in the library lobby.

At least 12 victims met their death in the 1930s by murders committed by an unidentified serial killer nicknamed The Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run. The murderer dismembered and beheaded his victims and, although there were suspects, nobody was officially charged with the murders, so this infamous Cleveland mystery continues. Please join us at the Bay Village branch library on Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. as author Dr. James Jessen Badal and filmmaker Mark Wade Stone share stories of the Cleveland Torso Murders.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Storytimes: Caregivers and their children are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books and stories together. No registration is required.

• Mondays, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays, Oct. 27, Nov. 3 (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 (6:45 p.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages
• Wednesdays, Oct. 21, Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 (10 a.m.) Baby and Me Storytime – ages birth-18 months
• Thursdays, Oct 22, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5   (10 a.m.) Preschool Storytime – ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten)
• Fridays, Oct. 23, 30 and Nov. 6  (10 a.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages

Mark your calendars for the upcoming book sale at the Bay Village branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library. You can shop for all your fall reading materials from Saturday morning, Oct. 24, through Tuesday, Oct. 27, at remarkably low prices. The sale is held at the library during regular library hours, with the exception of Tuesday, when it closes at 7 p.m.

October is National Book Month and what better place to spend your time than at the Bay Village Branch Library? Not only do we have a wide variety of books, DVDs, and CDs for you to browse, but we also host a variety of programs for all ages every month. Check out our upcoming programs below.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Storytimes: Caregivers and their children are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books and stories together. No registration is required.

• Mondays, Oct. 12 and 19 (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays, Oct. 6, 13 and 20  (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays, Oct. 6, 13 and 20 (6:45 p.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages
• Wednesdays, Oct. 7, 14 and 21  (10 a.m.) Baby and Me Storytime – ages birth-18 months
• Thursdays, Oct. 8, 15 and 22  (10 a.m.) Preschool Storytime – ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten)
• Fridays, Oct. 9, 16 and 23  (10 a.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages

Thursday, Oct. 8 (7 p.m.) Egyptology – Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt and explore its history and culture. Decode and write messages using hieroglyphics and become a true Egyptologist.

Tuesday, Oct. 20 (9:30-10 a.m.) Stories and Signs – Enjoy an interactive storytime while learning a few words in sign language! Ages 0-3 with caregiver, siblings welcome. No registration.

Tuesday, Oct. 20 (10 a.m.-noon) Career Transition Center: Success with LinkedIn Groups – Learn techniques to meet and utilize LinkedIn group members to help you meet people who can assist your search. Become the expert and the helper while making contacts with people who can help you.

Tuesday, Oct. 20 (7-7:30 p.m.) Bedtime Stories – Put on your pajamas and join Mrs. K as we unwind at the end of the day. Our themes each month will include quiet, possibly silly or strange stories, followed by shared songs, finger plays and other activities to help us get ready for bedtime. Ages 4-6; siblings welcome! No registration.

Tuesday, Oct. 20 (7-8:30 p.m.) Travel the USA with AAA – Whether you are taking a weekend trip from home, or visiting one of North America's popular vacation destinations, AAA Drive Trips can help. Join us for information about cities, attractions and events in your Drive Trip destination areas. Enter a raffle for a 64-piece roadside emergency kit. Please register.

Wednesdays, Oct. 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. Please arrive early to receive a ticket.

Wednesday, Oct. 21 (2-3:30 p.m.) Explore Mango Languages – Have fun learning a new language with Mango, a free online learning language system from your library. We will show you how easy it is to use as we get you started. Please register.

Wednesday, Oct. 21 (3-5 p.m.) Foreign Film –Enjoy a special foreign film in celebration of Customer Appreciation Week. Please register.

On Sept. 11, Westlake Porter Public Library hosted a ceremony to remember Christina Ryook, the Westlaker who was one of the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The ceremony, attended by Christina’s family and friends, as well as Mayor Dennis Clough, was held in Christina’s Corner.

Christina’s Corner is an area of the Youth Services Department named for Ryook, who loved children and the library. The ceremony was followed by a reception which featured rubbings of Christina’s name made at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City by Youth Services Manager Carolyn Fain.

Put on your tie-dye and join us at the Bay Village branch library for a groovy trip back in time to the 1960s. Desmond and Molly will reflect through song and lecture on this colorful decade that brought us The Beatles, Woodstock, hippies, and a number of major historical events. Join us on Monday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m. for this fun program. 

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Storytimes: Caregivers and their children are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books and stories together. No registration is required.

• Monday, Sept. 14, 21, 28 and Oct. 5 (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesday, Sept. 15, 22, 29 and Oct. 6 (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesday, Sept. 15, 22, 29 and Oct. 6 (6:45 p.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages
• Wednesday, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Oct. 7 (10 a.m.) Baby and Me Storytime – ages birth-18 months
• Thursday, Sept. 10, 17, 24 and Oct. 1  (10 a.m.) Preschool Storytime – ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten)
• Friday, Sept. 11, 18, 25 and Oct. 2 (10 a.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages

Wednesday, Sept. 16 (7 p.m.) Stop Motion Animation – Bring Lego characters to life and sculpt your own story using Stop Motion for iPad. With a signed parent release, we’ll share your masterpieces online!

Friday, Sept. 18 (11 a.m.) Whooo's Ready for Kindergarten: Counting – Help your preschooler make the transition into their first year of school. Explore hands-on activity stations together in this session's theme, Counting.

Do you love Westlake Porter Public Library? Join us in celebrating National Friends of Libraries Week – enter the essay contest for all ages. The question is, “What does Westlake Porter Public Library mean to you?” The deadline is Sept. 30, and the only requirement is for your essay to be 500 words or less.

Many of us consult a meteorologist either on TV or online to help us determine how to plan for or dress for the day. What exactly does a meteorologist do, how do they forecast the weather, and what tips do they have for storm saftey? Greg Dee from WKYC's weather team will join us at 4 p.m on Wednesday, Sept. 17, to discuss meteorologists and weather prediction. Please register for this all ages event.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT 

Storytimes: Caregivers and their children are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books and stories together. No registration is required.

• Monday, Sept. 14 (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays, Sept. 8 and 15 (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays, Sept. 8 and 15 (6:45 p.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages
• Wednesdays, Sept. 2, 9 and 16 (10 a.m.) Baby and Me Storytime – ages birth-18 months
• Thursdays, Sept. 3, 10 and 17 (10 a.m.) Preschool Storytime – ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten)
• Fridays, Sept. 4, 11, and 18 (10 a.m.) Family Storytime - for all ages

Saturday, Sept. 12 (10:30 a.m.) Sensory Storytime – This storytime is designed specifically for children with special need and their families. This program incorporates a schedule board, double visuals, and sensory opportunities for participants as well as a half-hour of socialization time. Registration requested.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 (7 p.m.) Stop Motion Animation – Bring Lego characters to life and sculpt your own story using Stop Motion for iPad. With a signed parent release, we’ll share your masterpieces online!

Wednesdays, Sept. 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.

Wednesdays, Sept. 16, 23 and 30 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursdays, Sept. 17 and 24 (6:30-8 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by the Youth Services Department 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. and each Thursday at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 (7-8:45 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogical Society – “Genealogical Treasures of the Internet Archives,” presented by Carla Cegielski.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 (7-8:30 p.m.) Maker Club Emerging Technology Program: Digital Books and Audiobooks – This club explores Maker Movement projects monthly. This month we’ll explore OverDrive, Hoopla, Zinio, Freegal, OneClickDigital, TumbleBooks, reference books from EBSCOHost and Gale Virtual Reference Library, and other free sources from the library! Please register.

Thursday, Sept. 17 (Combined Basic/Advanced Session: 6:30 p.m.) and Friday, Sept. 18 (Basics Session: 10 a.m.; Advanced Session: 11:30 a.m.) Connecting for Kids: Teach Me to Play – For children 3-6 years old who need help with communication and social skills. Join us for a play-based program designed to model and teach parents/ caregivers strategies to improve their child’s social interactions, facilitate communication, and manage behavior in a positive way. Led by an early intervention specialist in behavior from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Register at connectingforkids.org/handsontraining.

Thursday, Sept. 17 (3:30-5 p.m.) Tabletop Gaming Group – Board games! Card games! RPGs! Stop by for an afternoon of playing tabletop games with other gamers! Games will include Munchkin, Settlers of Catan, Forbidden Island and more! Grades 7-12.

Friday, Sept. 18 (10:30-11:30 p.m.) Homeschool Hub – Developed for homeschoolers with special needs, each session includes literature, art and motor skill development. Registration begins Sept. 11.

Saturday, Sept. 19 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Pokemon League – Bring your cards and accessories for a fun morning of play, crafts, prizes and more! For kids ages 6-12 only.

Have you ever wondered how a meteorologist determines what the forecast will be? Join us for a family program at the Bay Village Library with WKYC meteorologist Greg Dee. Dee will talk with kids and teens about what goes in to how he makes a forecast and share information about storms and storm safety.

Greg Dee joined the weather team at WKYC in February 2015. He is a native of Connecticut and earned his undergraduate degree in meteorology and master's in geography from Florida State University.

Students are heading back to school and you may be looking for a way to keep the younger children entertained while their older siblings are at school. Stop by one of the Bay library weekly storytimes, which start back up on Monday, Aug. 31. Please see the list below for days and times.

Also, starting Sept. 8, teens can join us on select days from 3-4 p.m. for our afterschool program, Teen Zone. See below for more details.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Storytimes: Caregivers and their children are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books and stories together. No registration is required.

• Mondays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – For caregivers and their children ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – For caregivers and their children ages 19-35 months.
• Wednesdays (10 a.m.) Baby & Me Storytime – For caregivers and their children ages birth to 18 months.
• Thursdays (10 a.m.) Preschool Storytime – For caregivers and their children ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten).
• Fridays (10 a.m.) Family Storytime – For children of all ages and a caregiver.

TEEN DEPARTMENT

Beginning Sept. 8, the Bay Village Branch Library will host Teen Zone for middle and high school students. The program will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 3-4 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

If you have been participating in our summer reading program, don't forget to log in those hours to be eligible for prizes and drawings as it ends on Aug. 7. We hope you found some great books to read this summer. Please check out the newest titles in one of our front displays. And if you're looking for recommendations on what to read next, ask one of the librarians.

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Monday, Aug. 10 (11 a.m.) Whooo's Ready for School: Kindergarten Readiness – Celebrating Together – Help your preschooler make the transition into their first year of school. Explore hands-on activity stations together.

Thursday, Aug. 13 (7 p.m.) Outback Ray's Amazing Animal Show – Come and make some new animal friends who have fur, feathers, shells or scales. Get up close and personal with some amazing creatures and learn about their habitats and lifestyles in this fun interactive presentation.

Saturday, Aug. 15 (10:30 a.m.) Sensory Storytime – This storytime is designed specifically for children with special needs and their families. This program incorporates a schedule board, double visuals, and sensory opportunities for participants as well as a half-hour of socialization time.

Teens and elementary school students enjoyed reading together this summer at the annual Book Buddies program at the Bay Village Branch Library.

Volunteer Big Buddies listened to and read to Little Buddies throughout the four-week program.

Highlights of activity time at the end of each week's program included playing literacy board games and trying out reading and writing apps on the iPad.

Friends of Westlake Porter Public Library invites you to their annual Ice Cream Social, to be held on Monday, July 27, from 6-8 p.m. at the library, 27333 Center Ridge Road. Sundaes made with your favorite Mitchell's flavors – including the very special Porter Peppermint Patty – will be sold for $1 and plenty of entertainment will be on hand!
 
Come see The Big Daddies Band, Balloon Bender Dave, and other entertainment. Check out the silent auction which closes that day at 7:45 p.m. Bidding on a wide variety of packages donated by local businesses is now available in the library lobby. Make sure the kids take a turn at the cakewalk – a 50-cent round might win you one of our 60+ cookie and cake choices!
 
Portables Gift Shop will be having a Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, July 25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, July 26, 1-4:30 p.m.; and Monday, July 27, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. The gift shop is run by Friends, staffed by volunteers, and all proceeds go to the library.

It's a bird. It's a plane. It's Superman ... and you can find out all about this superhero and his Cleveland roots at the Bay Village branch library. Join us on Monday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. for a virtual tour of how Jerry Siegel and Joel Shuster created the Man of Steel. Other upcoming programs include:

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT

Storytimes: Caregivers and their children are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, fingerplays, books and stories together. No registration is required.

• Monday, July 28 (9:30 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Tuesdays, July 21 and 29 (9:30 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months.
• Wednesdays, July 22 and 29 (9:30 a.m.) Baby and Me Storytime – ages birth-18 months
• Thursdays, July 23 and 30 (11 a.m.) Preschool Storytime – ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten)
• Thursdays, July 23 and 30 (7 p.m.) Family Storytime – children of all ages
• Fridays, July 24 and 31 (9:30 a.m.) Family Storytime – children of all ages

* Storytimes will be on hiatus during the month of August. Please join us again in September.

Mondays and Tuesdays until Aug. 18 (2 p.m.) Poolside Storytime – Cooling off at the Bay Village pool? Join one of our children's librarians during the 2 p.m. rest break for storytime.