Libraries

After almost 10 years as branch manager of the Bay Village Branch library and 20 years with the Cuyahoga County Public Library, I will be leaving my perch to start the next chapter of my career as the director of the Rocky River Public Library.

It’s been an amazing decade for me getting know the fantastic Bay Village community filled with dedicated community leaders, families that encourage the love of learning, students looking to study and socialize afterschool, and active seniors attending our programming. It's been a fulfilling and fun time and I have so many great memories and experiences I'll be taking with me from our BAYarts book discussions at the Fuller House, to Cahoon in June, Destination Bay, Teen Zones, One School One Book, and day-to-day conversations with library customers.

Westlake Porter Public Library invites local residents to get to know their neighbors at a Community Welcome Fair on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 1-4 p.m. The Fair is a way for neighbors of all backgrounds to come together and build strong connections with the community.

A variety of local cultural groups and businesses will be on hand to share their stories, traditions and food, including Horizon ATA and Karate, JK Kang Taekwondo, The Almutairi Family – Learn About Saudi Arabia, Westlake Chinese School, the West Cleveland Muslim Association, Council on Islamic Relations, The Hope Center for Refugees and Immigrants, the Nut Shop and the International Community Council/Worldwide Intercultural Network.

Wednesday, Sept. 20 (2-3 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – This month’s title is "The 39 Steps" by John Buchan. A limited number of books are available for checkout at the Circulation Desk. 

Wednesday, Sept. 20 (2-3 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Adam Alter – Join us as we chat with New York Times bestselling author Adam Alter about his new book, "Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most." Streamed live. Please register.

Wednesdays, Sept. 20 and 27 (4:30-6 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by Youth Services to sign up for a 10-minute reading time with a reading therapy dog. Sign up starts at 4 p.m. Dogs will stay for 10 minutes past the last registered reader or 1-1/2 hours, whichever comes first. Recommended for Grades K-4.

Wednesday, Sept. 20 (7-8 p.m.) Adult Creative Writing Group: Fall Edition – Join us for an hour of creative writing prompts to inspire you to start and keep writing. Creativity is more than putting pen to paper. It’s about breaking away and trying something new! This meeting will focus on poetry in celebration of Fall. Please register.

Wednesday, Sept. 20 (7-8 p.m.) Alfred Hitchcock: His Greatest Films – Join us for a spine-chilling presentation on director Alfred Hitchcock. Hitchcock was a master director of mystery movies with surprise endings in the early and middle parts of the 20th Century. Please register.

Wednesdays, Sept. 20 and 27 (7-7:30 p.m.) and Saturdays, Sept. 23 and 30 (10:30-11 a.m.) Family Storytime - Join us for rhymes, songs and play! Children are welcome to wear their pajamas and bring along a stuffed animal for Wednesday evening storytime! Ages 2-6 with a caregiver.

Thursday, Sept. 21 (11 a.m.-noon) Fundraising for Your Nonprofit – Are you new to nonprofits or just want to brush up on your fundraising skills? Join David Holmes of Candid for a series of informative workshops on the grant seeking process. Please register.

Thursday, Sept. 21 (6-8:30 p.m.) Heartsaver CPR/AED – Get certified for adult, child and infant CPR and AED. Class led by certified instructors from UH St. John Medical Center. To register please visit westlakelibrary.org or uhems.org/event-search.

Friday, Sept. 22 (4-4:30 p.m.) Read it, Make it @ the Library – Make a craft based on a story, read aloud. For children in PreK-grade 1, siblings welcome. Please register.

Saturday, Sept. 23 (1-2 p.m.) Pokémon Fun! – This will be a time to view and trade cards, do a craft (if desired), and play a Pokémon Bingo game. Feel free to bring your cards! Ages 6-11.

Saturday, Sept. 23 (1-3 p.m.) Jazz Up Your Accessory – Learn from an artist how to jazz up your hat, handbag, shoes, or tote. Bring your own accessory and we will help you jazz it up. All materials included except the item you bring to decorate. Please register.

CHILDREN

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

Mondays (10 a.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages
Tuesdays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months
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)

Saturday, Sept. 9 (10 a.m.) Kindergarten Countdown – Join us as we help your child build kindergarten readiness skills in a program aligned to Ohio’s Early Childhood Standards. This session, we will focus on water. Registration is required.

ADULTS

Tuesday, Sept. 12 (6 p.m.) Library For All: Adapted Adult Program – Join us for fun, adapted programs featuring stories, art, music, and more, specifically designed for adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Adults (18+) of all abilities are welcome.

Westlake Porter Public Library has passed its recent audit, which means auditors found no weaknesses or deficiencies in the library’s financial management and record-keeping. In addition, the library was found to be in compliance with the laws, regulations, contracts and other agreements it is required to meet. This continues the library’s longstanding record of successful audits.

“Our Finance Department works very hard to make sure the library is a good steward of the funds entrusted to us by the community, and the rest of the staff do a great job following the fiscal procedures Finance has put in place,” said Library Director Andrew Mangels. “So this result does not surprise me at all.”

Westlake Porter Public Library is currently accepting applications for a position on the board of trustees that starts Jan. 1, 2024. The opening will fill a position available due to a board member’s term ending and will expire in 2030.

The board is composed of seven members and has primary responsibility for approving library policies, setting the budget, hiring a director and fiscal officer and advocating for the library. Terms are seven years with a maximum of two terms. Library board meetings are held monthly, usually on the third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the library.

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s August 2023 calendar of events. All programs are subject to change. Please check westlakelibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Instagram (@WestlakePorter) for the latest updates.

Tuesday, Aug. 15 (4-5 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Robert Jones Jr. – Join us for an engaging hour online with New York Times bestselling author Robert Jones Jr. as he discusses his debut and award-winning novel, "The Prophets." Streamed live. Please register.

Tuesday, Aug. 15 (4-5:30 p.m.) Let's Play Board Games – Featured game: Azul. Revisit old favorites and explore new ones with other board game enthusiasts! For grades 7-12.

Wednesday, Aug. 16 (2-3 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – This month’s title is Back to the Garden by Laurie R. King. A limited number of books are available for checkout at the Circulation Desk.

Wednesday, Aug. 16 (7-8 p.m.) Welcome to the Twilight Zone: A Largely Literary Theater Company Production – Join Mark Dawidziak and Sarah Showman of the Largely Literary Theatre Company for an uncanny evening in the "Twilight Zone"! Mark is also the author of the book "Everything I Know I Learned in the Twilight Zone." There will be copies of his book for sale after the event. Please register.

Thursday, Aug. 17 (2-4 p.m.) You and Me Wire-wrapped Sea Glass & Shell Pendants – Have a lot of shells and beach glass? You will wire wrap a pendant, shells and beach glass using silver or gold-plated wire. This class is for an adult and teen or tween together. Supplies included. Registration begins Aug. 10.

Friday, Aug. 18 (9:15-9:45 a.m.) Yoga with Ms. Jen! – Calm your body, mind, and spirit in this yoga class taught by a certified yoga instructor! Wear comfy clothes and bring your own mat or towel. Ages 2-6, siblings welcome. Registration begins one week before each session.

Friday, Aug. 18 (4-5 p.m.) and Sunday, Aug. 27 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders – Do you love Legos? Bring your ideas and imagination to Brick Builders! Bricks provided. No registration required, but room capacity is limited. First come, first served. Ages 5-12.

Saturday, Aug. 19 (10:30 a.m.-noon) Medicare Ins and Outs – Do you need accurate, unbiased information about Medicare? Attend a program by OSHIIP (Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program) volunteer counselor, Jim Langan, to learn the "ins and outs" of Medicare. OSHIIP is a free service through the Ohio Department of Insurance. Please register.

The friends of Bay Village Library will be holding our summer book sale in the library meeting room from Saturday, Aug. 12, through Monday, Aug. 14. Saturday hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m., and Monday is $2 bag day from 9 a.m.-noon. Bags are provided by the Friends.

There will be both fiction and non-fiction books for adults, as well as books for kids and teens, puzzles and CDs. The address of the library is 27400 Wolf Road but there is no access from Wolf. You will need to enter off of Dover Center Road by the Play in Bay park or off of Lake Road onto Bryson Lane. Contact the library at 440-871-6392 with any questions.

Westlake Porter Public Library’s annual STEAM Week will take place July 9-15. STEAM Week focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and math in a variety of ways while helping kids prepare for the coming school year. All week long the library will feature blog posts on its website about the STEAM disciplines, as well as a variety of programs for all ages.

The schedule includes:

Sunday, July 9 (2-4 p.m.) Hand Sewing For Literacy – Learn basic sewing skills and create a sewn project after listening to a short story or informational text connecting these skills to literature and/or a greater understanding of our world. For elementary students and tweens. Please register.

Sunday, July 9 (2-3 p.m.) Roblox Arcade – Join us in the Roblox Arcade! We have private servers set up for tweens in grades 4-6 to enjoy some of the most popular games.

Monday, July 10 (7-8 p.m.) Freddy Fossil’s Dino Show – With his amazing life-like dinosaur puppets and eye-popping ancient fossils, Freddy Fossil helps kids discover fascinating answers to their most interesting questions. It’s pre-hysterical family fun! Please register.

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s July 2023 calendar of events. All programs are subject to change. Please check westlakelibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Twitter (@WestlakePorter) for the latest updates.

Wednesday, July 19 (2-3 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – "Klara and the Sun" by Kazuo Ishiguro. A limited number of books are available for checkout at the Circulation Desk.

Wednesday, July 19 (5:30-6:15 p.m.) STEAM Lab: When Dinosaurs Ruled the World! – Learn about dinosaurs and their prehistoric environments and make a mini dinosaur habitat night light! Grades 3-4. Please register.

Thursday, July 20 (1-2 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Ethan Kross (Virtual) – Join us for a virtual author talk with Ethan Kross, a word-class psychological scientist who has written one of modern history’s most definitive guides to self-talk, "Chatter, The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters." Streamed live. Please register.

Thursday, July 20 (2-3:30 p.m.) Teen Crafternoons – For teens in 7th-12th grades. Join us for some in-person crafting!

Thursday, July 20 (6:30-7:15 p.m.) and Friday, July 28 (11-11:45 a.m.) Adapted Storytime – Join us for this storytime designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime. Content is geared toward ages 3-7. Registration begins one week before each session.

Fridays, July 21 and 28 (1-3 p.m.) Movies @ Your Library – Enjoy a feature-length newly released DVD or favorite family classic. Contact Youth Services for specific titles.

Friday, July 21 (4-5 p.m.) and Sunday, July 30 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders – Do you love Legos? Bring your ideas and imagination to Brick Builders! Bricks provided. No registration required, but room capacity is limited. First come, first served. Ages 5-12.

Saturday, July 22 (10-11 a.m.) Yoga @ the Pavilion – Join certified yoga instructor Jen Nebraska for an all-levels session of outdoor yoga at the Pavilion. Please bring your own yoga mat and towel. Please register.

CHILDREN

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

Mondays (10 a.m.) Family Storytime – for all ages
Tuesdays (10 a.m.) Toddler Storytime – ages 19-35 months
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)

This summer – on Fridays at noon – join us for Stories on the Porch. Bring a blanket and enjoy stories on the front porch and then chalk the walk. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch or visit Food Truck Friday. Weather permitting.

Kids in grades 1-6 can get ready for summer bicycling at Westlake Porter Public Library’s Bike Rodeo on Saturday, June 10, from 1-3 p.m. The Bike Rodeo will include safety checks by the Westlake Police Department and Village Bicycle Cooperative, a “rodeo” showcasing participants’ bicycle-handling skills, and more.

Participants must sign up for specific times to go through the safety checks and rodeo course, which will take about 30 minutes. The last slot will be at 2:30 p.m. Each child must also bring a helmet and a bike in good condition and working order. Those who successfully demonstrate their skills in the bike rodeo will earn a certificate. Parents/guardians must attend with their children. Those who do not have a helmet will not be allowed to participate in the rodeo.

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s upcoming calendar of events. All programs are subject to change. Please check westlakelibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Twitter (@WestlakePorter) for the latest updates.

Wednesday, June 21 (2-3 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – This month’s title is "The Displacements" by Bruce W. Holsinger. A limited number of books are available for checkout at the Circulation Desk.

Wednesdays, June 21 and 28 (4:30-6 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by Youth Services to sign up for a 10-minute reading time with a reading therapy dog. Sign up starts at 4 p.m. Dogs will stay for 10 minutes past the last registered reader or 1-1/2 hours, whichever comes first. Recommended for Grades K-4.

Wednesday, June 21 (5:30-6:15 p.m.) STEAM Lab: Glow Bright with Bioluminescent Fish! – Learn about some of the most unusual deep sea fish and make an anglerfish pop-out card! Grades 3-4. Please register.

Thursday, June 22 (10-10:30 a.m.) My First Summer – Celebrate your baby's first summer with a simple handprint crab craft. For babies 0-18 months with a caregiver. Please register.

Thursday, June 22 (3-4 p.m.) Breakout: Internet Apocalypse! – A hacker is planning to delete the internet! Work together, solve the clues, and save the day! For grades 7-12. Please register.

Thursday, June 22 (5:30-6:30 p.m.) Open Heart: A Conversation with Dr. Akil Taher – Meet Dr. Akil Taher, the author of "Open Heart: The Transformational Journey of a Doctor who, After Bypass Surgery at 61, Ran Marathons and Climbed Mountains." Please register.

Greater Cleveland libraries, including Westlake Porter Public Library, are joining together to help young people in Greater Cleveland who have fallen behind in their literacy skills due the COVID-19 pandemic in a new program called Cuyahoga Reads.

Building on the success of Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s Cleveland READS challenge to read 10 million minutes in 2023, Cuyahoga Reads will begin June 2023 and continue through December 2024. The program will focus on forming positive and consistent reading habits, fostering a love for reading, and equipping young people and families in Greater Cleveland with the literacy skills necessary for their future success.

Westlake Porter Public Library and the Friends of Porter Public Library will have a community dedication celebration for the Friends Programming Pavilion on Sunday, June 4, from 2-4 p.m. In addition to a ribbon-cutting ceremony, there will be refreshments, including a Kona Ice truck, children’s activities, and music from CJ the DJ.

The Friends Programming Pavilion was created as an outdoor programming and activity space and named for the Friends in honor of their 50th Anniversary in 2022 and their generous donation toward its construction. It will be used for library programs but can also be reserved by community groups. The library’s meeting room policies and procedures apply.

The dedication will take place weather permitting. In the case of rain it will be moved to Sunday, June 11.

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s early June 2023 calendar of events. All programs are subject to change. Please check westlakelibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Twitter (@WestlakePorter) for the latest updates.

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

Friday, June 2 (11-11:45 a.m.) Adapted Storytime – Join us for this storytime designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime. Content is geared toward ages 3-7. Registration begins one week before each session.

Saturday, June 3 (10:30-11 a.m.) Wednesday, June 7 (7-7:30 p.m.) Family Storytime – Join us for rhymes, songs and play! For families with children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Siblings welcome.

Saturday, June 3 (1-2 p.m.) Pokémon Fun! – View and trade cards, do a craft (if desired), and play a Pokémon Bingo game. Feel free to bring your cards! Ages 6-11.

Sunday, June 4 (2-4 p.m.) Anime Club – For anime and manga lovers! All otaku and newbies welcome. Grades 7-adult.

Sunday, June 4 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders – Do you love Legos? Bring your ideas and imagination to Brick Builders! Bricks provided. No registration required, but room capacity is limited. First come, first served. Ages 5-12.

Westlake Porter Public Library challenges all ages to find their next adventure by reading or listening to books each day this summer! The library’s annual Summer Library Challenge begins June 1 and continues through Aug. 1. This year’s theme is “All Together Now” which is about spreading kindness, friendship, and unity. In addition to reading for 40 days, participants are asked to perform two acts of kindness. There will be activity rewards and the library will also offer a variety of special programs, including the annual STEAM WEEK (July 9-15).

Westlake Porter Public Library’s parking lot will be closed for resealing and striping from 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30. There will be no access to the drive-up book drops while the parking lot is closed. The library will be closed on May 28 and 29 in observance of Memorial Day, making it an ideal time for performing the annual maintenance. The re-sealing and re-striping will be done weather-permitting.

Bob Plantz received the 2023 Myrna Chelko Volunteer Award from Westlake Porter Public Library during an April 16 volunteer recognition event. The award is given annually to the volunteer who best demonstrates the spirit of volunteerism exemplified by its namesake, Myrna Chelko. Friends of Porter Public Library’s Vice President Jennifer Cirincione was also recognized for guiding the group’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Plantz has served as a member of the board of trustees for 20 years and received the Ohio Library Council’s Trustee Award of Achievement in 2014. He is also the President of the Library Foundation board of trustees, which has been revived and grown both financially and in membership under his leadership. Plantz is co-chair of the library’s 2023 levy campaign and served as chair of the 2018 levy campaign.

Bay Village Antiracism Network invites you to frequent our Little Free Library at 27902 West Oakland Street to "Read in Color"!

Dedicated to bringing diverse characters and stories we hope you will borrow, share and donate books that broaden our understanding of various cultures and life experiences.   New titles include "Flossie and the Fox," which tells us how brave little Flossie outsmarts a fox and teaches us to not buy into a bully’s self-importance. Will she successfully deliver her basket of eggs to Miz Viola? Or will the fox's bravado be intimidating to our heroine?

Another tale, "Brick by Brick, Ladrillo a Ladrillo," shows us how Luis’ bilingual family shares their dreams as Papi builds their new home brick by brick in both Spanish and English.

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s May 2023 calendar of events. All programs are subject to change. Please check westlakelibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Twitter (@WestlakePorter) for the latest updates.

Tuesday, May 16 (7-8:30 p.m.) Author Visit: Vince Guerrieri, Weird Moments in Cleveland Sports – Cleveland has had its fair share of weird, odd, and random occurrences in sports. Join local author and journalist Vince Guerrieri as he shares some of these moments from his new book. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Please register.

Wednesday, May 17 (2-3 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – This month’s title is "Vanderbilt" by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe. A limited number of books are available for checkout at the Circulation Desk.

Thursday, May 18 (11 a.m.-noon) Fundraising for Your Nonprofit Presented by Candid – Are you new to nonprofits or just want to brush up on your fundraising skills? Join Davod Holmes for a series of informative workshops on the grantseeking process. Please register.

Friday, May 19 (4-4:45 p.m.) Fun Science Friday: Pollination – Join Mrs. K as we investigate the life cycle of butterflies and bees, along with their important job of pollination! Discoveries will be made through hands-on experiments, active participation and a simple take-home project. Ages 4-6, up to Kindergarten. Registration begins May 12.

Saturday, May 20 (11-11:45 a.m.) Adapted Storytime – Join us for this storytime designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime. Content is geared toward ages 3-7. Please register.

Saturday, May 20 (2-3 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Courtney Summers, I’m the Girl – Spend an hour with the critically acclaimed and award-winning author of several bestselling Young Adult novels. Please register.

Saturday, May 20 (2-4 p.m.) Make It, Take It! – Stop by the Youth Services Department to complete a featured craft. Grades PreK-2. While supplies last.

Saturday, May 20 (3-4 p.m.) Illustration Creation – Learn about a featured illustrator and then create a project inspired by their art. Grades 1-3. Please register.

Sunday, May 21 (3-3:30 p.m.) Paint Play – We will explore ways to play with paint. Please wear clothes that can get messy! If weather permits, we will paint outside! Ages 3-8. This program is for children with disabilities and their typical peers.

Westlake Porter Public Library introduced a new Free Little Art Gallery inside the library.

Similar to the free little libraries concept, people of all ages and abilities can make small pieces of art and place them in the gallery, or they may take a piece of art, or both.

Learn more at westlakelibrary.org/art-exhibits.

Friends, colleagues and community members celebrated Bay Village Branch librarian Barbara Isaacs on April 28 as she worked her last day before retiring.

Starting as a page at the Berea Branch in 1990, Barb worked her way through the Cuyahoga County Public Library system with stops in Strongsville, Parma, the Administrative Offices, and finally to Bay as the Branch Services Librarian Supervisor in 2008.

Barb played a key role in launching the new building's Innovation Center, and was responsible for many of the library's programs during her tenure.

Best wishes for a happy and relaxing retirement!

Westlake Porter Public Library and the Friends of Porter Public Library will celebrate the grand opening of the new Makerspace and recently moved Book Nook Used Book Store on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Included will be demonstrations of the equipment in the Makerspace, giveaways, and cookies.

The new Makerspace is the result of input gathered from the community in a space study conducted by the library in 2021. It is located in the lobby in the former café space and is a creative recording, design, and fabrication space that allows library patrons the opportunity to access a variety of professional and innovative tools and software. It expands the library’s traditional role of providing access to content to providing tools for content creation.

The Friends of Bay Village Library will hold a three-day book sale on Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, April 30, from 1-5 p.m.; and bag morning on Monday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to noon. As always, there will be no pre-sales. Bags will be provided by the friends for bag morning.

The sale includes fiction and nonfiction books, puzzles, movies and music for adults, teens and kids. The address of the library is 27400 Wolf Road but there is no access from Wolf. You will need to enter off of Dover Center by the Play in Bay Park or off Lake Road onto Bryson Lane. Contact the library at 440-871-6392 with any questions.

Most people know about the wealth of stories available at Westlake Porter Public Library, in formats like picture books, large print, audiobooks and ebooks, but there’s much more to the story! This National Library Week, April 23-29, the library invites the community to explore the many diverse collections, services and programs available at the library, and will celebrate its loyal customers.

During National Library Week library visitors will see interactive displays, puzzles, blog posts, a scavenger hunt and great programs! In addition, the library will celebrate its patrons with Customer Appreciation Week, in which customers of the day will be celebrated. Winners of the Customer of the Day drawing will be featured in the library’s social media and receive a prize package of library-imprinted items.

It’s that time of year again when my “Guys” – life size figures of superheroes and cartoon characters (including a villain this year, the Joker) – visit Porter Library to join in the fun on Comic Book Day next month.

DJ Nagaj and Duane Gibson, from Porter, have them there, ready to go on display the first week in May. Also new this year is Elmo.

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s April 2023 calendar of events. All programs are subject to change. Please check westlakelibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Twitter (@WestlakePorter) for the latest updates.

Wednesday, April 19-26 (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) Discovery Box (Sign-Up) – Register for WPPL’s personalized subscription box service. For teens in grades 7-12. Registration begins on April 19 and must be done by April 26. Pick-up begins May 3.

Wednesday, April 19 (2-3 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – The Wednesday Book Group meets the third Wednesday of each month. A limited number of books are available for checkout at the Circulation Desk. This month’s title is "Rock Paper Scissors" by Alice Feeney.

Wednesdays, April 19 and 26 (4:30-6 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by Youth Services to sign up for a 10-minute reading time with a therapy dog. Sign up starts at 4 p.m. Recommended for grades K-4.

Thursday, April 20 (10-11:30 a.m.) Android Smartphone & Tablet User Group – Do you own an Android smartphone or tablet? Bring it with your questions (or tips!) to this guided user group. Please register.

Friday, April 21 (4-4:45 p.m.) Fun Science Friday: Happy Earth Day – Join Mrs. K as we celebrate Earth Day by investigating nature’s best recyclers – earthworms! Discoveries will be made through hands-on experiments, active participation and a simple take-home project. Ages 4-6, up to Kindergarten. Please register.

Saturday, April 22 (11-11:45 a.m.) Adapted Storytime – Join us for this storytime designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime. Content is geared toward ages 3-7. Please register.

On May 2 Westlake voters will be asked to approve a 2.8 mill operating levy renewal and an additional 0.6 mills for Westlake Porter Public Library. The current levy, which provides 70% of the library’s operating funds, expires at the end of the year. Passage will ensure library funding for the five-year period of Jan. 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2028. The current operating levy millage has been in place for 15 years.

Currently the levy is the library’s primary source of operating funds, providing materials (books, magazines, digital/downloadable/streaming materials), resources (computers, software, digital databases, etc.), staffing, program support, supplies, and building operations (maintenance and utilities). The other major source of funding is the state’s Public Library Fund (PLF).

WIth March Madness in full swing, you won't want to miss legendary official Phil Bova when he speaks at the Bay Village branch library, 27400 Wolf Road on Wednesday, March 22, at 7 p.m. Join us to hear his about his days as an NCAA and Big Ten official with untold stories and experiences of working with iconic coaches like Bob Knight, Tom Izzo, Gene Keady and more. His new biography, "Throwing Back the Chair," written by Nino Frostino, will be available for purchase and Phil will sign copies after the presentation.

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s upcoming calendar of events. All programs are subject to change. Please check westlakelibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Twitter (@WestlakePorter) for the latest updates. 

Tuesday, March 21 (7-8 p.m.) Young Adult Book Club: "Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist" by Rachel Cohn – Those unable to attend in person can join us simultaneously via Zoom. Please register. Books available in Youth Services.

Wednesday, March 22-29 (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) Discovery Box (Sign Up) – Register for WPPL’s personalized subscription box service. For teens in grades 7-12. Registration begins on March 22 and must be done by Wednesday, March 29. Pick up begins April 5.

Wednesdays, March 22 and 29 (4:30-6 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by Youth Services to sign up for a 10-minute reading time with a therapy dog. Sign up starts at 4 p.m. Recommended for grades K-4.

Wednesdays, March 22 and 29 (7-7:30 p.m.) Family Storytime – Join us for rhymes, songs and play! For families with children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Siblings are welcome.

Friday, March 24 (4-4:45 p.m.) Fun Science Friday: Our Solar System – Join Mrs. K as we explore our sun’s family of planets. Discover the rocky inner planets and outer gas giants through hands-on experiments, active participation and a simple take-home project. Ages 4-6, up to Kindergarten. Please register.

Saturday, March 25 (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Why Technical Analysis? – Learn how TA (technical analysis) creates a context for viewing and understanding current market behavior, which is most useful for trend-following strategies. Presented by Lou Floyd, AAII (American Association of Individual Investors) Cleveland Chapter Leader. Please register.

Saturday, March 25 (3-4 p.m.) Illustration Creation – Learn about a featured illustrator and then create a project inspired by their art. Grades 1-3. Please register.

Sunday, March 26 (2-3 p.m.) Art Smarts – Explore some works of a well-known artist and then use what you’ve seen to create an art piece of your own! Grades 4-6. Please register.

Westlake Porter Public Library celebrates Black History Month with special programs, displays and more throughout the month of February. There will be a display in the lobby highlighting African Americans who have had a major impact on our country, displays of library material focusing on Black History, blog posts and the following programs:   

Young Adult Book Club: 'Pet' by Akwaeke Emezi

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7-8 p.m. Those unable to attend in person can join us simultaneously via Zoom. Books available in Youth Services. Please register.

Adult Creative Writing Group

Wednesday, Feb. 22, 7-8 p.m. Join us in person for an hour of creative writing prompts to inspire you to start and keep writing. This month’s meeting will be a celebration of poetry in honor of Black History Month. Please register.

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s upcoming calendar of events. All programs are subject to change. Please check westlakelibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Twitter (@WestlakePorter) for the latest updates.

Tuesday, Feb. 21 (7–8 p.m.) Young Adult Book Club: "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi – Those unable to attend in person can join us simultaneously via Zoom. Please register. Books available in Youth Services.

Wednesday, Feb. 22 (7-8 p.m.) Adult Creative Writing Group: Celebrating Black History Month – Join us for an hour of creative writing prompts to inspire you to start and keep writing. Creativity is more than putting pen to paper. It’s about breaking away and trying something new! This meeting will be a celebration of poetry in honor of black history month. Please register.

Thursday, Feb. 23 (10–11:30 a.m.) Internet and Email Basics with Introduction to Northstar – Learn the basics of the internet, using email, and how to access Northstar Digital Literacy for self-paced online learning. Please register.

Thursday, Feb. 23 (10-10:30 a.m.) Black History Month Storytime – Celebrate Black History Month with a fun and educational storytime! Learn about African American trailblazers through books, songs, and fingerplays. Ages 2-6, siblings welcome.

Thursday, Feb. 23 (3:30-4:30 p.m.) Roblox Arcade – We have some private servers set up for Tweens in grades 4-6 to hang out with their friends and enjoy some of the most popular games via Zoom. Join us in person on online. Please register. 

Friday, Feb. 24 (4-4:45 p.m.) Fun Science Friday: Static Electricity – Join Mrs. K as we explore the shocking science of static electricity. Discoveries will be made through hands-on experiments, active participation and a simple take-home project. Ages 4-6, up to Kindergarten. Please register.

Saturday, Feb. 25 (11 a.m.-noon) A Zest for Cooking – Children with disabilities will learn some important cooking skills while making 2 or 3 recipes. Tasting is not required. Previous kitchen experience isn't necessary. Ages 8-12. Typical peers or siblings welcome. Call the Youth Services Desk at 440-250-5471 if you have any concerns about allergens or other dietary issues. Please register.

Saturday, Feb. 25 (3–4 p.m.) Illustration Creation – Learn about a featured illustrator and then create a project inspired by their art. Grades 1-3. Please register.

The Friends of Porter Public Library regretfully announces the closing of our volunteer-run library gift shop Portables. It has become increasingly difficult to manage Portables on a volunteer basis and, unfortunately, the economics do not support a paid position to take over management of the shop.

Portables Gift Shop will have a Going Out of Business sale, beginning Jan. 2, 2023; the shop will offer a 50% discount on all items from Monday, Jan. 2, through Sunday, Jan. 8. The discount percentage will increase weekly until closing, either Jan. 31 or when all items are sold, whichever comes first.

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s January 2023 calendar of events. All programs are subject to change. Please check westlakelibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Twitter (@WestlakePorter) for the latest updates.

Sunday, Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day: Library Closed

Monday, Jan. 2 (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) Teen Craft Pick-Up – A New Year-themed take-home craft kit for teens in grades 7-12. Registration begins Dec. 26.

Tuesday, Jan. 3 (1-2 p.m.) Vision Boards – What do you want to do in 2023? Volunteer, get a job, start a new hobby? Creating a vision board puts all your dreams, goals, and aspirations directly in front of you. For adults with disabilities. We will be cutting images from magazines and gluing on boards. No experience necessary. Registration begins Dec. 27.

Wednesday, Jan. 4 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Horror Film Club – Join us for another creepy classic from the Vault! New members are welcome, but children under 13 must be with an adult. Please register.

Thursday, Jan. 5 and Monday, Jan. 16 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Westlake Porter Public Library has expanded its Myrna Chelko Literacy Initiative to include children in Kindergarten through Grade 4. In addition, the program has been split into two, Little Sprouts for children from birth through age 4 and Reading is Elementary for children from Kindergarten through Grade 4. The Initiative began in January 2021 as the Myrna Chelko Early Literacy Initiative, aimed at ages birth through 4. Little Sprouts was previously run under that name.

Both Little Sprouts and Reading is Elementary have five steps, and parents can track their child’s progress on the library’s Beanstack site (westlakelibrary.beanstack.org) or at the Youth Services Desk at the library. The steps include reading, fun activities, program attendance and more.

Participating in this initiative will help build habits that foster literacy development and lifelong learning. In addition, all who complete Little Sprouts receive a stuffed mini Suma the Puma and children who complete Reading Is Elementary will receive a stuffed mini Zara the Giraffe or a backpack.

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s upcoming calendar of events. All programs are subject to change. Please check westlakelibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Twitter (@WestlakePorter) for the latest updates.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 (6-8:30 p.m.) HeartSaver CPR/AED – Get certified for adult, child, and infant CPR and AED. Class led by certified instructors from UH St. John Medical Center. Visit uhems.org/event-search to register. Email account required. Participants under the age of 14 must have a parent or legal guardian in class. If any questions, contact the instructors at uh4cpr@gmail.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Horror Film Club – Join us for another creepy classic from the Vault! New members are welcome, but children under 13 must be with an adult. Please register.

Thursdays, Dec. 8 and 22 (3:30-4:30 p.m.) Roblox Arcade – We have some private servers set up for Tweens in grades 4-6 to hang out with their friends and enjoy some of the most popular games via Zoom. Join us in person on online. Registration begins one week before each session.

Thursday, Dec. 8 (6:30-7:15 p.m.) Adapted Storytime – Join us for this storytime designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime. Content is geared toward ages 3-7. Please register.

Friday, Dec. 9 (4-4:45 p.m.) Fun Science Friday: Holiday Colors – Explore the colors of the season in a very scientific way with hands-on experiments, active participation and a simple take-home project. Ages 4-6, through Kindergarten. Please register.

Saturday, Dec. 10 (10 a.m.-noon) Italian Cookie Decorating – Learn how to make icing and decorate a dozen premade cutout cookies using icing and sprinkles. Please register.

More than 200 people attended the Friends of Porter Public Library’s 50th Birthday Bash on Nov. 4. The evening included a special friends-themed storytime, a screening of the Friends’ 50th Anniversary documentary showcasing the Friends throughout the years, Mayoral and State proclamations honoring the Friends of Porter Public Library, a “Happy Birthday” sing-along, friends-themed music, a cakewalk and of course, refreshments.

The Friends of Porter Public Library was founded in 1972 by a group of community members who believed in the importance of reading, the value of books and the importance of library services to the community and wished to support those values. Over their 50 years they have donated more than $1 million to the library to fund the annual Summer Challenge, purchase Outreach vans, fund the Myrna Chelko Early Literacy Program (named after one of the group’s founders), National Library Week activities, special activities for the library’s staff and much more. Most recently they donated $100,000 toward the Outdoor Programming Pavilion now under construction.

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s upcoming 2022 calendar of events. All programs are subject to change. Please check westlakelibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Twitter (@WestlakePorter) for the latest updates.

Tuesday, Nov. 15 (4 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Kwame Christian – Join us online for an enlightening hour with bestselling author Kwame Christian as he chats about his new book, "How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race." Streamed live. Please register.

Tuesday, Nov. 15 (7-8:30 p.m.) History of the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft & Magick – Join Steve Intermill, Director of the Buckland Museum, as he discusses Cleveland’s own museum of witchcraft and all its weird, wonderful, and unique items. Please register.

Tuesday, Nov. 15 (7-8 p.m.) Young Adult Book Club – "The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams. Those unable to attend in person can join us simultaneously via Zoom. Please register.

Wednesday, Nov. 16 (2-3 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – The Wednesday Book Group meets the third Wednesday of each month. A limited number of books are available for checkout at the Circulation Desk. This month’s title is The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan. Please register.

Friday, Nov. 18 (4-5 p.m.) Brick Builders – Do you love Legos? Bring your ideas and imagination to Brick Builders! Bricks provided. No registration required, but room capacity is limited. First come, first served. Ages 5-12.

Saturday, Nov. 19 (10:30–11 a.m.) Library Giraffe Meet and Greet – Join us for a morning of stories and rhymes celebrating our library giraffes as we unveil the name of our baby giraffe! Ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Please register.

Saturday, Nov. 19 (3-4 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, Nov. 20 (2-3 p.m.) Come Play With Me – An open playtime for children ages 2-5 with a caring adult. Siblings welcome! No registration required but room capacity is limited. First come, first served.

Monday, Nov. 21 (1-2:30 p.m.) True Crime Book Club – This club is a great way to discover some new titles and some classics of True Crime. Please register.

The Friends of Westlake Porter Public Library invite the community to help them celebrate the anniversary of their founding at their 50th Anniversary Birthday Bash on Friday, Nov. 4, from 7-9 p.m. The event will be held inside the library. To reserve your space please register at westlakelibrary.org/events.

The evening will include friends-themed music, special storytime events, a screening of the Friends’ 50th Anniversary documentary showcasing the group throughout the years, a “Happy Birthday” sing-along, and of course, refreshments (cupcakes and ice cream).