April events at Westlake Porter Public Library

Monday, April 2-Saturday, April 7 – DIY Peep Diorama – Create a diorama about your favorite book or literary character using Peeps! Stop by the Youth Services Department to pick up your “starter Peep” and instructions. Return your diorama by April 7 at 6 p.m. for display throughout National Library Week (April 8-14).

Wednesdays, April 4 and 11 (10:15 & 11 a.m.) Let’s Sing and Dance! – Sing and move to the music with Miss Nancy! For children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Arrive early to receive a ticket.

Wednesday, April 4 (1-2:30 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogy Society Help Session – Please join the genealogy group for an informal walk-in help session.

Wednesdays, April 4 and 11 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursdays, April 5 and 12 (6:30-8 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by Youth Services to sign up for a 10-minute reading time with one of the reading therapy dogs! Registration begins each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, April 4 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Horror Film Club – Join us as we explore the classics of horror, science fiction and suspense! Children under 13 should be accompanied by an adult. Please register.

Through My Eyes ArtWalk – Share your unique perspective with friends, family and the Westlake community through photographs of nature you find beautiful and inspiring. The library will print, mount and display photographs in our Art Gallery. Walks will take place at Clague Park and will last about an hour. The library does not provide transportation. Please bring a caregiver and a smartphone. If you do not have access to a digital device, please notify us prior to the walk. Registration begins April 1.

  • Families: Thursday, April 5 (11 a.m.)
  • Ages 18+: Thursday, April 12 (11 a.m.) or Monday, April 16 (5:30 p.m.)
  • Rain Date: Thursday, April 19 (11 a.m.)

Thursday, April 5 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Thursday, April 5 (2-4 p.m.) Movies @ the Library! – Take an adventure to Textopolis, the secret world inside your smartphone, and discover a bustling city where all your favorite emojis live. Rated PG – All Ages. Please register.

Thursdays, April 5 and 12 (4-5:15 p.m.) Code Club! – Learn how to build an app, design a video game, and change the world through code! Grades 3-4. Registration begins one week before each session.

Friday, April 6 (10:30-11:15 a.m.) and Monday, April 9 (6:30-7:15 p.m.) Adapted Storytime – Children with varying learning styles and abilities learn in a safe, supportive environment where respect and appreciation for differences are encouraged. This 30-minute storytime, followed by time for socialization, is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience. Content is geared toward ages 3-7, but all ages are welcome. Siblings may also attend, but must register separately. Registration begins one week before each session.

Friday, April 6 (1-1:30 p.m.) Yoga Time! – This is a perfect way to introduce yoga and practice simple poses that imitate animals and nature. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat. Ages 3 and up with a caregiver.

Friday, April 6 (3:30-4:15 p.m.) Fun Science Friday – Join Mrs. K as we explore the life cycle of an ant. Discoveries will be made through hands-on experiments, active participation and a simple take home project. Ages 4-6. Please register.

Saturday, April 7 (9:30-11:30 a.m.) Secure Paper Shredding – Protect your personal identity by shredding your confidential papers. InfoStore will confidentially handle and permanently destroy 2 boxes of your personal documents. The shredding truck can shred staples, paper clips, and rubber bands, but cannot shred spiral bound notebooks, 3-ring binders or boxes. The truck will be located in the south parking lot until it is full.

Saturday, April 7 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Pokemon Fun! – A fun morning of Pokemon-themed play, prizes, and crafts! Ages 6-11.

Saturday, April 7 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders – Bring your ideas and imagination! Lego and Duplo bricks provided. For ages 3-12.

Sunday, April 8 (3-4 p.m.) Art Smarts – Explore works of a well-known artist and then use what you’ve seen to create an art piece of your own! Grades 3-6. Please register.

Mondays, April 9 and 16 (3-4:30 p.m.) Tween Code Club – Learn how to build an app, design a video game, and change the world through code! Registration begins one week before each session. Grades 5-8.

Mondays, April 9 and 16 (3:30-5:30 p.m.) Teen Lounge – Need a place to hang out after school? Come to WPPL’s Teen Lounge on Monday afternoons! We have computers, video games, board games, snacks and more! For grades 7-12 only.

Monday, April 9 (7-8:30 p.m.) Maker Monday: Transform Your Memories Into Digital – WPPL has Maker Stations that can convert your records into mp3s, your slides and pictures into digital formats, and your VHS tapes into DVDs. Learn how here. Please register.

Tuesdays, April 10 and 17 (2-3 p.m.) Conversational Spanish – Join us to learn Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation with an expert instructor.

Tuesday, April 10 (7-7:30 p.m.) Bedtime Stories: Pajama Time – Put on your pajamas and join Mrs. K as we learn about nightly rituals through quiet stories, songs and fingerplays. Ages 4-6. Siblings welcome.

Tuesday, April 10 (7 p.m.) Tuesday Evening Book Discussion – We’ll discuss "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" by Mark Haddon.

Wednesdays, April 11 and 18 (3:45-5 p.m.) Tween Scene – Weekly hang-out for 5th and 6th graders ONLY!

Thursday, April 12 (2-3:30 p.m.) Great Decisions Discussion Program on World Affairs – Discuss critical global issues facing America today. At the beginning of each month, a copy of the article may be picked up at the Ask Us Des; please read prior to the meeting. Please register.

Thursday, April 12 (4:30-5:30 p.m.) Breakout: Zombie Apocalypse – Similar to an escape room, this breakout challenge is going to test your ability to work together to solve all the clues, find the zombie antidote, and save the world before the clock runs out! Can you break out? Grades 5-6. Registration begins April 5.

Thursday, April 12 (6-7 p.m.) Breakout: Totally Radical 80s – Similar to an escape room, this breakout challenge is going to test your ability to work together to solve all the clues that’ll keep you and your group from getting stuck in the '80s! Can you break out? Grades 7-12. Registration begins April 5.

Friday, April 13 (9:30 and 10:30 a.m.) and Saturday, April 14 (9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.) Music Therapy & More – For families and their children (ages 0-6 years) who are struggling in an area of development. Siblings (ages 0-6 years) are welcome to attend. Join us for a program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child’s motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior. Each session is 30 minutes. Register at connectingforkids.org/register or by phone: 440-250-5563. 

Friday, April 13 (3:30-4:30 p.m.) Got Science?: Clouds – Spend some time with us as we investigate stratus and cumulus clouds. Grades 1 and 2. Registration begins April 6.   

Saturday, April 14 (10:30-11 a.m.) Mother Goose On the Loose! – An interactive storytime featuring simple books, rhymes, songs and movement. For ages birth-3 years old with a caregiver.

Saturday, April 14 (11 a.m.-noon) 3D Printing Orientation – In order to use the library’s new 3D printer, you’ll need to take this orientation first. Learn library policies about using it, how to download a 3D-printable object, and how to prepare it for a great print. Please register.

Saturday, April 14 (1 and 2:30 p.m.) Elementary Experiences – For children ages 7-12 years and their families who are struggling in an area of development. Siblings (ages 7-12 years) may also attend. For more information or to register, visit connectingforkids.org/elementary or call 440-250-5563. 

Saturday, April 14 (4-5:30 p.m.) STEAMMaker Lab – This month’s topic: Earth Day! Grades 3-5. Registration begins April 7.

Sunday, April 15 (1:30-2:30 p.m.) Birding ABC’s – Matt Valencic of the Greater Cleveland Audubon Society will tell us where to find birds and how to view and identify them. Beginners and experienced birders alike will be inspired to start searching for those "early spring migrants." A special section on warblers is also included. Please register.

Sunday, April 15 (2-3 p.m.) American Girl Doll Club – Lanie Holland, a 10-year-old from Cambridge, Massachusetts, loves science and exploring nature. We'll conduct a nature-inspired science experiment and make a nature-inspired craft. Ages 6-11. Registration begins April 8.

Monday, April 16 (7-8:30 p.m.) Investors’ Interest Group: Validating Technical Analysis Patterns – The speaker will demonstrate how the simple statistics implicit in time-shifted moving average envelops can be used to validate the drawing of diagonal trading channels and explain the tendency for price movement to bounce off support/resistance and channel boundary lines. Please register.

Tuesday, April 17 (1-3 p.m.) Career: Roadmap Your Future – What is your direction or plan? Have you laid out the map to get there in the quickest, most direct route? What obstacles will be in your way? Do you see a barrier or two stopping you? Come to this session to lay out your road to success.

Tuesday, April 17 (7-8:45 p.m.) Believing in Cleveland – CSU professor J. Mark Souther’s new book "Believing in Cleveland" explores the city’s downtown revitalization and renewal projects in its various neighborhoods, beginning before the 1970s and through the 2000s. He shows how the city shaped its image even while managing decline. Please register.

Tuesday, April 17 (7-8 p.m.) College Resumes & Essays – Your college resume and essay could have a huge impact on getting into the school of your dreams! Learn tips and strategies to improve yours and make it the best it can be. Grades 9-12. Registration begins April 10.

Wednesdays, April 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. Arrive early to receive a ticket.

Wednesdays, April 18 and 25 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursdays, April 19 and 26 (6:30-8 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by Youth Services to sign up for a 10-minute reading time with one of the reading therapy dogs! Registration begins each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, April 18 (6:30-8:45 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogical Society – Ohio Genealogical Society trustee Eric Johnson will discuss "Ohio and World War I: Reconstructing Your Ancestor’s Military Service Records."

Wednesday, April 18 (7-7:45 p.m.) Buckeye Reflections, Local Authors Visit – Authors Maureen Zappala and Jack Park will talk briefly about their new book, "Buckeye Reflections: Legendary Moments from Ohio State Football," and will sign copies. Books will be available for purchase. Please register.

Thursday, April 19 (noon-1:30 p.m.) Small Business Lunch & Learn: Developing a Business Plan, Part I – A business plan is your business’s road map. Whether you’re just starting a business or already have one in operation, you’ll want the direction that a business plan offers. We’ll explore how to get started, the elements of a business plan, and issues to consider when developing yours. Please register.

Thursday, April 19 (2:30-6 p.m.) CPR Certification – CPR and AED certification for adult, child and infant. Instruction by certified instructor/paramedic Ken Hehnen. Must be 13 years of age. Please register.

Thursdays, April 19 and 26 (4-5:15 p.m.) Code Club! – Learn how to build an app, design a video game, and change the world through code! Grades 3-4. Registration begins one week before each session.

Friday, April 20 (Preschool session: 9:30 a.m. and Toddler Session: 11:30 a.m.) Teach Me to Play – For families and their children (Toddler: ages 18 months-2 years and Preschool: ages 3-6 years) who are struggling in an area of development. Diverse opportunities for learning are provided, with an emphasis on facilitating communication, practicing social interactions and responding to behaviors in a positive way. The program is led by an early intervention specialist and speech-language pathologist. Register at connectingforkids.org/register or by phone: 440-250-5563. 

Friday, April 20 (10-10:45 a.m.) Come Play With Me! – Open playtime with age-appropriate toys. For children ages 2-5 with a caring adult. Siblings welcome!

Saturday, April 21 (10-11:30 a.m.) Beginning Coding for Adults – Learn the basics of coding through self-paced online modules. An instructor will be on hand to help get you started and to facilitate lessons. Please register.

Saturday, April 21 (10:30-11:15 a.m.) Adapted Storytime – Children with varying learning styles and abilities learn in a safe, supportive environment where respect and appreciation for differences are encouraged. This 30-minute storytime, followed by time for socialization, is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience. Content is geared toward ages 3-7, but all ages are welcome. Siblings may also attend, but must register separately. Registration begins one week before each session.

Saturday, April 21 (11 a.m.-noon) College Financials – A panel discussion about the financial aspects of planning for and attending college: financial aid, scholarships and grants. Learn about managing your financial resources for college success. Intended for parents and high school and college students. Please register. Register by April 19 and receive a coupon at the event for a pizza lunch.

Saturday, April 21 (1-2 p.m.) Financial Life Skills – Join our local First Federal of Lakewood branch manager as she discusses and demonstrates the importance of budgeting and managing your money so that you can lead a successful financial life. Please register. Register by April 19 and receive a coupon at the event for a pizza lunch served at 12:30.

Saturday, April 21 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders – Bring your ideas and imagination! Lego and Duplo bricks provided. For ages 3-12.

Sunday, April 22 (2-3:30 p.m.) Boredom Busters! – Drop by the Storytime Room and join in the fun! We will have different activities available each month. All ages welcome!

Mondays, April 23 and 30 (3-4:30 p.m.) Tween Code Club – Learn how to build an app, design a video game, and change the world through code! Registration begins one week before each session. Grades 5-8.

Mondays, April 23 and 30 (3:30-5:30 p.m.) Teen Lounge – Need a place to hang out after school? Come to WPPL’s Teen Lounge on Monday afternoons! We have computers, video games, board games, snacks and more! For grades 7-12 only.

Monday, April 23 (7-8 p.m.) The Money Room – Have you ever thought about renting a room in your home as an income stream? Michelle Moore Brady, author of "The Money Room: Create An Income Stream Renting Rooms," will discuss what she has learned about advertising, screening, leases and rent collection. Her book will be available for purchase. Please register.

Monday, April 23 (7-8:30 p.m.) 3D Printing Orientation – In order to use the library’s new 3D printer, you’ll need to take this orientation first. Learn library policies about using it, how to download a 3D-printable object, and how to prepare it for a great print. Please register.

Tuesday, April 24 (2-3 p.m.) Travel Club: Iceland – 16 Days on the Ring Road – Mark and Yvonne Sanderson of Focal Plane Photography will talk about some of their favorite destinations and things to do in Iceland. Please register.

Tuesday, April 24 (2-3 p.m.) Conversational Spanish – Join us to learn Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation with an expert instructor.

Tuesday, April 24 (6:30-8:45 p.m.) Anime Movie Club – Enjoy and discuss all your favorite anime movies from Studio Ghibli and beyond! Grades 7 to adult.

Tuesday, April 24 (7-8 p.m.) Westlake Westshore Arts Council Spring Recital – Come join the library’s own Maria Fesz with Ben Malkevitch on piano for an evening of music for cello and piano. Works by Robert Schumann and Sergei Prokofiev will be performed. Free and open to the public.

Wednesday, April 25 (2 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – The April selection is "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles.

Wednesday, April 25 (2-3 p.m.) Kanopy Movie Discussion Club – We’ll discuss the movie "Greenfingers," available for viewing with a Kanopy account. Watch at home, then meet and discuss! See the library’s website for details on setting up an account and viewing the movie. (Click “Research Resources” then “K” to find the Kanopy link.) Please register.

Wednesday, April 25 (3:45-5 p.m.) Tween Scene – Weekly hang-out for 5th and 6th graders ONLY!

Wednesday, April 25 (7-8 p.m.) Tech Aspects of Recycling – Kathleen Rocco from Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District will talk about what tech is recycled and how technology is used in recycling. Please register.

Friday, April 27 (10 a.m.-noon) Fiber Fanatics – A time for needlecrafters to share, solve problems, and show off.

Saturday, April 28 (2-4 p.m.) Carry Out Crafts – Stop by the Youth Services Department to see what our featured craft is this afternoon. We have all the supplies you’ll need to create something fantastic!

Saturday, April 28 (3-5 p.m.) Anime Club – A great club for anime and manga lovers! All otakus and newbies are welcome! Grades 7 to adult.

Sunday, April 29 (2-3 p.m.) “Painted” Coasters – We will be “painting” coasters using sharpies and rubbing alcohol. Take home a set of four coasters from your own unique design. Grades 6 and 8. Registration begins April 22.

Sunday, April 29 (2-4 p.m.) Chess Club – Hone your chess skills or learn how to play the game. Recommended for ages 6+, but all ages are welcome. If you have a chess set, please bring it with you.

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

Elaine Willis

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

Read More on Libraries
Volume 10, Issue 7, Posted 9:38 AM, 04.03.2018