Libraries

The 2012 Newbery and Caldecott winners were announced last week amid the usual excitement. The Newbery Award went to Jack Gantos’s “Dead End in Norvelt” while the Caldecott was awarded to Chris Raschka for “A Ball for Daisy.” Stop in and let us reserve a copy of these books for you and you can decide if you agree with the choices. We also have a list of all of the past award winners. See how many you’ve read, or start reading your way through the list. Also, make plans to join us for these upcoming programs!

ADULT DEPARTMENT

Wednesday, Feb. 8 (7 p.m.) HOME SWEET REVENUE – Are you wondering how you could benefit from the current housing market? There are many strategies that can be used, from “flip that house” to renting and property management.

Thursday, Feb. 9 (7:30 p.m.) THURSDAY EVENING BOOK DISCUSSION – Join us for a discussion of the book “Unbroken:  A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption” by Lauren Hillenbrand.

Tuesday, Feb. 14 (10 a.m.) HOW TO DOWNLOAD E-BOOKS – Need help downloading library books to your device? Joe Salamon will be here to answer all of your questions!

American industrialist John D. Rockefeller founded the Standard Oil Company in Cleveland which became the first great United States business trust. Because of his success and through his philanthropy, he had a tremendous influence on the area.

Local historian Dan Ruminski returns by popular demand to the Bay Village Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library to share another story about the history of Cleveland in the early years. Learn the story behind the legend of Rockefeller, how he made his money, his hobbies and why he ultimately left Cleveland.

This program will be held on Feb. 15 at 7:00 p.m. Registration is required. Please register by calling the library at 440-871-6392 or online at www.cuyahogalibrary.org. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Bay Village Branch.

Do you have a Nook or Kindle? Would you like to download e-books for free? All you need is a Cuyahoga County Public Library card. 

The popularity of e-books is growing every day and Cuyahoga County Public Library has been keeping up with the trend by offering thousands of downloadable titles to its customers. Now, those that are new to the trend or those with new devices can visit the Bay Village Branch on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 10 a.m. to learn how to download and start reading e-books today.

The Friends of Bay Village Library's annual winter book sale held the last weekend in January was a huge success. The proceeds from the sale help fund programs, activities and speakers at the library. We encourage you to stop in the library and check out upcoming events.

The Friends would like to thank all who supported our sale as well as Heinen's for supplying plastic bags. We would also like to thank the many volunteers who worked with the setup and the actual sale. If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a member of the Friends of Bay Village Library, please stop in the library or call 871-6392 and leave your name and phone number. 

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

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

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

Wednesday, Feb. 1 (1-2:30 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogical Society Help Session – Wondering how to get started researching your ancestors? Hit a roadblock on your search? Stop in for suggestions and help!

Thursday, Feb. 2 (9:30 a.m.- 8:30 p.m.) Friends of the Library’s Book Sale – Come find some bargains on books and audiovisual material!

Thursday, Feb. 2 (7-8:15 p.m.) Introduction to Overdrive and E-books – Join a staff member from the Popular Materials Department for an instructional class on downloading eBooks on the most popular eReaders. Please register.

Friday, Feb. 3 (9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) Friends of the Library’s Book Sale – Come find some bargains on books and audiovisual material!

The Friends of Westlake Porter Public Library are having their Annual Book Sale from Feb. 1-5. Over 10,000 books, CDs, DVDs and audio books will be available for purchase in three rooms of the library.

Wednesday, Feb. 1, is the preview sale only for members of Friends from 4-7 p.m. You will be able to join Friends at that time. The regular sale runs on Thursday, Feb. 2, from 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 3, from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The half-price sale is Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. On Sunday, Feb. 5, there will be a bag sale from 1:15 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. See how many books you can cram into a bag for $2. We will supply the bags.

Come to the library for any of these programs and be ready to be entertained and informed. There’s something for everyone from book discussions, to playtimes, to magic shows! Reading is the perfect pastime during these cold days, so come and browse the shelves or let us help you find the perfect book. Read to your little ones to build their vocabulary and to improve their preliteracy skills, and let them catch you reading. The love and enjoyment of reading is one of the best gifts you can pass on!

ADULT DEPARTMENT

Tuesday, Jan. 31 (7 p.m.) NOTABLE BOOKS FOR ADULTS 2012 – Returning by popular demand, Bill Kelly from the ALA Notable Books Council and manager of the Cuyahoga County Public Library Beachwood Branch presents the list of books chosen for 2012 in addition to the process involved and how books are considered.

Wednesday, Feb. 8 (7 p.m.) HOME SWEET REVENUE – Are you wondering how you could benefit from the current housing market? There are many strategies that can be used, from “flip that house” to renting and property management.

HeartBEAT Afrika, a performing arts ensemble, is a fusion of traditional African percussion with a modern live band rhythm. Featuring street percussion, horns and dance, this interactive performance is a musical celebration of the African American experience in America.

Olugbala Manns, the co-founder and musical director of HeartBEAT Afrika, will be joining us on Monday, Jan. 16, at 2 p.m. to help the library celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The "Laugh Doc" returns to the Bay Village Branch by popular demand to show how to relieve the stress of everyday life and the start of the new year by laughing.

Professor Azaad Khaira of Lorain County Community College has been conducting classes on using non-humor dependent laughter to provide physical, emotional and psychological benefits of laughter to overstretched and overstressed souls. A certified Laughter and Relaxation therapist in this newly recognized field, Professor Khaira is sure to lift your spirits and you will leave the class ready for a new beginning! Be prepared to participate in this active program!

Registration is required by calling the library at 440-871-6392 or online at cuyahogalibrary.org. Sponsored by the Friends of the Bay Village Branch.

Are you a child between the ages of 4-8, or do you know one? If so, do we have a program for you on Monday, Jan. 23 –  a day there is no school. Come to the Bay Village Branch Library to meet Amelia Bedelia! 

You read that right – you can MEET her at the library and help her to tell one of the stories of her funny exploits. Amelia has held many positions: housekeeper, teacher, politician, baseball player, babysitter, doctor, camper and more. She also does exactly what you tell her to do, so be careful what you say!

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! As another year begins, we’d like to thank our patrons for the past year’s record-breaking materials circulation totals for all of our branches. Serving the communities and meeting your needs is our goal, and we’re proud and ready to keep bringing customers the latest in technology and materials. Stop in for a visit and we’ll be glad to help you find what you’re looking for, and browse our shelves to explore and discover. We’re excited about these upcoming programs – call us to let us know you’ll be there!

ADULT DEPARTMENT

Wednesday, Jan. 11 (7 p.m.) 40 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL JOB SEARCH – Looking for a job or a change in careers? Join us as a Cuyahoga County Public Library Career Counselor gives tips on how to be more successful at finding the job you want. 

The annual winter book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Bay Village Library will be Saturday, Jan. 28, through Tuesday, Jan. 31. The book sale is held during regular library hours on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The sale ends at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening.  

There is a wide range of adult and childrenʼs hardback and paperback books, as well as DVDs, CDs, books on tape and magazines. Items are priced to sell and have been categorized for easy selection. Tuesday, the last day of the sale, is “bag day." We sell a bag of books for $1.00. We provide the bags and you select the books!

Tuesday, Jan. 10 (7 p.m.) Tuesday Evening Book Discussion – In January we’ll discuss "Wildwater Walking Club" by Claire Cook.

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

Thursday, Jan. 12 (7-8:45 p.m.) Dean’s Greenhouse Movie Series – Join Debbie Dean Espie for a viewing of "Queen of the Sun," which takes viewers on a journey through the world of bees, the hive collapse crisis, and what some creative beekeepers are doing.

Thursday, Jan. 12 (7 p.m.) Non-Fiction Book Discussion – The January selection is "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kamkwamba.

Saturday, Jan. 14 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) Crafts A Go-Go! – Join us for a fun and easy craft experience! All supplies provided; just drop in. A new, cool craft idea every time!

Saturday, Jan. 14 (12:30-2:30 p.m.) SAT Test Results – Get your results from the previous week's exam and discuss strategies and tips for effective test-taking.

Saturday, Jan. 14 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders Club – Love those LEGO bricks? Then bring your ideas and imagination to the club! All bricks provided. Ages 6-13. Registration begins one week before each session.

Sunday, Jan. 15 (2-4 p.m.) Sunday Sounds – The Friends of the Library present the Elm Street Blues Band.

Annette M. Hazapis of Westlake is the newest member of the Westlake Porter Public Library Board of Trustees. She assumed the position vacated by the previous board president, Laurie Forbush. Forbush’s current term on the board expired on Dec. 31.

Hazapis is the Executive Vice President, Director of Client Experience and Chief Administrative Officer at KeyBank. In over 20 years with the bank she has held a variety of positions, and brings her leadership, strategic planning and risk management experience to the board. Hazapis is an active member of several professional and community organizations, such as the Association for Financial Professionals, the Federal Reserve Wholesale Payments Advisory Board, the Clearing House Strategic Forum and the United Way. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Master of Business Administration degrees from Baldwin-Wallace College.

Cuyahoga County Public Library’s "Great Books for Kids" is a Library tradition that encourages families to read together and give the gift of reading during the holiday season and throughout the year. This guide features recent, high quality publications for kids of all ages and their families, recommended by Library staff. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or something great to check-out and share with the family, there’s something for everyone! 

Visit cuyahogalibrary.org or stop by any Cuyahoga County Library branch for a copy. We hope that reading becomes a part of your holiday tradition!

Here are a few of the selections from this year’s "Great Books for Kids":

Take time out during the hustle and bustle that’s sure to come with the holiday season and enjoy some quiet time with a book or movie from the library.

Stop in and ask us about book titles perfect for suitable gift giving for all ages. We can offer suggestions for everyone on your list, including Board Books to get the littlest patrons started on their own home library. To help with that, please check the library’s website at cuyahogalibrary.org and click on Great Books. Books for children and families to read  together are listed by age and summarized, to make selection easier.

This year’s art on the pages is from Loren Long’s charming books about Otis the tractor and his friends. Check out some of the books at the library to see if they are favorites with your family. And remember the Toy Library – test drive those asked-for toys before you buy!

This past September, the Cuyahoga County Public Library debuted a new outreach service for home bound individuals. Called Library2You, this free service for residents of Cuyahoga County mails library materials to residents who are unable to visit the library due to a permanent or temporary impairment or disability. 

Customers only need to fill out an application, provide proof of Cuyahoga County residency, and have a library card. Once eligibility is confirmed, the service begins.

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving because by the time this issue comes out, Thanksgiving will be over and we’ll all be hurrying toward the next holiday. Take  time out during the hustle and bustle that’s sure to come and enjoy some quiet time with a book or movie from the library. 

Stop in and ask us about book titles perfect for suitable gift giving for all ages. We can offer suggestions for everyone on your list, including Board Books to get the littlest patrons started on their own home library. To help with that, please check the library’s website at cuyahogalibrary.org and click on Great Books. Books for children and families to read  together are listed by age and summarized, to make selection easier.

Students in grades five and up: Ever feel like you’d like to do something for a special elderly someone, but just didn’t know what you could do? The Bay Village Branch Library wants to help you make a difference this holiday season. Stop in and make a gift for an older neighbor, a grandparent or family friend to brighten their holiday season.

Free craft materials will be available on Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 3:30-5 p.m., along with suggestions for projects. The library is located at 502 Cahoon Rd. Registration is requested; please call 440-871-6392 or register online at cuyahogalibrary.org. Make someone’s day special!

Library Journal magazine has named Westlake Porter Public Library one of its Star Libraries for 2011. The Star Libraries is a system that ranks public libraries across the country based upon statistical performance measures gathered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. WPPL received three out of five stars in the ranking.

The statistics used to create the Star Libraries ranking include circulation per capita, visits per capita, program attendance per capita and public Internet computer use per capita.

Wednesday, Dec. 14 (4-5 p.m.) Wednesday After School Fun – Want to play Wii? How about watch a DVD? Maybe listen to some music? Hang out with us every Wednesday after school at 4 p.m. and we'll have some fun! Grades 5 & up.

Thursday, Dec. 15 – WPPL’s 127th Anniversary – Stop by for a free cookie!

Friday, Dec. 16 (10 a.m.-noon) Porter’s Fiber Fanatics – Socialize, share, and solve problems while you work on your current project.

Saturday, Dec. 17 (10:45 a.m.) West Side Writers

Saturday, Dec. 17 (2-3 p.m.) Gingerbread Fun! – Join us for an afternoon of sloppy, gloppy fun as you create and decorate your own gingerbread house. All supplies provided! For kids ages 7-10. Please register starting Dec. 10.

Starting, Dec. 19 (2-3:30 p.m.) Movies @ Your Library! – All ages welcome. In accordance with library policy, all children under age nine must be accompanied by an adult. Please register starting one week before each movie. All movies will be shown from 2-3:30 p.m. Check with the library for movie titles. Dates are: Monday, Dec. 19; Friday, Dec. 23; Tuesday, Dec. 27; Wednesday, Dec. 28; Friday, Dec. 30; Monday, Jan. 17; Tuesday, Jan. 18

Tuesday, Dec. 20 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile

The days may be getting shorter but there is still lots of fun packed inside the library – from new books on the shelves to more weeks of storytimes. Stop in the library and check out these new children’s books. Some have a fall theme and some are fall publications, but all will entertain. 

"A Dog’s Way Home" by Bobbie Pyron

One late fall afternoon, a tragic highway accident leaves Abby and her beloved dog, Tam, stranded at opposite ends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Though determined to be reunited with each other, the days separating them turn to weeks, then months, while dangers and changes fill up their lives. (Ages 8-14)

"Bink & Gollie" by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

Meet Bink and Gollie, two precocious little girls – one tiny and one tall. Setting out from their super-deluxe tree house and powered by plenty of peanut butter (for Bink) and pancakes (for Gollie), they share comical adventures involving painfully bright socks, an impromptu trek to the Andes, and a most unlikely marvelous companion. (Ages 6-9)

We've been enjoying a beautiful Indian Summer lately, but we all know that the cold weather and the busy holidays are not too far away. All of that adds up to the perfect time to visit the library. Stop in to find a book or movie for yourself or your family, from holiday classics to that one you've heard so much about. 

Check out the Toy Library selections to try out toys for children before – or instead of – purchasing them. Keep the Toy Library in mind, too, as the winter progresses and cabin fever sets in. Different and new toys can provide a needed diversion at any time! Not familiar with how it works and what toys are available? Ask any staff member and we'll show you that it's as easy as having a library card!

At the age of 80, Dick Goddard is still going strong. Not only does he continue to forecast the weather Monday through Friday on the 5, 6, and 10 o'clock editions of Fox 8 news, he has recently written a book about his 50 years on television.

Entitled "Six Inches of Partly Cloudy," it contains stories about people, pets, Ohio history and more. To hear about his adventures, come to the Bay Village Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. There will be a book signing following the presentation.

Paul Gerber, who has been studying magic for nearly 30 years, will come to  the Bay Library to entertain us on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 4 p.m. He has performed professionally since 1995 in Ohio at schools, daycare centers and libraries, as well as  for picnics and community events. 

Paul worked for over 11 years as one of the house magicians for the Max and Erma’s restaurant chain. Whether he’s performing tableside for a few people or on a stage for several hundred, the magic of Paul Gerber is a treat for all audiences. Come and see him at the library and be prepared to be entertained!

The chilly weather is upon us and it’s the perfect time to visit the library! Let us help you find the book you’re looking for, a new DVD, or a book on CD to listen to as you do all of those fall chores. Come to these upcoming programs to be informed and entertained. There’s something for everyone at the library!

ADULT DEPARTMENT 

Tuesday, Nov. 8 (7 p.m.) CHOCOLATE: A DISCUSSION AND TASTING – Let Bev Shaffer, a local culinary expert and author of five cookbooks, take you on a chocolate journey complete with nibbles and tidbits along the way! The evening will end with one of her homemade brownies from her bestselling cookbook “Brownies to Die For!” Books will be available for signing and purchase.

Saturday, Nov. 12 (2 p.m.) AUTHOR AND LEGENDARY METEOROLOGIST DICK GODDARD – Meet legendary Cleveland TV personality and pioneering meteorologist Dick Goddard as he celebrates a remarkable 50 years on television. His new book “Six Inches of Partly Cloudy” will be available for purchase and signing.

Wednesday, Nov. 16 (7 p.m.) ELIOT NESS – Rebecca McFarland, internationally recognized expert, will share the Eliot Ness you won’t see in the movies. In this case, the truth is more fascinating than fiction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, Nov. 24 – Thanksgiving - Library Closed

Octavofest is a month long celebration of the book and paper arts. Funded in part by a generous grant from the George Gund Foundation, Octavofest's founding organization, Art Books Cleveland, has partnered with the Cleveland Public Library’s Center for the Book, Cleveland State University’s Library, and the Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation to provide many opportunities for residents to enjoy and participate in programs that focus on the paper arts.  

Registration required for all programs.

Tuesday, Oct. 18 (3:30 p.m.) Bringing the Dead Back to Life – (Octavofest program) For teens in grades 5 & up. Celebrate Octavofest and the season by bringing the dead (books, that is) back to life. Explore the art of paper folding skulls, hear a story to make you shiver and enjoy a festive snack.

Wednesday, Oct. 19 (7-8:30 p.m.) Meet Marisa de los Santos – Join us in welcoming Marisa de los Santos, a reading group favorite and the New York Times bestselling author of "Love Walked In" and "Belong to Me." Books will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of The Friends of Bay Village Library and Mac's Backs-Books on Coventry.

Wednesday, Oct. 26 (4-5 p.m.) – Make your own Spooky Book – (Octavofest program) Carolina Martin from Art on Wheels returns with more art fun. Children ages 4-10 can make a peek-a-boo style spooky book while learning different art processes.

Carolina Martin from Art on Wheels Inc. returns to the library with more art fun Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 4 p.m. as part of the Octavofest celebration of bookmaking and paper arts. Carolina will guide children ages 4-10 in making a peek-a-boo style spooky book while learning different art processes.

Art On Wheels, a non-profit organization, was created in 1989 to provide high quality, traveling hands-on art education activities in the visual arts. Their mission is to give a voice to individuals of all abilities through these arts experiences that enrich the lives of individuals, their families and their community.

Tuesday, Oct. 18 (4-4:45 p.m.) Pickle Tree Club – Join us and explore the many ways you can enjoy a story. We'll look at books, movies, audiobooks and even investigate the new and exciting world of children's book apps. For grades 1-3. Please register starting one week prior to each session.

Tuesday, Oct. 18 (7:30-8:45 p.m.) FYI: Opera – The Westlake-Westshore Arts Council brings David Bamberger and students from the Cleveland Institute of Music to preview and perform excerpts from the opera "Cendrillon" by Massenet.

Wednesday, Oct. 19 (4-5 p.m.) Wednesday After School Fun – Want to play Wii? How about watch a DVD? Maybe listen to some music? Hang out with us every Wednesday after school at 4 p.m. and we'll have some fun! Grades 5 & up.

Wednesday, Oct. 19 (6:30 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogical Society

Thursday, Oct. 20 (7-8:30 p.m.) What the Small Business Administration Can Do For the Small Business Owner – A representative from the SBA will discuss the SBA programs and services that can assist a current small business owner or help start a new small business. Please register.

Kindle owners can now borrow and download eBooks from Westlake Porter Public Library. Most titles in the library’s collection of popular and classic eBooks are now compatible with Amazon Kindle readers and any mobile device operating the free Kindle app – such as a smartphone or tablet PC. The collection is accessible through the library’s website at overdrive.westlakelibrary.org.

Kindle users can browse WPPL’s collection of bestselling and classic eBooks from a PC or Mac computer, check out titles using a library card, and select “Get for Kindle” to deliver eBooks to their Kindle device or any device running the free Kindle app.

The annual fall book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Bay Village Library will be Saturday, Oct. 22, through Tuesday, Oct. 25. The book sale is held during regular library hours on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday but closes at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening.  

There is a wide range of adult and children’s hardback and paperback books, as well as DVDs, CDs, books on tape and magazines. Items are priced to sell and have been categorized for easy selection. Tuesday, the last day of the sale, is “bag day” when patrons can buy a bagful of books for only $1. Bags are provided by the library.

PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES

Wednesday, Oct. 5 (4-5 p.m.) PAPERBAG SCRAPBOOKS – For ages 7 and up. Create a scrapbook out of paper bags. This easy-to-make project will take one hour and all materials will be provided.  

Thursday, Oct. 13 (7 p.m.) FAMILIES READING TOGETHER – For readers ages 8-12 with an adult. Hop into a discussion of "The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester," try a related craft and share a treat!

Friday, Oct. 14 (10:30 a.m.) ACTING OUT PUPPET SHOW – For all ages. Enjoy "Gus the Ghost" and "The Frog Prince" on your day off from school.

Satruday, Oct. 15 (9:30-11:30 a.m.) SPOOKY SCRAPBOOKS – For ages 7 and up. Come make a spooky scrapbook! Paperbag scrapbooks and all sorts of fall/holiday papers and sparkles will be available to create a memory book to hold mementos and favorite photos. 

Monday, Sept. 26, was a special day at the Bay Village Branch Library. Bay Village Police Officer Darren Ingham was visiting as the community “star” for the day. 

He read a book, talked about his job and showed us his police car. As the children and their families came in they were invited to try on handcuffs. Then we all went outside to get a close-up look at a police cruiser. 

From the laptop to the radio on the inside to the lights and siren on the outside, children and adults alike were amazed at all the equipment that is a part of the average police car.

The annual membership drive for the Friends of the Bay Village Library has begun! Your $5 individual or $10 family membership helps support the many wonderful programs provided by our local library. From author visits to children's programs or new bookshelves, your contribution will enable the library to continue such programs and endeavors.  

The library is an integral part of our community and offers something for everyone. Please remember to send in your annual donation. If you did not receive our yearly newsletter and membership form in the mail, you can pick one up at the library.

Join in a community discussion of the works of Marisa de los Santos at the Bay Village Branch Library the week before she presents her new book at the branch. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m.

The following week, on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m., meet Marisa de los Santos in person! Her new book "Falling Together" will be available to be purchased and signed by the author. An emotionally resonant and powerfully moving novel about friendship, family and love, it follows her other two books "Love Walked In" and "Belong to Me."

Westlake Porter Public Library's patrons surpassed the one million check-outs mark on Sept. 13 when Westlaker Hima Nekkalapu and her son, Rahul, checked out their selections. In honor of the event, mother and son received a bag of library goodies from Assistant Director for Support Services Anita Woods. The library circulates over 1.4 million items annually.

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray will visit Westlake Porter Public Library on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 2 p.m. Copies of her book will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

Gray is the author of two series set in the Amish community, the Sisters of the Heart series ("Hidden," "Wanted" and "Forgiven") and the Seasons of Sugarcreek series. Her latest novel, "The Survivor," focuses on a young Amish woman seeking happiness after surviving cancer.