January Events at Westlake Porter Public Library

Thursdays, January 2 and 9 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Saturday, January 4 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Happy Birthday, New Year! — This quiet New Year’s party has a birthday theme. We’ll read stories, sing some songs, and make a craft. This will be excellent practice for attending a birthday party in 2020! Happy Birthday, World! Grades K-4. Registration begins December 28.

Sunday, January 5 (2-3 p.m.) American Girl Doll Club: Maryellen Larkin — It’s 1954 and Maryellen Larkin wants to stand out, but with lots of siblings, it’s not so easy. We’ll learn about living in the ‘50s, listen to some rock ’n roll, and make a craft. Ages 6-11. Registration begins December 29.

 Monday, January 6 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Vision Boards — What do you want to do in 2020?  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 special needs.No registration required.

Mondays, January 6, 13 and 27 (3:30-5:30 p.m.) Teen Lounge — Come to WPPL’s Teen Lounge on Monday afternoons! We have computers, video games, board games, snacks, and more! For grades 7-12 only. No registration required.

Mondays, January 6, 13, 20 and 27 (4-5 p.m. – Grades 3-8) and Thursdays, January 9, 16, 23 and 30 (4-5 p.m. – Grades 3-4) Code Club! — Learn how to build an app, design a video game, and change the world through code! Registration begins a week before each session. Please register for just one session per week.

Monday, January 6 (6:30-7:45 p.m.) Career: Job Search Coaching — Do you have a personal brand? Learn how to determine your brand and how to incorporate your brand/value into your networking discussions. Please register.

Tuesday, January 7 (11 a.m.-Noon) Weight Loss and Detox — At the beginning of the year people start their New Year Health goals. Join Dr. Casen DeMaria from the Drugless Doctors to learn how you can achieve those goals and be the best version of yourself this year! Please register.

Tuesday, January 7 (6-8:45 p.m.) CPR — Get certified for adult, child, and infant CPR and AED. Instruction provided by certified instructors/paramedics from UH St. John.Medical Center. Participants under the age of 14 must have parent/legal guardian with them in class. If any questions, contact the instructors at uh4cpr@gmail.com. Please register.

Tuesday, January 7 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Interactive Movie — Watch this Marvel film in a brand-new way. Sing, snack and see if you can out sarcasm Starlord. Grades 7-12. Registration required, but drop-ins welcome while supplies last. Registration begins December 31.

Tuesday, January 7 (7-8 p.m.) Cooking with Susan: Death by Chocolate — Get ready for Valentine’s Day with some chocolaty delights! Please register.

Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22 and 29 (9:30 & 10:15 a.m.) Let’s Sing and Dance! — Sing and move to the music with Miss Nancy! For children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Please arrive early to receive a ticket.

Wednesday, January 8 (10-11 a.m.) Tax Tips with H&R Block: Senior Lecture Series — H&R Block understands that retirement or life changes means seniors’ taxes are a little more complicated. When should you start social security benefits? How do you avoid retirement money mistakes? Aging comes with a few tax perks; let H&R Block help you relax and enjoy some of that money you won’t have to give to the IRS. Please register.

Wednesday January 8 (1-2:30 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogical Society Help Session — Free help Session in the library’s computer lab. Please bring your pedigree and/or family group sheets. No registration required.

Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22 and 29 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursdays, January 9 and 23 (6:30-8 p.m.) Bow Wow Books — Stop by Youth Services to sign up for a 10-minute reading time with a reading therapy dog. Dogs will stay for 10 minutes past the last registered reader or 1.5 hours, whichever comes first. Sign-ups begin Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday at 6 p.m. 

Wednesday, January 8 (6-8:45 p.m.) First Aid — The Heartsaver First Aid course is designed to prepare students to provide first aid in a variety of injury and other emergency situations in a safe, timely and effective manner. Instruction is provided by certified instructors/paramedics from UH St. John Westshore Medical Center. Participants under the age of 14 must have a parent/legal guardian with them in class. If you have any questions, please contact the instructors at uh4cpr@gmail.com. Please register.

Wednesday, January 8 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Horror Film Club — Calling all horror film fans: Join us for another creepy classic from the vault…if you dare! New members are always welcome, but children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Please register.

Thursday, January 9 (2-3:30 p.m.) Great Decisions Discussion Program on World Affairs — Discuss critical global issues facing America today. After each meeting a copy of the article for the following month will be made available and can be picked up at the Ask Us Desk. Please read the article prior to the meeting. Please register.

Tuesdays, January 9, 16, 23 and 30 (3:15-4:30 p.m.) Teen Writers Group — A weekly meet up for writers in grades 7-12. No registration required. 

Thursdays, January 9, 23 and 30 (6-6:45 p.m.) and Saturday, January 25 (11-11:45 a.m.) Adapted Storytime — Children with varying learning styles and abilities learn together in a safe supportive environment where respect and appreciation for differences is encouraged. This 30-minute storytime followed by a time for socialization is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience. Content is geared to ages 3-7 but all ages are welcome. Siblings may also attend but must register separately. Registration begins one week before each session.

Friday, January 10 (9:30 and 10:30 a.m.) and Saturday, January 11 (9:30 a.m.) Connecting for Kids’ Music Therapy & More^SM — This program is designed for families and their children (ages 0-6 years) who are struggling in an area of development. Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child’s motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior. This program is led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist. Siblings (ages 0-6 years) may also attend but must register separately. Please register at www.connectingforkids.org/register, by emailing info@connectingforkids.org, or calling 440-250-5908. Music Therapy & More is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

Friday, January 10 (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! No registration required.

Saturday, January 11 (10-11:30 a.m.) Beginning Coding for Adults — What is coding? 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. The class focus is on HTML and CSS. Please register.

Saturday, January 11 (10:30 -11:30 a.m.) Pokemon Fun! — A fun morning of Pokemon themed play, prizes, and crafts! Ages 6-12. No registration required.

Saturday, January 11 (1 and 2:30 p.m.) Elementary Experiences^SM — These hands-on training programs are designed for families and their children (ages 7-12 years) who are struggling. Families will learn targeted skills together and receive a handout with ideas and resources to use at home. Adults are expected to participate in the program with their children. Siblings (ages 7-12 years) may also attend but must register separately. Topic: Organization Station: Are chores a challenge in your house? Does your child start a task and never finish it? We can help! Join therapists from Galvin Therapy Center for an interactive session where children can learn and practice organizational skills. Children will do “chores” at stations set up to represent rooms of a home including the kitchen and bedroom. Each station will feature activities to complete together and strategies that can be used at home. Please register at www.connectingforkids.org/register, or email: info@connectingforkids.org or by phone: 440-570-5908.

Saturday, January 11 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders — Love those bricks? Bring your ideas and imagination! Lego® and Duplo® bricks provided. For ages 3-12. No registration required.

Saturday, January 11 (2-5 p.m.) Jewelry Junction: Necklace & Earrings Set — Make a beautiful one-of-a-kind necklace and earrings set using pearls, crystals, and silver findings. Please register.

Sunday, January 12 (2-4 p.m.) 800+ Chess Club — A chance for those competing at an 800+ USCF Rating to work together on strategies, skills, and game play. If you’re a beginner, please attend our Chess Club on the last Sunday of the month. No registration required.

Monday, January 13 (11-11:45 a.m.) Puzzle and Block Fun — Children with special needs and their parents are invited to come play with puzzles and blocks in a safe, supportive environment. Ages 3-7, siblings welcome. Registration begins January 6.

Monday, January 13 (1-1:30 p.m.) Yoga Time! — A perfect way to introduce yoga and practice simple poses. Remember to wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat. Siblings welcome! Ages 3 and up. No registration required.

Saturday, January 13 (2-3 p.m.) 3D Printing Orientation — Want to use the library’s 3D printer? You’ll need to take this orientation class first. Learn the library’s policies about using it, how to download a 3D printable object file and how to prepare it for a great print. Please register.

Monday, January 13 (7-8:30 p.m.) Resources for Your Job Search — Whether you are looking for your first job or returning to the market after a long time, The Reserves will introduce you to the best tools for finding job opportunities that match your skills and interests. Please register.

Tuesday, January 14 (10-11:30 a.m.) Introduction to Cloud Computing — Discover how Google products, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Apple iCloud, and other cloud-based services can make your life easier. Please register.

Tuesday, January 14 (1-3 p.m.) Career: Your “Yellow Brick Road” to Success — Join us to build your own career road map for the New Year. Learn how to make the stops you need along the way and get to your planned destination. Have some fun as you work your plan. Every journey starts and ends somewhere. Where are you going? No registration necessary.

Tuesday, January 14 (7-8:30 p.m.) Tuesday Evening Book Discussion — In January we’ll discuss our favorite childhood books!

Tuesday, January 14 (7-8:30 p.m.) Lake Shore Cemetery of Avon Lake — Join author Sherry Newman Spenzer as she discusses her new book on Avon Lake’s Lake Shore Cemetery. Books will be available for purchase at the conclusion of the program. Please register.

Wednesday, January 15 (Noon-2:30 p.m.) Crafty Adults — Feeling crafty? Join us and make a unique work of art! Create your own art based on the work of a famous artist or holiday. Specifically for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities. No previous art experience necessary. No registration necessary.

Wednesday, January 15 (2-3:30 p.m.) Intro to Smartphones — Learn the basics of using smartphones, such as screen brightness, WiFi settings, adding apps, and more! If bringing your device, please bring all account passwords. Please register.

Wednesday, January 15 (6:30-8:45 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogy Society — Cuyahoga West members Debby Basiewicz and John Noble will present How to Climb Your Family Tree. No registration required. 

Wednesday, January 15 (7-8 p.m.) Classic Television Programs of the ‘50s — This presentation focuses on early 50’s black and white television programs, sharing information and then viewing videos from 17 of them including Father Knows Best, Ozzie and Harriet, Gunsmoke and more. Please register.

Thursday, January 16 (10-11:30 a.m.) eBooks, Streaming Music, Digital Movies, and More! — Learn how to access free eBooks and eAudiobooks, digital music, streaming movies, and more! A brief presentation will be followed by an open lab to try out services. Please bring your devices. Please register.

Thursday, January 16 (Preschool session: 6:30 p.m.) and Friday, January 17 (Preschool session: 9:30 a.m. and Toddler session: 11:30 a.m.) Connecting for Kids’ Teach Me to Play^SM — Do you want to help your child learn to play with others? Are you looking to give your child more social opportunities? With fun, new themes each month, Teach Me to Play offers your child a host of new activities and experiences each time he or she attends. Your child will enjoy playing with other children while practicing language and social skills. Since you attend together, you will have the opportunity to interact with our experienced Early Intervention Specialist and Speech-Language Pathologist who can provide strategies for managing problem behaviors, offer tips for increasing your child’s communication skills or share appropriate resources. This program is specifically designed for children ages 18 months-6 years who are struggling in an area of development. Come connect with other families in a supportive and accepting environment. Please register at www.connectingforkids.org/register, or email: info@connectingforkids.org or by phone: 440-570-5908. Teach Me to Play is supported by a grant from GPD Employees’ Foundation.

Thursday, January 16 (7-7:30 p.m.) Teddy Bear Jamboree — Bring your favorite teddy bear to our Teddy Bear Jamboree! Join us for crafts and other beary fun activities! All ages. No registration required.

Saturday, January 18 (1-2:30 p.m.) Zentangle: Basic — Join Certified Zentangle Teachers Cathy Zavodny and Michelle Rodgers to learn the art of Zentangle. You will learn the basics and create your own Zentangle simply using lines and shapes. Please register.

Saturday, January 18 (2-4 p.m.) The Tell-Tale Play: A Literary Celebration for Edgar Allan Poe’s 211th Birthday — Celebrate Poe’s birthday with The Largely Literary Theatre Company! In this performance Poe’s stories and poems come alive. Pay your respects to the master of horror, the father of the original detective story, and a brilliant American poet and writer. Please register.

Saturday, January 18 (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! No registration required.

Saturday, January 18 (3-5 p.m.) Anime Club — A great club for anime and manga lovers! All otakus and newbies are welcome! Grades 7 to adult. No registration required.

Sunday, January 19 (2-3 p.m.) Oreo Taste Test — Find out which Oreo you like best in this Oreo filled afternoon of Oreo games and taste tests. Grades 7-12. Registration begins January 12.

Sunday, January 19 (2-3 p.m.) Sundays a la Friends: Red Light Roxy — Girl singers pay tribute to the classic female vocalists of the 40’s and 50’s. Please register.

Monday, January 20 (1:30-3:30 p.m.) Busy Town Building Day — Help us build Richard Scarry’s Busy Town using a variety of provided materials. Ages 3-8. No registration required.

Monday, January 20 (7-8:30 p.m.) Investors’ Interest Group: Social Security — Learn about timing your Social Security, Spousal and Survivor Benefits and Social Security Maximization Strategies. Presented by Hantz Financial Services. Please register.

Monday, January 20 (7-8:30 p.m.) Maker Monday: Green Energy for Your Home — Learn about the kinds of green, renewable energy you can use in your home, from solar panels to electric vehicles, Please register.

Tuesday, January 21 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Tablet Tuesday User Group — Share tips and tricks with each other about using iPads and Android Tablets. Kindle Fire users are welcome! Please bring your own devices. Please register.

Tuesday, January 21 (2-3 p.m.) Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia — Danielle Bruck from Symphony at Olmsted Falls will give an overall explanation of dementia with additional information about Alzheimer’s Disease. Please register.

Tuesday, January 21 (6-7:30 p.m.) Tabletop Game Night: Ticket to Ride – Europe — It’s game night at the Library! This month’s game is Ticket To Ride: Europe. We’ll provide the game, snacks and drinks. Bring your suggestions for future Tabletop Game Nights. Grades 7-12. Registration begins January 14.

Tuesday, January 21 (6:30 p.m.) Connecting for Kids’ Speaker Series — Join us for presentations on various childhood topics by local, pediatric professionals. Free, supervised children’s activities are available, but adults and children must register separately. Please register at www.connectingforkids.org/register, or email: info@connectingforkids.org or by phone: 440-570-5908. Topic: How to Meet the Needs of Typical Siblings: Do the needs of your typical children sometimes go unmet? Are you feeling guilty over the amount of time you spend focused on your child who struggles verses the amount you can carve out for a typical sibling? Lisa Ruman, LISW, CHt, of The Child & Family Counseling Center of Westlake, will outline ways to have a conversation with your typically developing child so that he or she can express frustrations and identify at least one need that currently isn’t being met. We will then share practical ways to meet sibling needs given limited time and funds.

Tuesday, January 21 (7-7:30 p.m.) Bedtime Stories: Llama, Llama — Time to unwind at the end of the day. Llama, Llama will help us as we get ready for bed with quiet stories, songs and other bedtime activities. Ages 4-6. Siblings welcome. No registration required.

Wednesday, January 22 (2 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion — The January selection is Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.

Wednesdays, January 22 and 29 (3-4:30 p.m.) Tween Scene — Drop in after school to play board games and video games with your friends. Snacks will be provided. Grades 5-6. No registration necessary.

Wednesday, January 22 (4-5 p.m.) Winter Walk — Bundle up for a winter walk with us in our garden and on our property. We will quietly observe nature, hear a story, and warm up with hot cider and a treat. Registration begins January 15. Please register siblings separately.

Wednesday, January 22 (7-8 p.m.) Alternatives to Cable TV — Frustrated with cable service? This program will help you sort through the variety of viewing alternatives available. Learn about digital media players, streaming services, and additional options.

Thursday, January 23 (Noon-1:30 p.m.) Small Business Lunch & Learn: Grant Writing Basics — Join us to get answers to your grant writing questions, discover key do’s and don’ts, and learn how to navigate the grant writing process. Leave with tips for writing successful proposals. Please register.

Friday, January 24 (10 a.m.-Noon) Fiber Fanatics — A time for needlecrafters to share, solve problems, and show off.

Friday, January 24 (4-4:45 p.m.) Fun Science Friday: Winter Animals — Explore the animals that love the winter and have adapted to the snow and cold. Discoveries will be made through hands-on experiments, active participation and a simple take-home project. Ages 4-6, Kindergarten or lower. Registration begins January 17.

Saturday, January 25 (Noon-4 p.m.) Family Football Fun! — Kick off your day with fun halftime activities! Team up with us to celebrate the SuperBowl with crafts and games! Touchdown! Go Browns! All ages. No registration required.

Saturday, January 25 (3:30-4 p.m.) Family Storytime — An interactive family storytime featuring books, rhymes, songs, movement, and a small craft. For families with children ages 2-6. Siblings welcome. No registration required.

Sunday, January 26 (2-3 p.m.) A Conversation with Matt Harry — Join us for a conversation with best-selling YA author Matt Harry. Harry is the author of Cryptozoology for Beginners, the much-awaited sequel to Sorcery for Beginners. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the event. Registration begins January 12.

Tuesday, January 28 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Beginning Tarot Card Reading — Learn how to become familiar with Tarot cards, ask the right question, shuffle the deck, and get information from the cards. Please bring your own cards. The Rider-Waite deck is perfect for beginners. Please register.

Wednesday, January 29 (10-11 a.m.) Laughter Yoga — Brighton Gardens will present this program on Laughter Yoga, a modern exercise involving prolonged voluntary  laughter. Please register.

Thursday, January 30 (7-8 p.m.) Optimal Aging vs. Successful Aging — Lauranne Scharf from Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging will present this program on Optimal aging vs. Successful aging. Please register.

Friday, January 31 (4-4:45 p.m.) Got Science? — Have you ever wondered why some foods taste better than others? This month we’ll test sweet, salty and sour. Program may not be appropriate for children with allergies. Grades 1 and 2. Registration begins January 24.

To register for any of the programs, please call (440) 871-2600 or visit https://events.westlakelibrary.org/events.