February Events at Westlake Porter Public Library

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s February 2020 calendar of events:

Saturdays, February 1, 22 and 29 (10:30-11 a.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.

Saturday, February 1 (1-4 p.m.) Frozen Day! – Frozen? Come in from the cold to celebrate the adventures of Anna, Elsa and friends. While supplies last. All ages. No registration required.

Saturdays, February 1 and 29 (3:30-5 p.m.) STEAMMaker Lab – February 1: Make and program your own LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Robot. February 29: Feed the Birds! Learn about different birds, what they eat and how you can provide food for them through demonstrations, experiments and a building project. Grades 3-5. Registration begins one week before each session.

Saturdays, February 1, 15 and 29 (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, February 2 (2-3 p.m.) American Girl Doll Club: Melody Ellison – Melody, and 9 year-old girl growing up in Detroit, Michigan in the mid-1960s loves to sing. The Civil Rights Movement is in full swing and Melody finds her voice for justice. We will discuss the Civil Rights Movement, sing and dance to Motown music and make a related craft. Ages 6-11. Registration begins January 26.

Mondays, February 3, 10 and 24 (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, February 3, 10, 17 and 24 (4-5 p.m. – Grades 3-8) and Thursdays, February 6 and 13 (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, February 3 (6:30-7:45 p.m.) Career: Job Search Coaching – What it Takes to Have Your Resume Noticed by a Hiring Manager: This workshop will discuss the importance of resume construction, what style hiring managers like to read and why, common resume writing mistakes, and what content will separate you from the competition. Plus you will learn about personal branding and how to incorporate it into your resume. Please register.

Tuesday, February 4 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Interactive Movie – Watch this wizarding classic in a brand-new way. Sing, snack and support Harry through year one of wizardry school. Grades 7-12. Registration required, but drop-ins welcome while supplies last. Please register.

Wednesday, February 5 (10-11 a.m.) Tax Tips with H&R Block Senior Lecture Series – Retirement or other life changes may mean senior’s taxes are a little more complicated. When should you start social security benefits? How do you avoid retirement money mistakes? Let H&R Block help you to relax and enjoy some of that money you won’t have to give to the IRS. Please register.

Wednesday February 5 (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, February 5, 12, 19 and 26 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursday, February 20 (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, February 5 (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, February 6 (9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.), Friday, February 7 (9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.), Saturday, February 8 (9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday, February 9 (1:15-4 p.m.) Friends’ Annual Book Sale – Stop by the library for bargains on used books, CDs, and DVDs! Now accepting ApplePay, GooglePay, VISA, Mastercard, American Express and Discover! Half-Price sale is on Saturday, and the $2 Bag Sale is on Sunday. Thursday, February 6 (6-8 p.m.) Harry Potter Book Night—Celebrate the magic and wonder of the 6th annual Harry Potter event. Enjoy games, crafts contests and other wizarding activities. All ages. No registration required.

Friday, February 7 (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.

Friday, February 7 and Saturday, February 22 (11-11:45 a.m.) and Thursday, February 27 (6-6:45 p.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.

Saturday, February 8 (10-11:30 a.m.) Beginning 3D Design – Use the free, web-based software TinkerCad to create simple 3D designs. Students will create accounts in class. Valid email address required. (Fulfills Orientation requirement for 3D print submission.) For teens and adults. Please register.

Saturday, February 8 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) Valentine’s Day Fun – Join us in the Youth Services Department to make Valentine crafts for those you love. No registration required.

Saturday, February 8 (10:30 -11:30 a.m.) Pokemon Fun! – A fun morning of Pokemon themed play, prizes, and crafts! Ages 6-12. No registration required.

Saturdays, February 8 and 22 (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.

Sunday, February 9 (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, February 10 (3:30-4:30 p.m.) Make a Heart Craft – Create a heart, perfect for this time of year. Specifically for children who may not be successful in a typical craft program and their caring adult. No previous art experience necessary. Ages 3-7. Registration begins February 3.

Tuesday, February 11 (1-3 p.m.) Career: Working Through the Hidden Job Market – Learn about the research needed to find out about positions before they are advertised and find the best job for you. Being creative can reduce the competition and land you the job! No registration necessary.

Tuesdays, February 11, 18, and 25 (2-3:30 p.m.) Conversational Spanish – Please join us to learn Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation with an expert instructor. You’re sure to be speaking the romance language fluently in no time. No registration required.

Tuesday, February 11 (3-4 p.m.) Stroke Smart: Signs, Treatment & Recovery – Join the Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center as they take you through the different phases of stroke prevention, symptoms and therapy services as you recover. Please register.

Tuesday, February 11 (6-7:30 p.m.) Self-Care Beyond the Mani-Pedi – This workshop will teach girls in grades 7-12 practical ways to incorporate simple hands-on techniques that can be used every day to focus on the mind, body and spirit. Grades 7-12. Registration begins January 28.

Tuesday, February 11 (6:30-8 p.m.) Jewelry Junction: Wire-Wrapped Heart Pendant – Learn the art of wire-wrapping stones. Wire-wrap a red heart stone for Valentine’s Day using gold or silver-plated artistic wire. Please register.

Tuesday, February 11 (7-8:30 p.m.) Tuesday Evening Book Discussion – In February we’ll discuss Inheritance by Dani Shapiro.

Wednesday, February 12 (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, February 12 (7-8 p.m.) “Palaces for the People” Book Discussion – Join us for a special discussion of the book Palaces for the People by Eric Klinenberg. Part of the Cuyahoga County-wide One Community Reads initiative, which encourages reading and cultivates dialogue about social issues affecting our communities. No registration necessary.

Thursday, February 13 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Thursday, February 13 (1:30-3:30 p.m.) Valentine’s Day Collage – In this class the collage process will be explained and demonstrated along with a brief history of Valentines. Participants will make their own collage with a background. All materials included. Please register.

Thursday, February 13 (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.

Thursdays, February 13 and 27 (3:15-4:30 p.m.) Teen Writers Group – A weekly meet up for writers in grades 7-12. No registration required.

Thursday, February 13 (6:30-7:30 p.m.) Valentine Party – Drop in and make a craft, play a party game, listen to music and enjoy a snack. Specifically for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities. No registration required.

Friday, February 14 (9:30 and 10:30 a.m.) and Saturday, February 15 (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, February 14 (10-10:30 a.m.) Little Hands Art – Nurture your child’s creative side with this hands-on program featuring a story, song, and craft. For children ages 3-5 and their caregiver.  Registration begins February 7.

Saturday, February 15 (9:30-10:30 a.m.) Uke Can Do It!: Ukulele Workshop (Ages 8-12) – Learn the basics of playing the ukulele with this hands-on program offered by Roots of American Music. Instruments will be provided! This session is for ages 8-12 ONLY. Please register.

Saturday, February 15 (11 a.m.-Noon) Uke Can Do It!: Ukulele Workshop (Ages 13-18) – Learn the basics of playing the ukulele with this hands-on program offered by Roots of American Music. Instruments will be provided! This session is for ages 13-18 ONLY. Please register.

Saturday, February 15 (1-3 p.m.) Zentangle – Poetry – Learn to create this unique Zentangle technique of Found Poetry. You will be using a page from a book, finding words that stand out to create a poem and then create tangled works of art around them. Please register.

Saturday, February 15 (2-3 p.m.) Uke Can Do It!: Ukulele Workshop (Adult) – Learn the basics of playing the ukulele with this hands-on program offered by Roots of American Music. Instruments will be provided! This session is for ages 18+ ONLY. Please register.

Saturday, February 15 (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.

Sunday, February 16 (2-3 p.m.) Sundays a la Friends: Porter’s Palettes – We’ll provide everything you need for a great afternoon as a local artist guides you through painting your own masterpiece! Registration begins February 1.

Monday, February 17 (10-11 a.m.) Write to a Friend – Adults with special needs and their caregivers will decorate cards for friends or senior citizen pen pals. Several options for all abilities will be provided. No letter or card writing experience necessary. Bring your own lunch, if you’d like! No registration required.

Tuesday, February 17 (Noon-3 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. Registration begins February 1.

Monday, February 17 (7-8:30 p.m.) Investors’ Interest Group: Long Term Care Planning – The cost of long term care can quickly drain a family of its resources. Elder law attorney Elizabeth Perla will discuss how one puts together a long term care plan that can save your family money. Please register.

Monday, February 17 (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 videocassettes into DVDs. Learn how here! Please register.

Tuesday, February 18 (9:30-9:50 a.m.) Stories and Signs – Enjoy an interactive storytime while learning a few words in sign language! Siblings welcome. Ages 0-3. No registration required.

Tuesday, February 18 (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.

Tuesdays, February 18 (6-7 p.m.) Teen Trivia Night – Get your team assembled and join us for Teen Trivia Night! There will be different themes each month as well as popcorn and prizes. Grades 7-12. Please register.

Tuesday, February 18 (7-8:45 p.m.) Westlake Westshore Arts Council: Catch a Rising Star – The Westlake Westshore Arts Council will present a performance by a Baldwin Wallace student. Free and open to the public. No registration necessary.

Wednesdays, February 19 and 26 (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.

Wednesdays, February 19 and 26 (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, February 19 (7-8:30 p.m.) Author Talk – Catherine Urban’s “Your Astrological Cookbook: The Perfect Recipe for Every Sign” – Join astrologer and writer Catherine Urban as she talks about the benefits of astrology in our daily lives and shares tips and recipes from her new book. Books will be available for sale and signing. Please register.

Thursday, February 20 (Noon-1:30 p.m.) Small Business Lunch & Learn: Financial Statement Basics – Good bookkeeping and financial management are critical to the health of a business. Learn what financial statements are, why they’re important and how they’re used in the process of running a business. Please register.

Thursday, February 20 (Preschool session: 6:30 p.m.) and Friday, February 21 (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.

Friday, February 21 (3-4:15 p.m.) Candid: Introduction to Finding Grants – Are you new to the field of grantseeking? Discover what funders are looking for in nonprofits seeking grants and how to find potential funders in this introductory course. Please register.

Friday, February 21 (4-4:45 p.m.) Fun Science Friday: Science of Sledding – Come and explore the science behind sledding, including gravity and friction. Discoveries will be made through hands-on experiments, active participation and a simple take-home project. Ages 4-6, Kindergarten or lower. Registration begins February 14.

Saturday, February 22 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) SAT Practice Exam – Get ready for test time with an SAT practice exam. Students will have the option to take the writing portion from 1-2 pm as well. For grades 9-12. Registration begins February 15.

Saturday, February 22 (2-4 p.m.) Jewelry Junction: Wire-Wrapped Pendant – Wire-wrap two beautiful pendants using silver or gold-plated wire. These can be hung on a cord which is provided in class. Please register.

Sunday, February 23 (2-3:30 p.m.) Boredom Busters! – Are you bored? Drop by and join in the fun! We will have different activities available each session. All ages welcome! No registration required.

Sunday, February 23 (2-4 p.m.) Chess Club – Hone your chess skills or learn how to play the game. Recommended for kids ages 6+, but all ages are welcome. If you have a chess set, please bring it! No registration necessary.

Sunday, February 23 (2-2:45 p.m.) Self Defense 101 with Horizon ATA – Learn the basics of self defense from Westlake’s Horizons ATA Martial Arts. This session is for kids in grades 4-6. Safety waivers are required for this event and will be available when you arrive. Registration begins February 16.

Sunday, February 23 (3-4 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 3-6. Registration begins February 16.

Sunday, February 23 (3-3:45 p.m.) Self Defense 101 with Horizon ATA – Learn the basics of self defense from Westlake’s Horizons ATA Martial Arts. This session is for teens in grades 7-12. Safety waivers are required for this event and will be available when you arrive. Registration begins February 16.

Monday, February 24 (1-1:30 p.m.) Yoga Time! – A perfect way to introduce yoga and practice simple poses. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat. Siblings welcome! Ages 3 and up. No registration required.

Monday, February 24 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Start-up Basics – Take your business idea from concept to reality! This hands-on workshop provided by SCORE includes five classes to help turn your ideas into action with tools, templates, and personalized advice. This free series will help start-up businesses, existing small businesses and nonprofits achieve their goals. Registration begins February 1 for this five-class series.

Monday, February 24 (7-8:30 p.m.) Rethinking the Rainbow Coalition: From the Black Panther Party to Barack Obama – Join historian Karen Sotiropoulos as she shares how the Democratic Party’s move towards a Rainbow Coalition helped set the framework for the election of the first US President of African descent. Please register.

Tuesday, February 25 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Crafty Adults – Create art of your own 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 required.

Tuesday, February 25 (1-1:45 p.m.) Adapted Yoga – Try out some simple poses and breathing techniques with us! Please wear comfy clothes and bring a towel or mat. For children ages 3-9 with special needs and their caregivers; siblings must register separately. Please note that this class is for fun and relaxation and is led by librarians, not yoga instructors. Some yoga mats will be provided. Please call the Youth Services Department at 440-250-5471 if you have any questions. Registration begins February 18.

Tuesday, February 25 (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: Solving Challenging Behavior Are the meltdowns, power struggles and talking back just getting worse? In this two-part series, Katie Greenleaf, MA, LPCC, of Meghan Barlow and Associates, will share techniques to turn your home from a battleground into a more peaceful place. Before participating in this program, you must: 1) Listen to the Podcast “Understanding Your Child’s Challenging Behaviors” which can be found on the CFK website: https://connectingforkids.org/Challenging-Behaviors17 and 2) Complete the Google Form when you register so that Katie knows a little more about your situation and can better address your concerns (anonymously) during her presentation. Attendees of this session will be registered for Part 2 of the Challenging Behavior Series, a Coffee and Chat support group hosted by Katie Greenleaf.

Tuesday, February 25 (7-7:30 p.m.) Bedtime Stories – Put on your pajamas and join Mrs. K as we unwind at the end of the day. Relax with quiet stories, songs, fingerplays and other bedtime activities. Ages 4-6. Siblings welcome. No registration required.

Wednesday, February 26 (11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.) Celebrate Black History – This fun storytime will feature books, 0rhymes, songs, and a small craft. For children in preschool, but siblings are welcome. Ages 3 1/2-5. No registration required.

Wednesday, February 26 (2 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – The February selection is Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover.

Thursday, February 27 (7-8 p.m.) A Great Age Reboot: Be Half Your Calendar Age – Join us as Dr. Michael Roizen discusses why when you eat is not just important for your weight but also for your brain. Dr. Roizen is a bestselling author and Chief Wellness Officer at Cleveland Clinic. He is board-certified in anesthesiology and internal medicine, and originator of the popular RealAge.com website. Please register.

Friday, February 28 (10 a.m.-Noon) Fiber Fanatics – A time for needlecrafters to share, solve problems, and show off.

Friday, February 28 (4-4:45 p.m.) Got Science? – Up, Up, and Away! Learn about balloon science and design your own hot air balloon. 1 and 2. Registration begins February 21.

Saturday, February 29 (1-2:15 p.m.) Yoga for Every Body – Join Nickie P. for a fun, inclusive all-level yoga class for people of every shape, size, and ability. Registration begins January 27.

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