May Events at Westlake Porter Public Library

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s May, 2018 calendar of events:

Tuesdays, May 1, 8 and 15 (2-3 p.m.) Conversational Spanish – Please join us to learn Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation with an expert instructor. No registration required.

Tuesday, May 1, Thursday, May 3 and Wednesday, May 23 (6:30-8 pm) Connecting for Kids Sensory Consult – Does your child hate “itchy” clothes? Is your child bothered by noises or have difficulty with busy environments? Are you concerned about your child’s frequent meltdowns and difficulty interacting with others? Does your child frequently spin, jump and crash his or her body into things? If so, come to our Sensory Consult where you and your child will meet with a pediatric occupational therapist from Abilities First, LLC. This consult is open to children ages 18 months-12 years. Your child will be encouraged to engage in some activities while you complete a checklist. You will also learn strategies to help him or her at home. Please register at www.connectingforkids.org or by calling 440-250-5563.

Wednesdays, May 2, 9, 16 and 23 (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. Please arrive early to receive a ticket.

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

Wednesdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 (3:45-5 p.m.) Tween Scene – Weekly hang-out for 5th and 6th graders ONLY! No registration required.

Wednesdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 (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, May 2 (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.

Thursday, May 3 (10-11:30 a.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.

Thursdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 (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, May 4 and Saturday, Saturday, May 19 (10:30-11:15 a.m.) and Monday, May 14 (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, May 4 (3:30-4:15 p.m.) Fun Science Friday – Join Mrs. K as we explore sand and seashells along with the creatures that call the beach home. Discoveries will be made through hands-on experiments, active participation and a simple take home project. Ages 4-6. Registration begins April 27.

Saturday, May 5 (All Day) National Free Comic Book Day – In partnership with Carol & John’s Comic Book Shop, we’ll be giving out free comic books (three per person) while supplies last. In addition, we’ll have a caricature artist on site as well as displays of superhero and cartoon character figures. No registration required.

Saturday, May 5 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) Cinco de Mayo! – Hola! Let’s celebrate Cinco de Mayo with some festive crafts and activities. Ole! No registration necessary.

Saturday, May 5 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Pokemon Fun! – A fun morning of Pokemon-themed play, prizes, and crafts! Ages 6-11. No registration required.

Saturday, May 5 (1-2:45 p.m.) Zentangle Basics – Zentangle® is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create abstract images by drawing repetitive patterns. Instructors Cathy and Michelle will walk you step-by-step through this amazing art form. Please register.

Saturdays, May 5 & 19 (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, May 6 (2-3:30 p.m.) Boredom Busters! – Are you bored? Drop by the Storytime Room and join in the fun! We will have different activities available each month. All ages welcome! No registration required.

Sunday, May 6 (3-4 p.m.) Art Smarts: Aztec Art – 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. Registration begins April 29.

Mondays, May 7, 14 and 21 (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. No registration required.

Mondays May 7, 14 and 21 (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.

Monday, May 7 (7-8 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.

Monday, May 7 (7-8:15 p.m.) A Celebration of Animation – Everyone has their favorites, but who are some of the most influential cartoon characters from television? Marty Gitlin, author of the book A Celebration of Animation: The 100 Greatest Cartoon Characters in Television History, will host this fun presentation for kids, teens, and adults. Please register.

Tuesday, May 8 (4-5 p.m.) TWEEN Cake Pop Party – Yummy treats are in store for you as we learn how to make and decorate colorful cake pops! All supplies provided. Please let us know if you have any food allergies. Grades 5-6. Registration begins May 1.

Tuesday, May 8 (6-7 p.m.) Teen Cake Pop Creations – Yummy treats are in store for you as we learn how to make and decorate colorful cake pops! All supplies provided. Please let us know if you have any food allergies. Grades 7-12. Registration begins May 1.

Tuesday, May 8 (7-7:30 p.m.) Bedtime Stories: Down on the Farm – Put on your pajamas and join Mrs. K as we say goodnight to many farm animal friends through quiet stories, songs and fingerplays. Ages 4-6. Siblings welcome. No registration required.

Tuesday, May 8 (7 p.m.) Tuesday Evening Book Discussion – In May we’ll discuss Sycamore by Bryn Chancellor.

Thursday, May 10 (9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) Living in the Digital World Senior Expo – Join our technology trainer, along with other area libraries and senior centers, at the Rocky River Don Umerley Civic Center to explore area technology resources for seniors.

Thursday, May 10 (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 Desk. Please read the article prior to the meeting. Please register.

Friday, May 11 (9:30 and 10:30 a.m.) and Saturday, May 12 (9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.) Connecting for Kids Music Therapy & More^SM – 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 www.connectingforkids.org/register, or email: info@connectingforkids.org or by phone: 440-250-5563.

Friday, May 11 (3:30-4:30 p.m.) Got Science? – Join us for a fun afternoon as we explore beach activities and experiments. Grades 1 and 2. Registration begins May 4.

Saturday, May 12 (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. No registration required.

Saturday, May 12 (4-5:30 p.m.) STEAMMaker Lab – This month’s topic: Math Art! Create various pieces of art using mathematical properties. Grades 3-5. Registration begins May 5.

Sunday, May 13 (2-3 p.m.) American Girl Doll Club: Luciana Vega – Luciana Vega is an aspiring astronaut ready to take the next giant leap to Mars. We’ll explore space and being an astronaut through games and crafts. Ages 6-11. Registration begins May 6.

Monday, May 14 (7-8:30 p.m.) Maker Monday: All About Drones – Learn all about drones – remote-controlled quadcopters, sometimes with cameras attached – and even get to fly your own (weather permitting). Please register.

Tuesday, May 15 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Tablet Tuesday User Group – This group will share tips and tricks with each other about using iPads and Android Tablets. Kindle Fire users welcome! Please bring your devices. Please register.

Tuesday, May 15 (7-8:30 p.m.) The Lost Gettysburg Address – Author David T. Dixon will speak about his book The Lost Gettysburg Address, a fast paced narrative that tells the remarkable life story of Charles Anderson, who kept turning up at critical places and moments in the Civil War. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Please register.

Wednesday, May 16 (6:30-8:45 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogical Society – Dr. Judith Cetina will discuss Cuyahoga County Archives Holdings at the New Location.

Thursday, May 17 (Preschool Session: 6:30-7:30 p.m.) and Friday, May 18 (Preschool session: 9:30 a.m. and Toddler Session: 11:30 a.m.) Connecting for Kids Teach Me to Play^SM – 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 experienced Early Intervention Specialist and Speech-Language Pathologist. Register at www.connectingforkids.org/register, or email: info@connectingforkids.org or by phone: 440-250-5563.

Friday, May 18 (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, May 19 (10 a.m.-4 p.m. Armed Forces Day – Show your support for the Armed Forces with patriotic crafts and activities in the Youth Services Department. Hooah! Oorah! Hooyah! No registration necessary.

Saturday, May 19 (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, May 19 (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. No registration required.

Sunday, May 20 (2-4 p.m.) Compeer Day – Creating art can have an extremely positive impact on those recovering from mental illness. Far West Center artists and staff will be on hand creating and displaying their art and starting dialogs about important mental health issues. Music and refreshments included.

Monday, May 21 (1-1:30 p.m.) Yoga Time! – This is a perfect way to introduce yoga and practice simple poses that imitate animals and nature. Remember to wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat. Ages 3 and up with a caregiver. No registration required.

Monday, May 21 (6:30-7 p.m.) Digital Storytime – Songs, rhymes, and stories with multimedia elements such as video clips, music and animation. For children up to age 6 and a caregiver. No registration required.

Monday, May 21 (7-8:30 p.m.) Investors’ Interest Group: Estate Planning – This seminar will discuss why most estate plans fail to protect your family and assets from unnecessary expenses and risks. You’ll learn the differences between wills and trusts and how to avoid probate and protect your family even after your death, and preserve the tax deferral benefits of retirement plans for your heirs. Please register.

Tuesday, May 22 (9:30-10 a.m.) Stories and Signs – Enjoy an interactive storytime while learning a few words in sign language! Ages 0-3, siblings welcome. No registration required.

Tuesday, May 22 (1-3 p.m.) Career: Resumes and LinkedIn Buzz – Buzz words, good and bad verbs, formats, fonts, templates. All these things change on a regular basis. What is current? How does your resume stack up? Bring it, evaluate it, get feedback and be on top of the pile next time you send your resume. No registration required.

Tuesday, May 22 (7-8:30 p.m.) Lincoln on Leadership – Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President, gave us leadership lessons throughout his career. Our speaker, Mel Maurer, will examine Lincoln’s leadership style and discuss how he relied on both the written and spoken word. Please register.

Wednesday, May 23 (2 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – The May selection is The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick.

Thursday, May 24 (Noon-1:30 p.m.) Small Business Lunch & Learn: Developing a Business Plan, Part 2 – In Part 2, we’ll review the elements of a business plan, discuss writing the business plan, and assess the feasibility of your business. Development of the business concept, marketing, finance and time and resource management will also be discussed. Please register.

Thursday, May 24 (7-7:30 p.m.) Parachute Play! – Get ready to jump and move with music, stories, and the parachute. Bring your energy and your mom, dad, or other caregiver to Parachute Play! Registration begins May 17.

Friday, May 25 (10 a.m.-Noon) Fiber Fanatics – A time for needlecrafters to share, solve problems, and show off.

Saturday, May 26 (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, May 26 (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, May 27 and Monday, May 28 Memorial Day – Library Closed

Tuesday, May 29 (2-3 p.m.) Travel Club: Inside Scoop on Cruise Ship Life – Music and Arts Librarian Maria Fesz will tell us what it’s like to live and work on the high seas. Registration begins April 29.

Wednesday, May 30 (2-3 p.m.) Kanopy Movie Discussion Club – We’ll discuss the movie Theeb, 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.) Registration begins May 1.

Thursday, May 31 (10-10:30 a.m.) Introduction to Apps: Literacy – A quick, interactive training on apps that will help boost your toddler and preschooler’s early-literacy skills. Children are welcome to attend a playtime with Youth Services staff while parents attend the training. Please register all children participating. Caregivers are welcome to attend without children. Ages 6 months to 10 years, but apps introduced best fit ages 2-6. Registration begins May 24.

Thursday, May 31 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Thursday, May 31 (1-2 p.m.) ArtWalk Gallery Reception – Come view the results of Westlake Porter Public Library’s Art Walk and meet the artists! The ArtWalk is an opportunity for persons with disabilities to explore nature and share their unique perspective of the world. Participants captured pictures of scenery they found beautiful, inspiring, or moving. This free reception is open to all!

Thursday, May 31 (4-7 p.m.) Summer Reading Kick-Off Party – Summer Reading starts June 1st! Come help us celebrate with live music and fun activities. Open to readers of all ages, from babies and preschoolers to teens and adults! NOTE: In case of rain, we will be celebrating in the Youth Services area and Storytime Room.

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