March Events At Westlake Porter Public Library

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

Sundays, March 1 and 29 (2-3 p.m.) American Girl Doll Club – March 1: Tenney Grant and Logan Everett—Bandmates Tenney Grant (guitar) and Logan Everett (drums) are following their dreams of making it big in music We will explore what it’s like to be part of a band (team) through games and a craft. March 29: Julie Albright—Julie Albright (1974) likes school, hanging out with friends and playing basketball. We will have a groovy time playing games and doing a craft. Ages 6-11. Registration begins one week before each session.

Mondays, March 2, 9, 16 and 23 (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.

Monday, March 2 (4-5 p.m.) Dr. Seuss Craft and Story Hour – Enjoy favorite Dr. Seuss stories and make a craft in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Ages 5-9. No registration necessary.

Mondays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 (4-5 p.m. – Grades 3-8) and Thursdays, March 5,  12, 19 and 26 (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.

Mondays, March 2, 9, 16 and 23 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Simple Steps for Starting Your Business – 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. Please register.

Monday, March 2 (6:30-7:45 p.m.) Job Search Coaching – Interviews: Many people simply “laundry list” the details of their work history in a bland and mundane fashion in an interview. But how do you differentiate yourself from dozens/hundreds of other candidates? Learn what it takes from the perspective of a hiring manager to make the kind of impression that will give you a great chance at being moved to the next stage of the interview process. Please register.

Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 (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, March 3 (6:30 p.m.) Connecting for Kids’ Coffee and Chat – Join our interactive support group and meet other families facing similar struggles. Free, supervised children’s activities are available, but adults and children must register separately. Topic: Part 2 – Working Out Challenging Behavior – If you attended our Speaker Series on February 25, we invite you back to our Coffee and Chat support group, facilitated by Katie Greenleaf, MA, LPCC, of Meghan Barlow and Associates. Have you tried some of the techniques she shared on February 25th? What worked? What didn’t work? What challenges are you still facing? Join us as we discuss ways to improve behaviors and make home a collaborative and peaceful place. Please note that you must have attended the February 25 Speaker Series to register for this session. No walk-ins will be accepted. Please register at www.connectingforkids.org/register or call 440-570-5908.

Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18 and 25 (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 March 4 (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, March 4, 11, 18 and 25 (4-5:30 p.m.) and Thursdays, March 5 and 19 (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, March 4 (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, March 5 and Monday, March 23 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Thursdays, March 5, 12 and 19 (3:15-4:30 p.m.) Teen Writers Group – A weekly meet up for writers in grades 7-12. No registration required.

Thursdays, March 5 and 26 (6-6:45 p.m.) and Saturday, March 21 (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.

Thursday, March 5 (6:30-8 p.m.) How to Create A Dream Wedding Reception – Are you planning your wedding? Getting stuck on how to create a wedding reception design? Come to this free workshop and get your questions answered by a wedding planning and design expert. Please register.

Friday, March 6 (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, March 7 (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, March 7 (10 a.m.-Noon) Donuts with Dave – Questions, comments or concerns about our state government? Join State Representative Dave Greenspan for coffee, donuts and an opportunity to for a one on one conversation about how he can better serve you! No registration required.

Saturday, March 7 (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, March 7 and 21 (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, March 7 (3-4 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. Please register.

Sunday, March 8 (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.

Sunday, March 8 (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.

Monday, March 9 (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, March 9 (7-8:30 p.m.) Eric Klinenberg Live Stream – WPPL will be hosting a live stream of Eric Klinenberg’s presentation at Playhouse Square for the One Community Reads event. Klinenberg is the author of the book Palaces for the People, which addresses the importance of public gathering spaces in communities and the devastating effects that can occur in their absence. Please register.

Tuesday, March 10 (1-3 p.m.) Career: Coping with Job/Career Loss or Change – Is this you?: “I don’t know what to do next! I did not see it coming!” Let’s name it – Downsizing, Layoff, Dismissed, Fired, Retired. Feelings will occur including denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, acceptance and grief. Grieving MUST be done to move forward. Let’s move forward! No registration necessary.

Tuesday, March 10 (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, March 10 (7-8:30 p.m.) Tuesday Evening Book Discussion – In March we’ll discuss Good Kids, Bad City by Kyle Swenson.

Tuesday, March 10 (7-8:30 p.m.) The Cleveland Years of Eliot Ness – Join internationally recognized expert Rebecca McFarland as she describes Cleveland of the 1930s and its star Safety Director, Eliot Ness, who served from 1935 to 1941. In those short years he made an impact on the city of Cleveland that has lasted for generations. McFarland’s research has been used for books, movies, and television programs, such as “A&E Biography” and the “History Channel.” She also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Cleveland Police Historical Society and Museum. No registration necessary.

Wednesday, March 11 (7-8:30 p.m.) Porter Book Pub – Books are on tap with the Porter Public Library! Our March book club title is The Gown by Jennifer Robson. We meet at the Ironwood Café (688 Dover Center Road) in Westlake. Please, no outside food or drink. No registration necessary.

Thursday, March 12 (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.

Thursday, March 12 (7-7:30 p.m.) All Aboard the Lego Train! – The Lego Coding Train has arrived! Hop aboard to play and learn about simple coding while building your train’s next adventure! Ages 4-7. Registration begins March 5.

Thursday, March 13 (7-8:45 p.m.) Westlake Westshore Arts Council: FYI Opera – The Westlake Westshore Arts Council will present a performance by students from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Free and open to the public. No registration necessary.

Friday, March 13 (9:30 and 10:30 a.m.) and Saturday, March 14 (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.

Saturday, March 14 (1 p.m. – 7 to 9 years and 2:30 p.m. – 10-12 years) Connecting for Kids’ 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. Please register at www.connectingforkids.org/register, by emailing info@connectingforkids.org, or calling 440-250-5908. Topic: Practicing Mindfulness to Calm Anxiety and Increase Focus – Mindfulness is being aware of thoughts, feelings and sensations that are happening around you at the present time. In children, mindfulness provides many benefits including helping them focus their attention and calm down when anxious. Join Terri McNeely, MEd, BS, of The Child & Family Counseling Center of Westlake, in this interactive session as she teaches caregivers and children ways to calm themselves and become more mindful. She will lead attendees through exercises that can be practiced every day to increase attention and focus and to better regulate emotions.

Saturday, March 14 (2-3 p.m.) Songs from the Pond: Amphibian Serenade – Birds aren’t the only singers in the spring! Come learn about the beautiful music produced by the amphibians right in your own backyard! Please register.

Saturday, March 14 (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, March 14 (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.

Monday, March 16 (3-4:30 p.m.) Spring Sensory Stations – Engage your child’s senses by scooping, pouring, sorting, and more with a variety of fun materials. For children ages 2-7 with special needs, their families, and their typical siblings or peers. No registration required.

Monday, March 16 (7-8:30 p.m.) Investors’ Interest Group: Tax Investments Q & A and How to Avoid Tax Filing Surprises – H&R Block will answer your questions about Tax advantage accounts that save the day, tax day and every day such as medical, retirement, education and childcare expenses. What are the tax implications of investment apps? Learn more about the different credits that form the investment credits. Receive tips and find out what you can do now to prepare for the future and how to deal with unexpected situations. Please register.

Monday, March 16 (7-8:30 p.m.) Maker Monday: Editing Home Movies – Your home movies are already in digital format (or can be using our Maker Stations). Now you want to edit them and put them onto a new DVD. Learn how here! Please register.

Tuesday, March 17 (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, March 17 (7-7:30 p.m.) Mix-It-Up – We’ll explore the color green with paint, melting crayons and shamrocks. Prepare for messy fun! Ages 4-6. Registration begins March 10.

Wednesdays, March 18 and 25 (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, March 18 (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. Email account required for certification. 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 March 4.

Wednesday March 18 (1-2:30 p.m.) Cuyahoga West Genealogical Society – Please join the Genealogical Society for their monthly meeting. No registration required.

Thursday, March 19 (Noon-1:30 p.m.) Small Business Lunch & Learn: Marketing Basics – Getting and keeping customers is the most important task facing any business. Wise allocation of resources is essential. Learn general marketing principles and terminology. Please register.

Thursday, March 19 (Preschool session: 6:30 p.m.) and Friday, March 20 (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, March 20 (9:30-10 a.m.) My First Spring – Celebrate your baby’s first spring with a simple fingerpaint wind chime craft. For ages 0-18 months with a caregiver. Registration begins March 13.

Friday, March 20 (3-4:15 p.m.) Candid: Introduction to Proposal Writing – Are you new to proposal writing or want a quick refresher? If so, you don’t want to miss one of our most popular classes! This class will provide you with an overview of how to write a standard project proposal to a foundation. Also includes a 30-minute hands-on exercise to develop a proposal outline. Please feel free to bring your laptop or tablet. Please register.

Friday, March 20 (4-4:45 p.m.) Fun Science Friday: Stormy Science – Young scientists will investigate the stormy science of clouds and weather Discoveries will be made through hands-on experiments, active participation and a simple take-home project. Ages 4-6, Kindergarten or lower. Registration begins March 13.

Saturday, March 21 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) The Power of Vision: 3 Keys to Mastering a Life You Love – During this dynamic and fun training, you will have an opportunity to define, design, and experience your dream. You will learn two essential keys for tuning into your purpose. Please register.

 Saturday, March 21 (10-11 a.m.) Staying Safe Online – Engage in conversation about internet safety with a local expert in partnership with Westlake City Schools and the Westlake Police Department. For children (grades K-4) and their parents. No registration necessary.

Saturday, March 21 (2-5 p.m.) A Safe Space Screening for LGBTQ+ Youth, Allies and Families – Join Colors+ Youth Center and the Library for an afternoon of film, music, friendship and of course, popcorn! Grades 6-12. No registration necessary.

Saturdays, March 21 (3:30-4 p.m.) and March 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.

Sunday, March 22 (2-2:45 p.m.) Fancy Nancy Tea Party! – Bonjour! You are invited to a tea party! We will create a spectacular craft, play glamorous games and enjoy tasty refreshments! Ages 5-8. Ooh la la! Registration begins March 15.

Tuesday, March 24 (4-6:30 p.m.) Do the Right Thing – Volunteer! – Westlake Porter Public Library is again partnering with Westlake’s Senior and Community Services Department for a community volunteer fair. We’ll have something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in developing new skills or want to give back using your expertise, you’ll be able to explore a variety of short- or long-term opportunities with many organizations. We’ll also be accepting donations of nonperishable unexpired items for the Westlake Food Pantry. No registration necessary.

Tuesday, March 24 (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, March 25 (11-11:45 a.m.) Adult Adapted Yoga – Try some simple poses and breathing techniques with us! Please wear comfy clothes. For adults with intellectual or developmental difficulties. Caregivers or family need not 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. Chairs available for those who prefer chair yoga. Please call the Youth Services Department at 440-250-5471 if you have any questions. Registration begins March 18.

Wednesday, March 25 (2 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – The March selection is The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.

Wednesday, March 25 (7-8 p.m.) The Long and Winding Phone: Phone Interviews with Famous Figures – For years, journalist Helen Marketti has conducted interviews with famous musicians and television personalities. Join us as she shares some of her most memorable interviews! Please register.

Thursdays, March 26 OR April 2 (6:30-8 p.m.) Welcome Spring Sign – Have fun decorating a wooden sign to welcome spring. All materials provided. Registration required 18+ Register for either the March or April session. Registration begins March 5.

Thursday, March 26 (7-8 p.m.) Rhinos – Christine Kohrnak from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will talk about Rhinos as an endangered species and the illegal wildlife trade. Offered in conjunction with a traveling exhibit from the Paly Foundation featuring The Rhinoceros and The Pangolin: A Story of Two Strange Creatures who Share a Secret. View the display at WPPL throughout the month of March. Registration begins March 1.

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

Friday, March 27 (4-4:45 p.m.) Got Science? – Can you build a parachute? We will test parachutes after they’re built. Grades 1 and 2. Registration begins March 20.

Saturday, March 28 (3-4 p.m.) 3D Printing Orientation – In order to use the library’s 3D printer you’ll need to take this class. Learn library policies about using it, how to download a 3D-printable object, and how to prepare it for a great print.

Saturday, March 28 (3:30-5 p.m.) STEAMMaker Lab: Fumaroles, Volcanoes and Geysers, Oh My! – We will learn what fumaroles, volcanoes and geysers are and what causes them to erupt through demonstrations, experiments and a project. Grades 3-5. Registration begins March 21.

Sunday, March 29 (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.

Monday, March 30 (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, March 31 (6-8 p.m.) Shell Flower Pendant – Create a beautiful flower pendant using cream-colored shells, wire, and pearls or glass beads. All materials including the cord will be provided. Please register.

Tuesday, March 31 (6:30-8 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: Medical Cannabis 101 – Are you contemplating the use of medical cannabis for your child? Do you know which conditions qualify? Do you know how to find a provider compliant with Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program? Join Dr. Nora McNamara of Compassionate Cleveland as she discusses the risks and benefits of medical cannabis. She will also answer frequently asked questions such as: Is it safe for children? Does it work? Are there potential interaction problems with other medications? What is the best method of ingestion for a child? What steps do I need to take to obtain a medical marijuana card for my child?

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