Westlake Porter Public Library’s June Calendar of Events

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s June 2024 calendar of events. All programs are subject to change. Please check westlakelibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Instagram (@WestlakePorter) for the latest updates.

Saturdays, June 1, 15, 22 and 29 (10:30-11 a.m.) and Wednesdays, June 12 and 26 (7-7:30 p.m.)  Family Storytime – Join us for rhymes, songs and play! Children are welcome to wear their pajamas and bring along a stuffed animal! Ages 2-6 with a caregiver. No registration required.

Saturday, June 1 (1-3 p.m.) Drop-In Crafts: Pride Edition – Drop-in to make a rainbow craft! All ages.

Monday, June 3 (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) Joyful June Craft Kit Pick Up – Celebrate holidays and other special days in June with some fun crafts. Space is limited. Registration begins May 25.

Monday, June 3 (11 a.m.-Noon) Summer Reading for All: An Adapted Summer Library Challenge Kick-Off Event – The Summer Library Challenge is for you! Join us and learn strategies and fun ways to make the Summer Reading Challenge work for you in this program designed for those who struggle with reading yet are interested in the Summer Library Challenge. Registration begins May 27.

Monday, June 3 (2-3 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Matthew Shindell “For the Love of Mars” – You’re invited to come learn about Mars and its secrets alongside National Air and Space Museum curator Matt Shindell. Streamed live. Please register.

Tuesday, June 4 (6–8 p.m.) World at War Forum: The GI Experience – Join our special guest, Dominic Visconsi, a World War II veteran who served with the 10^th Mountain Division in Italy. He’ll his experiences during his training and in the Italian Campaign. Please note special beginning time! Please register.

Tuesday, June 4 (6-8 p.m.) Jewelry Junction:  Summer Party Necklace & Earrings – Make a beautiful summer party necklace and earrings using pearls and crystals. Registration begins May 28.

Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25 and July 2 and 9 (6:30-8 p.m.) Speak Confidently in Six Weeks! – Members of local Toastmasters clubs  will use the “Speechcraft” program to help you become the best communicator you can be! In this six-week program, “Speechcrafters” will have the opportunity to boost their confidence as they improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills, all within the safe, supportive environment of a Toastmasters club. Registration for all six sessions starts May 5.

Wednesdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26 (4:30-6 p.m.) Bow Wow Books – Stop by Youth Services to sign up for a 10-minute reading time with a reading therapy dog. Sign up starts at 4 p.m. Dogs will stay for 10 minutes past the last registered reader or 1 1/2 hours, whichever comes first. Recommended for Grades K-4.

Wednesday, June 5 (6-8:30 p.m.) Heartsaver CPR/AED – Get certified for adult, child, and infant CPR and AED. Email account required. Class led by certified instructors from UH St. John Medical Center. Register at uhems.org/event-search.

Wednesday, June 5 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Horror Film Club – Join us for another creepy classic from the Vault! New members are welcome, but children under 13 must be with an adult. Please register.

Wednesday, June 5 (6:30-8 p.m.) Makerspace Foundations: CNC Orientation – Attend an orientation to learn the basics of using the CNC router and become a verified user of the machine. Registration begins May 29.

Wednesday, June 5 (10–11:30 a.m.) Microsoft Word – Learn the basics of Microsoft Word and how to access Northstar Digital Literacy for self-paced online learning. Registration begins May 30.

Thursday, June 6 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Thursday, June 6 (4-5 p.m.) Roblox Arcade (Virtual) – Join us in the Roblox Arcade! We have private servers set up for tweens in grades 4-6 to enjoy some of the most popular games. Registration begins May 30.

Thursday, June 6 (7-8 p.m.) Cycling Safety Talk – Join Greater Cleveland’s Bike Attorney and author of the book “Cycling Rights: Second Edition” Ken Knabe for a Cycling Safety Talk. For teens and adults. This discussion will be about how to navigate safely on the road as a cyclist. Ken brings his personal injury law background and avid riding to the table to help keep the Westlake community safe on the road! No registration necessary.

Friday, June 7 (4–4:45 p.m.) Fun Science Friday – Float and Sink! Join Mrs. K as we test the buoyancy of different objects and make our own floating boat. For ages 4-6, up to kindergarten. Registration begins May 31.

Saturday, June 8 (11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.) and Thursdays, June 13 and 27 (6:30-7:15 p.m.) Adapted Storytime – Join us for this storytime designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime. Content is geared toward ages 3-7. Registration begins one week before each session.

Saturday, June 8 (2-4 p.m.) Make It, Take It! – Stop by Youth Services to complete a featured craft. While supplies last. PreK-Grade 2. No registration required.

Saturday, June 8 (3–4 p.m.) Illustration Creation – Learn about a featured illustrator then create a project inspired by their art. Grades 1-3. Registration begins June 1.

Sunday, June 9 (2-3 p.m.) Art Smarts – Learn about a well-known artist and then use what you’ve seen to create an art piece of your own. Grades 4-6. Registration begins June 2. Monday, June 10 (10–10:30 a.m.) Music Monday – Develop pre-reading skills with music, movement and rhythm through stories, songs and rhymes. Ages 2-6 with a caregiver, siblings welcome. No registration required.

Monday, June 10* (1-2 p.m.) Children’s Planting Workshop – Learn the basics of gardening and plant your own herb pot with The Herb Guild Garden Club! Please register each child separately. Grades 1-4. This outdoor event, at the Friends Pavilion, will involve a hands-on gardening activity. Please dress accordingly. *Rain date is Friday, June 14. You will be notified and automatically registered for the rain date event, if necessary. Registration begins June 3.

Monday, June 10 (7-8 p.m.) What is the SECURE ACT 2.0?: Changes in Tax Law that Benefit Saving for Retirement – Join Les Szarka, CFP,  and Chief Executive Officer of Szarka Financial, for an easy-to-understand breakdown of the SECURE Act 2.0, a major law passed in 2022 that greatly improves how Americans can save for retirement. Please register.

Tuesdays, June 11, 18 and 25 (2-2:30 p.m.) Reading Buddies – Partner with one of our teen reading buddies to practice your reading skills and share your favorite stories. Grades 1-3. Registration begins June 4.

Tuesday, June 11 (6-7:30 p.m.) Charcuterie Board Assembly – Join Heinen’s of Bay Village representatives as they demonstrate how to assemble a Charcuterie Board. Learn and sample various assortments of cheeses, meats, nuts, olives, and fruits used. Registration begins June 4.

Tuesday, June 11 (7-8:30 p.m.) Tuesday Evening Book Club (In Person AND Virtual) – Join the WPPL Tuesday Evening Book Club in person or on Zoom to discuss “The Music of Bees” by Eileen Garvin. The discussion will be held in person and on Zoom simultaneously. Please register. If you register for the Zoom option, you will receive a Zoom invitation and instructions by email.

Wednesday, June 12 (10-11 a.m.) Moving Forward! – What is an Seniors Real Estate Specialist® and how can they help? For seniors opting to age in place, an SRES® can refer a specialist who can evaluate your home, find problem areas and suggest home modifications. Presented by Matthew D. Adkins, Howard Hanna, SRES®.

Wednesdays, June 12, 19 and 26 (11-11:30 a.m.) Read Together Inclusive Summer Reading – When we read together, we can accomplish so much more! Make the Summer Reading Challenge work for you in this program designed for those who struggle with reading with a goal of finishing the Summer Library Challenge. We will read together, update our logs, make crafts and even make friends when we Read Together! No registration required.

Wednesday, June 12 (2-2:30 p.m.) Worry Monster Craft – This cute little monster will take away all your worries – then gobble them up. This is a fun way of visualizing a worry leaving your mind, getting smaller, then disappearing for good. For ages 10 and up. Registration begins June 5.

Wednesday, June 12 (7-8 p.m.) Backyard Composting 101 – Carin Miller of the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District will share the science of composting and how-to-compost instruction. Learn nature’s way of recycling! Please register.

Thursday, June 13 (10–11:30 a.m.) Internet and Email Basics and Safety – Learn the basics of the Internet, using email, how to stay safe online, and how to access Northstar Digital Literacy for self-paced online learning. Registration begins June 6.

Thursday, June 13 (11 a.m.-Noon) Super Readers – What is your super strength? Increase vocabulary, fluency, and sight words by incorporating art, poetry, creative writing and more with a Marvel and DC comics theme. Grades 1-3. This program series is made possible through the Accelerated Learning Grant, funded by the Ohio Dept. of Education, and facilitated by Making A Difference Consulting. Registration begins June 6.

Thursdays, June 13, 20 and 27 (5-5 p.m.) Code Camp – Join us for coding with the Fiero platform, an online software program that teaches you how to code through hundreds of tutorials and dozens of real-world projects. Every participant will need a valid email address and password. If you have already created a Fiero account, your child must have the login information, or you will need to log them in at the start of each session. For grades 4-6. Registration begins June 6.

Thursday, June 13 (7-8 p.m.) Thursday Night Book Discussion – This group now meets the second Thursday of every month. This month’s title is “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. A limited number of copies will be available at the Circulation Desk. Please register.

Thursday, June 13 (8-9 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Freida McFadden, “The Housemaid is Watching” (Virtual) – Join author Freida McFadden as she chats about writing psychological thrillers, her mega-bestselling hit “The Housemaid” series, and its upcoming third installment, “The Housemaid is Watching.”  Streamed live. Please register.

Friday, June 14 (4-5 p.m.) and Sunday, June 23 (11 a.m.-Noon) Brick Builders – Do you love Legos^©? Then bring your ideas and imagination to Brick Builders! Bricks provided. No registration required, but room capacity is limited. First come, first served. Ages 5-12.

Saturday, June 15 (11 a.m.-Noon) The Benefits of Acupuncture for Pain Management – Gain a better understanding of the history and benefits of acupuncture with Dr. Chester Dickerson from Superior Spine Care. Dr. Dickerson is a licensed acupuncturist with the State Medical Board of Ohio. Please register.

Saturday, June 15 (1-2:30 p.m.) Learn to Play Pokémon – Join us and learn the basics of the Pokémon Trading Card Game! Grades 2-5. We will cover how to set up a game, how to take turns, how to use trainer and energy cards, and how to earn points! Bring your own deck if you have them. Some decks will be available for use. Interested parents are welcome but priority will be given to children in grades 2-5. Registration begins June 8.

Saturday, June 15 (2-3 p.m.) Afternoon Art – Stop by the Youth Services Department to create artwork for our Free Little Art Gallery.  All supplies provided. No registration required.

Saturday, June 15 and Wednesday, June 19 (3-4 p.m. – Session I) Oh My Gears – Discover how drive and follower gears function and explore how changing gear sizes can impact the distribution of work. Presented by Young’s Art Studio, this program helps to build a strong STEAM foundation in a fun, engaging way. There are four total dates offered between two sessions. Session I registration opens on June 8, and you will automatically be registered for both June dates. Children are encouraged to attend all sessions, but you can indicate when registering which sessions they are able to attend.  Grades 3-5.

Sunday, June 16 (2-3 p.m.) Come Play With Me – Open playtime for children ages 2-5 with a caring adult. Siblings welcome! No registration required.

Monday, June 17 (10-10:30 a.m.) My First Summer – Celebrate your baby’s first summer with a simple finger paint flowerpot craft. For babies 0-18 months with a caregiver. Registration begins June 10.

Monday, June 17* (1-2 p.m.) Inclusive Gardening Workshop – Children with disabilities and typical peers will learn basics of gardening, plant a container garden, and listen to a story read aloud by a library facilitator. We will be at the Friends Pavilion, so please dress accordingly. Grades 1-4. *Rain date is Friday, June 21 at 1-2 p.m. You will be notified and automatically registered for the rain date event, should it be needed. Registration begins June 10.

Tuesday, June 18 (2-3:30 p.m.) Jewelry Junction-You & Me Bracelet or Ankle Bracelet – Have fun making a bracelet or ankle bracelet with your tween or teen using glass beads, crystals, stones and/or pearls. This class is for children ages 11+, who must be accompanied by an adult. Registration begins June 11.

Wednesday, June 19 (2-3 p.m.): Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – The Wednesday Book Group meets the third Wednesday of each month. This month’s title is “Poster Girl” by Veronica Roth. No registration required.

Thursday, June 20 (10-11:30 a.m.) Android Smartphone and Tablet User Group – Do you own an Android smartphone or tablet? Bring it with your questions (or tips!) to this guided user group. Registration begins June 13.

Thursday, June 20 (10:30-11:15 a.m.) Zoo Storytime Adventure – Join in the fun as we celebrate the library’s zoo friends with a story, songs, rhymes, and more! Ages 2-6. Registration begins June 13.

Thursday, June 20 (12:30-2 p.m.) Summer Solstice Suncatcher – Celebrate the longest day of the year by creating suncatchers in the Makerspace. The sun will be at its peak at 1:22 p.m., providing the perfect opportunity to let our suncatchers shine. Registration begins June 13.

Thursdays, June 20 and 27 (1-3 p.m.) Teen Crafternoons – Stop by and get creative using various art and craft supplies. Friends in grades 7-12 welcome. No registration necessary.

Thursday, June 20 (2-3 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Tiffany Jewell, “Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School” – Join us as the #1 New York Times bestselling author highlights the inequities Black and Brown students face from preschool through college, including lessons from her new book, “Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School.” Please register.

Thursday, June 20 (4:30-5:30 p.m.) Sensory Calming Bottle Craft – These personalized, little bottles will help calm you. They are a fun way of relieving tension and regulating emotions! For ages 10 and up. Registration opens June 13.

Friday, June 21 (4-4:30 p.m.) Read It, Make It @ the Library – We will read one story then make a craft based on that story. For children ages 4-7. Siblings welcome. No registration necessary.

Saturday, June 22, Grades 1-2: (11 a.m.-Noon) Grades 3-5: (1-2 p.m.) Grades 6-8: 2:30-3:30 p.m.) Simple Circuit Games Challenge – Learn about open and closed circuits by using simple supplies to create circuit games. Presented by the Young’s Art Studio, this program helps to build a strong STEAM foundation in a fun, engaging way. Please register child attending. Registration begins June 15.

Saturday, June 22 (1-2 p.m.) Return of the Eastern Bluebird: Holden Arboretum – Discover the basics of bluebird ecology and conservation as well as Holden Arboretum’s role and process for the successful recovery of this species in Ohio. Tips for the homeowner on providing safe and attractive nesting options will also be shared. Registration begins May 21.

Sunday, June 23 (2–4 p.m.) Anime Club – A great club for anime and manga lovers! All otaku and newbies welcome! Grades 7-Adult. No registration required.

Monday, June 24 (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) Spice It Up!-Take Home Kit: Curry Powder – Sign up for a kit that will contain a sample of the featured spice, a handout with background on the spice, suggested uses, and a couple of recipes! Registration begins June 17.

Monday, June 24 (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) Tween Craft Kit – Register beginning June 17, then stop by Youth Services starting at 9 a.m. for a Tween craft kit! For tweens in grades 5-7.

Monday, June 24 (2-3 p.m.) and Thursday, July 25 (3-4 p.m.) Youthbiz Academy – Compete for a cash prize while learning entrepreneurial skills including making an elevator pitch, creating and designing business logos and more. Grades 7-8. This program series is made possible through the Accelerated Learning Grant, funded by the Ohio Department of Education, and facilitated by Making A Difference Consulting. Please visit cuyahogareads.org for more information. Registration begins June 17.

Monday, June 24 (6:30-7 p.m.) Pre-Cooking Skills for Kids – Get ready to cook by learning important skills you will use in the kitchen! Children will move through stations and learn basic cooking skills, such as measuring. Ages 5-10. No food will be consumed or prepared during this program. Some food may be handled. Please contact us about possible allergens. No sharp knives will be used. Program is led by a librarian, not a chef or occupational therapist. For children with disabilities, but typical peers are welcome. Registration begins June 17.

Tuesday, June 25 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Panel of Local History Book Authors – Enjoy hearing a panel of local history book authors (Dennis Keating, Judge Ellen Connally, Mel Maurer, and Paul Landis). They will discuss their books and answer questions. Copies of their books will be available for purchase and signing. Registration begins May 25.

Tuesday, June 25 (7-8:30 p.m.) Movie and Discussion: Dayton Codebreakers – This documentary describes the efforts of hundreds of people who worked at the United States Naval Computing Machine Laboratory and aided the American war effort from 1942-1946 in Dayton, Ohio. Registration begins May 24.

Tuesday, June 25 (7-7:45 p.m.) Adventures in Reading Magic Show with Jim Kleefeld! – Come one, come all to this bright, colorful, fun magic show with lots of emphasis on adventure stories. Grades K-5, siblings welcome. Registration begins May 28. Please include the total number of people you plan to bring with you including all children and adults regardless of age in your registration.

Wednesday, June 26 (2:30-3:30 p.m.) Summer Jewelry Crafting: Bracelets – Join us to make your own bracelets.  For crafters in 7-12th grade. Registration begins June 19 and is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. Registration begins June 19.

Wednesday, June 26 (7-8 p.m.) Adult Creative Writing Group: Priode Month Edition – Creativity is more than putting pen to paper. It’s about breaking away and trying something new! This month will feature poetry from LGBTQ+ poets. Please register.

Thursday, June 27 (10-10:30 a.m.) Music with Mr. Tim – Sing and learn pre-literacy and developmental skills, and appreciate the joy of music in this class taught by Mr. Tim, BS in Music Education. Ages 3-6, siblings welcome. Please register each child attending. This program is hosted outside in our Pavilion, please dress accordingly. In case of inclement weather, we will meet in the Storytime Room. Registration begins June 20.

Thursday, June 27 (4:30-5:15 p.m.) Paper Plane Fun – Meet at the Friends Pavilion to learn the science behind paper airplanes and test your folding and flying skills! Grades 2-4. Registration begins June 20.

Thursday, June 27 (6:30-8 p.m.) Makerspace Foundations: Sublimation – Use your favorite digital image to heat press a one-of-a-kind design using sublimation. Registration begins June 20.

Friday, June 28 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) Musical Instrument Petting Zoo – Kids, teens, and adults will be able to try out guitars, ukuleles, keyboards, and dozens of percussion instruments. This inclusive event is for all abilities and ages. Presented by Keep Music Alive. This event may get noisy. Limited sensory kits will be available. Families are encouraged to ask for one and/or bring one. No registration required.

Saturday, June 29 (1-5 p.m.) Family Gaming Event – Parents, relive the favorite videogames of your youth – like Mario, Sonic, Pac-Man and Duck Hunt—while sharing them with your kids! Multiplayer classics on original hardware from the ‘80s and ‘90s, plus modern games like Minecraft. Hosted by Games Done Legit. Pizza and snacks provided. For families with children in grades 2-12 with an adult parent/caregiver. No registration required.

To register for any of the programs, please visit westlakelibrary.org/events.