Westlake Porter Public Library’s February Calendar of Events

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s February 2025 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, February 1, 15 and 22 (10:30-11 a.m.) Wednesdays, February 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, February 1 (2-2:30 p.m.) Read it, Make it @ the Library – We will read one story then make a craft based on the story. Ages 4-7, siblings welcome. No registration required.

Saturday, February 1 (3-4:30 p.m.) World Hijab Day – Join us for a panel discussion celebrating World Hijab Day presented by the West Cleveland Muslim Association (WCMA). Get a taste of fashion and food as you explore the beauty of Hijab and culture! Please register.

Sunday, February 2 (1:30-2:15 p.m.) Make Your Own Valentine’s Day Card! – Drop in and make your own one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day card for a parent, friend, or other family member. Paper, stickers, markers, sequins and other craft supplies will be provided. Bring your own creativity. Grades 1-4.

Sunday, February 2 (2-4 p.m.) Stories in Shadow: You and Me – Let’s celebrate Groundhog Day by learning about the art of shadow puppetry! Participants will watch a performance, learn shadow puppet techniques, then make puppets tell their own stories. This program is for an adult with a child currently enrolled in grades 3-5. Registration begins January 26.

Monday, February 3 (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) Fabulous February Craft Kit Pick Up – Celebrate February with some fun crafts. Space is limited. Registration required. Crafts recommended for ages 3-7. Kits are available until Sunday, February 9, unless other arrangements are made. Registration begins January 27.

Mondays, February 3, 10 and 24 (3-5 p.m.) Teen Lounge – Need a place to hang after school? Come to WPPL’s Teen Lounge on Monday afternoons. Video games, board games, snacks and more! No registration necessary. Grades 7-12.

Tuesday, February 4 (2-3 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Sabrina Sholts, “The Human Disease” – The Smithsonian curator will look at “How Do We Create Pandemics, From Our Bodies to Our Beliefs.” Please register.

Tuesdays, February 4 and March 4 (2-4 p.m.) Jewelry Workshop with Evelyn – Bring your jewelry projects, pieces in need of repair, or old jewelry in need of updating. Evelyn will be there with findings to assist you. Registration begins January 28.

Tuesdays, February 4 and 18 (5-6 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 one week before each session.

Tuesday, February 4 (5-6 p.m.) Feed the Birds – Learn interesting and unusual facts about our fine-feathered friends, play a “fowl” game, and make a birdfeeder to provide food during the cold winter months. Grades 1-3. Registration begins January 28.

Tuesday, February 4 (6-:308 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 January 28.

Tuesday, February 4 (7–8:30 p.m.) World at War Forum: Strategic Bombing Campaign Controversy – The Allies undertook a massive bombing campaign against the Third Reich with mixed results. Librarian Chad Statler will discuss the impact of the campaign to derail the Nazi war economy. Please register.

Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19 and 26 (3-4:30 p.m.) Teen Snacktivity – Who says you can’t play with your food? On Wednesdays after school, drop by the Teen Lounge for a snack related activity. Enjoy the process then eat the results. Grades 6-12.

Wednesday, February 5 (5:30-7 p.m.) Dog Man Palooza – Celebrate the release of the Dog Man film with games, crafts, and more. Grades K-4, siblings welcome. No registration required.

Wednesday, February 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.

Thursday, February 6 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile – Please give blood with the American Red Cross Bloodmobile.

Thursday, February 6 (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. Registration begins January 30.

Friday, February 7 (4–4:45 p.m.) Fun Science Friday: The Science of Static Electricity – Join Mrs. K as we explore the shocking science of static electricity. For ages 4-6, up to kindergarten. Registration begins January 31.

Saturday, February 8 (10:30-11 a.m.) Superb Owl Family Storytime – Have a hoot with us as we rhyme, sing, and play! Ages 2-6, with a caregiver. No registration required.

Saturday, February 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, February 8 (3-4 p.m.) Illustration Creation – Learn about a featured illustrator and then create a project inspired by their art. Grades 1-3. This month’s artist is Frank Morrison. Registration begins February 1.

Sunday, February 9 (1:30-3 p.m.) State of the Library Address – The Director of Westlake Porter Public Library will discuss the library’s current status, achievements, challenges, and future plans in this presentation. No registration required.

Sunday, February 9 (2-3 p.m.) Art Smarts – Explore the works of a well-known artist and then use what you’ve seen to create an art piece of your own! Grades 4-6. This month’s artist is Rosey Grier. Registration begins February 2.

Sunday, February 9 (2-3 p.m.) Meet Superb Owls: Live Animal Event! – It’s Superb Owl Sunday! Join us for this special afternoon of animal encounters. Small animal and owl friends will be visiting us from the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center. This program features live animals handled by professional handlers. Grades K-4. Registration begins February 2.

Monday, February 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. No registration required.

Monday, February 10 (7-8 p.m.) Tax Planning for Retirement – Presented by Dave Herwerden of WestPoint Wealth Management, LLC. Learn how tax planning changes through the four stages of retirement, the critical tax question you must answer BEFORE retiring, and mistakes to avoid. Please register.

Tuesday, February 11 (10-11 a.m.) The Classic Radio Hour: Inner Sanctum Mysteries (1941) – This month, we’re venturing behind the creaking door with our host, Raymond, for Inner Sanctum Mysteries (1941-1952). This series regaled fans with tales of terror and mystery (and some humor, as well). Please register.

Tuesday, February 11 (4:30-6:30 p.m.) Jewelry Junction: You & Me Wire-Wrapped Pendant & Bracelet – Learn how to make a wire-wrapped pendant and bracelet with your tween or teen. You will be using stones, glass beads, and silver or gold-plated wire. Cord included. Registration begins February 4.

Tuesday, February 11 (7-8 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Waubgeshig Rice, “Moon of the Crusted Snow” – The award-winning and bestselling author of “Moon of the Crusted Snow” will discuss “Dystopian Tropes from an Indigenous Perspective.” Please register.

Tuesday February 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 “Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid. 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.

Tuesday, February 11 (7-8 p.m.) Let’s Talk! Spanish Language Social Hour (¡Hablemos! Hora social en Español) – Meet other fluent Spanish speakers for informal conversation. Light refreshments provided. Enjoy self-directed conversation and camaraderie. Those attending should be comfortable holding a conversation in the language. Caregivers are welcome to bring their children and can participate in conversation while supervising their child(ren). Please register.

Wednesday, February 12 (11-11:45 a.m.) Adult Stories and Crafts – Adults with disabilities are invited to laugh, sing and listen to stories, along with a craft or a coloring page. Registration begins February 5.

Wednesdays, February 12 and 26 (5-6 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 4:30 p.m. Grades K-4.

Wednesday, February 12 (6:30-8 p.m.) Cricut 101: Valentine’s Day Cards – Join us in the Makerspace as we learn how to use the Basic Cut and Draw operation in Cricut’s free design software, Design Space, which is used to create projects for any Cricut machine. This class will take you step by step through the process of creating your very own Valentine’s Day Card by using the cut and draw operations and a Cricut Maker 3. We encourage patrons to create a free account with Design Space so that they may leisurely design at home, though this is not mandatory for this program. The class is beginner friendly for first time Cricut users and geared towards those with established basic computers skills. Suitable for teens and adults. Registration begins February 5.

Wednesday, February 12 (7-8:30 p.m.) Environmentalism Book Club – This month’s title is “Playground” by Richard Powers. Engage in thoughtful conversation based on readings about our environment, our changing planet & sustainability, and discover practical ways to make a positive, eco-conscious impact in our community. Please register.

Thursday, February 13 (10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.) Jewelry Junction: Valentine’s Day Earrings – Create and make 3 pairs of Valentine’s Day earrings using crystals and silver-plated hearts and gold- or silver-plated findings.

Thursday, February 13 (4-5 p.m.) Paper Quilling Fun! – Learn some basic paper quilling techniques, and make your own card. Walk-ins welcome. Grades 4-6. Registration begins February 6.

Thursday, February 13 (7-8 p.m.) Thursday Night Book Discussion – This month’s title is “Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. A limited number of copies will be available at the Circulation Desk. Please register.

Thursday, February 13 (7-8 p.m.) Q&A With the Voice of the Cavaliers – Following a historic win-streak to open the season, Tim Alcorn, the Voice of the Cavaliers AudioVerse, will stop by during the NBA All-Star Break to talk about what’s next for the Cavs. Attendees will be able to ask questions and hear stories from the season so far. Please register.

Friday, February 14 (4-5 p.m.) and Sunday, February 23 (2-3 p.m.) Brick Builders – Do you love Legos©? Then bring your ideas and imagination to Brick Builders! Bricks provided. No registration is required, but room capacity is limited. First come, first served. Ages 5-12.

Sunday, February 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, February 17 (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) Spice it Up! Take Home Kit: Cardamom – Sign up for a kit containing a sample of the featured spice and a handout with background on the spice and suggested uses! Registration begins February 10. Kits can be picked up at the library drive up window from February 17-23 during library hours. Ingredients of kits may contain allergens. One kit per household.

Monday, February 17 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) Meet President Abraham Lincoln – This Presidents Day, join us in the library’s lobby from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as Mel Maurer portrays President Abraham Lincoln and delivers the Gettysburg Address. No registration required.

Monday, February 17 (1-2 p.m.) True Crime Book Club – This month we’ll discuss “Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson. Please register.

Monday, February 17 (1:30-4 p.m.) Heartsaver CPR/AED – Get certified for adult, child and infant CPR and AED. Class led by certified instructors from UH St. John Medical Center. Email account required. Participants under the age of 14 must have a parent or legal guardian with them in class. Please register.

Monday, February 17 (2-4 p.m.) STEM Workshop – Calling all young engineers! Drop by and explore the library’s many STEM kits including pattern blocks, magnetic coasters and chain reaction sets. Grades 1-4. No registration required.

Monday, February 17 (7-8 p.m.) Fraud Awareness: Be Alert to Financial Fraud – Fighting financial fraud starts with education as well as communication between family members and their financial professionals. Financial Advisor Dan Trotter from Edward Jones will share information to help you recognize possible issues, prevent fraudulent activity and protect yourself or a loved one if fraud does occur. Please register.

Tuesday, February 18 (11 a.m.-Noon) Tech Bytes: Android Help Session – Have quick questions about your Android device? Need help with basic features or apps? Join our Android Help Session for a casual drop-in opportunity to learn and share tips! Get short tutorials or assistance with simple issues with your Android device. For more complex problems, we’ll help you schedule a dedicated appointment.

Tuesday, February 18 (2-3 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Lee Hawkins – “I Am Nobody’s Slave” – This Pulitzer Prize Finalist will discuss “I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free,” Please register.

Tuesday, February 18 (6-7:30 p.m.) Teen Anime Club – Are you a teen who loves anime and manga? Watch a few episodes, play games, and have fun with your friends at Teen Anime Club! Grades 7-12. No registration necessary.

Tuesday, February 18 (6:30-7:30 p.m.) Let’s Talk! Mandarin Language Social Hour – Meet other fluent Mandarin speakers for informal conversation. Light refreshments provided. Enjoy self-directed conversation and camaraderie. Those attending should be comfortable holding a conversation in the language. Caregivers are welcome to bring their children and can participate in conversation while supervising their child(ren). Registration begins January 21.

Wednesday, February 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 “In Five Years” by Rebecca Serle. No registration required.

Thursday, February 20 (10-11:30 a.m.) Advanced Grantseeking with Foundation Directory – Presented by David Holmes of Candid. In this hands-on workshop, learn how to find those hard-to-locate grant opportunities with creative and unusual approaches to Foundation Directory searching. Bring your laptop and funding needs and get real-time assistance! Registration begins January 20.

Thursday, February 20 (7-7:45 p.m.) Inclusion Crafts for Adults – Get crafty here with us or at home! Register and stop in to complete a craft with adults of all abilities. Can’t make it in? Register to pick up a kit. For adults with disabilities and their peers. Please register each person completing a craft individually. Those wanting to pick up a craft will receive an email with pick up details. Some typical materials such as glue or scissors may be required to complete a craft at home. Registration begins February 13.

Saturday, February 22 (2-3 p.m.) Learn About Ramadan – Curious about the month of Ramadan and how millions of people fast for thirty days? Join us for an informational session and enjoy treats from around the world! This program is presented by the West Cleveland Muslim Association. Registration begins January 24.

Monday, February 24 (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) Tween Craft Kit Pick Up – Register beginning February 17, then stop by Youth Services starting at 9 a.m. to pick up your kit. Grades 5-7.

Monday, February 24 (6-8 p.m.) Gut Health/Microbiome – Our Microbiome is our 2nd brain. The brain and microbiome communicate 24 hours a day. Learn how to have a healthy Microbiome with nutritional support. Registration begins January 20.

Monday, February 24 (7-8:30 p.m.) Nostalgic Showcase Presents: A Celebration of Mid-Century ‘Toons – Dive deep into the world of Western animation from the 1950s to the 1970s, with a brief introduction into the creative minds and studios behind them, focusing on UPA, Tex Avery, Dr. Seuss, and Hanna-Barbera! Grades 9-Adult. No registration required.

Tuesday, February 25 (9:30-9:50 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.

Wednesday, February 26 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Exploring Orion: Astrophotography with Great Lakes Astrophotography Society – Learn how to use astrophotography techniques to explore the marvel and beauty of one of the night sky’s most wondrous constellations: The Orion Constellation. In the event of overcast skies, we will have pre-taken photos of the targets taken in the days leading up to the event. Registration begins January 27.

Wednesday, February 26 (7–8 p.m.) Creative Writing Group: Feel the Love Edition – Join us for an hour of writing prompts to inspire you to keep writing. Creativity is more than putting pen to paper. It’s about breaking away and trying something new! Age 16 and up welcome. Please register.

Thursday, February 27 (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Introduction to Microsoft Excel – Learn the basics of Microsoft Excel, and how to access learning resources like Northstar Digital Literacy and the Goodwill Community Foundation for self-paced online learning. Registration begins February 20.

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