Westlake Porter Public Library April Events

Following is Westlake Porter Public Library’s April 2026 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.

Wednesday, April 1 (10:30-11:15 a.m.) Adapted Storytime – Join us for this storytime designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience. Content is geared toward ages 3 to 7 years. Registration begins March 25.

Wednesdays, April 1 and 29 (3-5 p.m.) Teen Game Room: Tabletop Edition – Calling all teen adventurers! This space is just for you, so bring your party to quest at the library. A limited collection of dice, minis, and play mats will be available for use. Grades 5-12. No registration required.

Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 (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, April 1 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Wacky Wednesday – Celebrate all things silly on April Fool’s Day. Come for a Wacky Wednesday storytime and stay for an April Fool’s Challenge. How many wacky things can you find in the preschool area? Ages 3-7 with a caregiver, siblings welcome. No registration required.

Wednesday, April 1 (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, April 2 (2-3 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Valerie Neal, On a Mission: The Smithsonian History of US Women Astronauts – Join us for an exhilarating journey through the history of US women astronauts with Valerie Neal, emerita curator from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and expert on human spaceflight. Please register.

Saturday, April 4 (10:30 a.m.-noon) and Tuesday, April 7 (6-7:30 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 one week before each session.

Saturday, April 4 (1-2 p.m.) Pokémon Fun! – This will be a time to view and trade cards, do a craft, battle your librarian, or play a Pokémon Bingo game. Feel free to bring your cards! No registration required. Ages 6-11.

Saturday, April 4 (3-3:45 p.m.) Short Story Workshop: Adventures in Gaming – Listen to a picture book about a board game that comes to life, learn literary terms, then write an action-packed short story! No registration required. Grades 1-4. No registration required.

Monday, April 6 – Pick up begins Escape Room in a Box: Ancient Egypt Edition – Register to take home an escape room in a box. Play as a group or on your own as you attempt to unravel the mystery of an ancient civilization! Space is limited to one per family. Registration begins March 30. Grades 5-12.

Monday, April 6 (10-10:45 a.m.) STEAM Ahead: Bees & Pollination – Discover why we need bees and how they help our gardens grow. Ages 4-6, up to kindergarten. Registration begins March 30.

Monday, April 6 (1-3 p.m.) Ohio Train Tycoon Deluxe – Help design, fabricate, and playtest a transportation-themed tabletop simulation game inspired by the Ohio Rail Plan. Guided by trained staff, as many as six players will learn how to print and laser cut game pieces with equipment in our Makerspace. Registration begins March 30. Grades 6-12.

Monday, April 6 (2-3:30 p.m.) Knife Skills 101 Demonstration – Ever wonder the proper way to cut an onion or what knife to use? Learn from a trained chef, Susan Aldrich, who will demonstrate basic knife techniques and how to properly take care, sharpen and store your knives. Registration begins March 17.

Tuesday, April 7 (2-4 p.m.) Jewelry Junction: Evelyn’s Jewelry Workshop – Bring in jewelry to repair or remake into something more modern. You can also just come and make a jewelry item of your choice. Registration begins March 31.

Tuesday, April 7 (6-8 p.m.) Teen Scene Movie Night – Come watch everyone’s favorite plumber brothers on the big screens in the Teen Lounge. Popcorn and candy available while supplies last. No registration required. Grades 5-12.

Tuesday, April 7 (7–8:30 p.m.) World at War Forum: The Iran Hostage Rescue Operation in 1980 – In April 1980 the U.S. launched Operation Eagle Claw in an attempt to rescue the hostages held by Iranian revolutionaries. Tom Cardello, who served on the U.S.S. Nimitz, describes the failed rescue attempt. Please register.

Wednesday, April 8 (4-5 p.m.) After School in the ‘Space – Tweens and teens are welcome in the Makerspace to create a circuit project in honor of the invention of the stoplight! Participants must have a signed user agreement from a parent or guardian on file. For ages 11-15. Registration begins April 1.

Thursday, April 9 (1-7 p.m.) American Red Cross Bloodmobile – Please give blood with the American Red Cross Bloodmobile.

Thursday, April 9 (3-4 p.m.) Tech Bytes: iPhone and iPad Help Session – Have quick questions about your iPhone or iPad? Need help with basic features or apps? Join our Help Session for a casual drop-in opportunity to learn and share tips.

Thursday, April 9 (5-6 p.m.) Social Hour for Teens with Autism – This social hour is a safe and fun space for teens and young adults with autism who are currently enrolled in high school to meet and hang out! There will be snacks and games. We are pleased to partner with the Cuyahoga Board of Developmental Disabilities as a Library Facilitator location. WPPL thanks the Cuyahoga County Board of DD for their grant to accomplish a year of inclusive programming. No registration required.

Thursday, April 9 (7-8:15 p.m.) Thursday Night Book Discussion – This month’s title is “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” by Marie Bostwick. A limited number of copies will be available at the Circulation Desk. No registration required.

Saturday, April 11 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) Forest Therapy Walk – Join certified Forest Therapy Guide, Catherine Mangan, on a forest therapy walk at Bradley Woods Reservation. Forest Therapy is a practice that supports health and wellness through guided immersion in forests and other environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land. Registration begins April 4. Must be 18 or older.

Saturday, April 11 (10:30-11 a.m.) Family Storytime: Ohio Celebrates Transportation! – Join us for a special transportation-themed storytime! Ages 2-6 with a caregiver. No registration required.

Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 19 (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.

Monday, April 13 (10:30-11 a.m.) Little Yogis – Stretch, breathe, and move through fun poses that build balance, focus, and joy in this yoga session for children up to age 5 with a caregiver. Please bring a yoga mat or towel. Ages 0-5. Presented by certified yoga instructor Jen Nebraska. Registration begins April 6.

Mondays, April 13, 20 and 27 (3-5 p.m.) Teen Lounge – Need a place to hang after school? Come to WPPL’s Teen Lounge on Monday afternoons. Enjoy some video games, board games, snacks and more. No registration required. Grades 7-12.

Monday, April 13 (4:30-5:15 p.m.) Tinkering with Tinkercad – Explore 3D design with Tinkercad! Learn the basics, start a project, and return to the Makerspace later to finish. No printing during the session. Grades 3-6. Registration begins April 6.

Monday, April 13 (7-8 p.m.) Earth “kind” Meetup Group – Meet with other veg/plant-based- curious individuals to discover new flavors, new foods and more ways to be kind to yourselves and to our earth. This group will meet most months on the second Monday of the month. Various topics will be discussed. No registration required.

Physical Fitness and Weightlifting for Seniors – Learn physical fitness and. weightlifting from Lisa Ortiz, Professional Trainer from Prescription Fitness. Bring 2, 3, or 5 lb. weights. Registration begins March 14.

Tuesday, April 14 (7-8 p.m.) Let’s Talk! Spanish Language Social Hour-¡Hablemos! Hora Social en Español – Meet other fluent Spanish speakers for informal conversation. Register to join.

Tuesday April 14 (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 Woman with the Cure” by Lynn Cullen. 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, April 14 (7-8 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Brad Taylor, “Shadow Strike” – Join us in conversation with acclaimed author Brad Taylor on his latest work, “Shadow Strike,” book 20 of the Pike Logan series. Streamed live. Please register.

Wednesday, April 15 (2-3 p.m.) Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion – The Wednesday Book Group meets the third Wednesday of each month. This month’s title is “The Great Believers” by Rebecca Makkai. No registration required.

Wednesdays April 15 and 22 (3-4 p.m.) Snacktivity – Who says you can’t play with your food? Drop by the Teen Lounge for a snack-related activity. Enjoy the process then eat the results. All snacks will be assembled and consumed in the Craft Room. While supplies last. Grades 5-12. No registration required.

Wednesday, April 15 (7-8:30 p.m.) Trivia Night – Theme: Get Animated! – How well do you know your toons? Come find out! Register solo or in teams of 2-5. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team. There will be music, fun, friendly competition, and prizes (plus eternal glory) for the winning team! Registration begins March 19. Grades 7-Adult.

Thursday, April 16 (3-4 p.m.) Tech Bytes: Android Help Session – Have quick questions about your Android device? Need help with basic features or navigation? Join our Help Session for a casual drop-in opportunity to learn and share tips! No registration required.

Thursday, April 16 (4-4:30 p.m.) Hear Me Roar: Storytime with Strength – This cross-generational program in partnership with the Star Center Foundation connects patients with Parkinson’s with our community by sharing stories, songs, and movement in this interactive storytime. Music therapist Janeen Elizabeth Havener will join this session. PreK-Grade 2, siblings welcome. No registration required.

Saturday, April 18 (2-4 p.m.) You & Me Repair Fair – Bring a piece of clothing or a soft toy that needs to be repaired and learn basic sewing techniques to extend the life of your favorite clothes and toys! Please register each child individually. Grades 3-5 with a caregiver.

Sunday, April 19 (2-4 p.m.) Local Author Meet and Greet – Drop-in and meet local authors as they share about their books and the joy of writing. Visit every table and get your Author Passport stamped to be entered to win a giveaway for an Amazon gift card! Books are available for purchase while supplies last. All ages. No registration required. Pick up begins Monday, April 20 Spice it Up! Take-Home Kit: Cinnamon – Each kit will contain a sample of the featured spice, some background on the spice and a couple of recipes! This kit will contain cinnamon. Registration opens April 13.

Monday, April 20 (11-11:45 a.m.) Adult Stories – Adults with disabilities laugh, sing, listen to stories, and do a craft or a coloring page. Registration begins April 13.

Monday, April 20 (1-2 p.m.) True Crime Book Club – This month’s title is “American Predator,” by Maureen Callahan. Please register.

Monday, April 20 (7-8 p.m.) Financial Planning Basics – Do You Have a Tailored Financial Plan in Place? A financial roadmap can motivate you to save money, help you to meet your financial goals, and improve your overall financial security. Presented by Dave Herwerden of Westpoint Wealth Management. Registration begins March 20.

Tuesday, April 21 (10-11:30 a.m.) Introduction to Project Budgets – Come learn the basic elements of how anyone can draft a project budget for a grant proposal with confidence. Presented by David Homes of Candid. Please register.

Tuesday, April 21 (6-8 p.m.) You & Me Printmaking – Create and print your own design with the linocut (linoleum block) technique! Adults, please register yourself and list the youth’s name on your registration. Grades 6-12 with an accompanying adult. Registration begins April 14.

Tuesday, April 21 (6-8 p.m.) Craft Club – Join us for craft club! All crafts and skill levels welcome. No registration required.

Wednesday, April 22 (2-3 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Miranda Cowley Heller, “What the Deep Water Knows” – Award-winning and bestselling author Miranda Cowley Heller takes us on an intimate journey through the life stages of a woman in her new poetry collection, “What the Deep Water Knows.” Delicate, yet exceedingly raw, these poems will transport you as vividly as any work of fiction. Streamed live. Please register.

Wednesday, April 22 (3-4:30 p.m.) Digital Transfer Stations: Analog to Digital – Did you know you could digitize your old, physical media at the library? Attend this info session to learn about our Digital Transfer Stations!  Registration begins March 23.

Wednesday, April 22 (6-6:30 p.m.) Meet Your Makerspace! – What is the Makerspace? What can you make?  Come and learn all about the equipment available and what is required to use it! Registration begins April 15.

Wednesday, April 22 (6:30-8 p.m.) The Environmental Impact of AI – In this presentation, we’ll talk about what we know when it comes to environmental impacts of AI, what still remains unknown, and potential paths to proceed in an AI-saturated world. This program will be on Zoom, but participants are welcome to attend at the library. Registration begins March 22.

Wednesday, April 22 (6-7:30 p.m.) Sustainable Fashion & You – Celebrate Earth Day the fashionable way! Come learn a bit about the fashion industry, its effect on the planet, and how you can shop sustainably while staying on trend. Registration begins April 1.

Thursday, April 23 (6-7 p.m.) Checking Out the Digital Library – Westlake Porter Public Library’s catalog includes a wide range of materials that are available online, anywhere, anytime! Join us to learn how to better navigate our website and full catalog and familiarize yourself with our digital media collections on Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, and more! Registration begins March 23.

Thursday, April 23 (6:30-7 p.m.) “Find Your Joy” Storytime – What brings you joy? Celebrate National Library Week and find your joy during this special Storytime. Ages 3-7. No registration required.

Saturday, April 25 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) A “Bite By Bite” Celebration – Enjoy syrup tasting, butter- blending, and waffle decoration stations inspired by the book, “Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees” by Aimee Nezhukumatathil, this year’s NEA Big Read. Registration begins March 25.

Saturday, April 25 (11-11:45 a.m.) Adapted Weekend Fun: Kitchen Play – Have fun together in an interactive program especially for children who may not be successful in a typical library program. Get ready for some dramatic play stations, gross and fine motor activities, and sensory play all related to food. No actual food will be consumed. For children ages 5 and up. Registration begins April 18.

Saturday, April 25 (1-2:30 p.m.) Walking Tour of Evergreen Cemetery – Explore the history of Westlake in this unique walking tour of Evergreen Cemetery with historical reenactors from the Westlake Historical Society. Registration begins March 23.

Saturday, April 25 (1-2:30 p.m.) Laser Cut Plant Markers – Learn how to use the laser engraver to create custom plant markers. Use them to label your seedlings and keep them organized or just to add some flair to your garden. Registration begins April 18.

Saturday, April 25 (2-4 p.m.) Make It, Take It! – Stop by Youth Services to complete a featured craft. While supplies last. No registration required. Not available for pickup at the drive-up window.

PreK-grade 2.

Monday, April 27 (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, April 27 (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 University Hospitals. This course provided by University Hospitals. Class size is limited. Registration is now open.

Tuesday, April 28 (6-8 p.m.) Jewelry Junction: Floating Necklace with Matching Earrings – Make a beautiful spring/summer floating necklace and matching earrings using your choice of crystals, pearls, stones, and/or charms. No registration necessary.

Wednesday, April 29 (7–8 p.m.) Adult Creative Writing Group: Celebrate Irish Poetry – 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! For adults and teens age 16 and up. Registration begins February 25.

Wednesday, April 29 (7-8 p.m.) NSP Live: Dive Into Comic Adaptations! – Dive into the history of comic books and graphic novel adaptations into film, TV and video games. Watch some clips from iconic live action and animated shows Grades 8-Adult. No registration required.

Thursday, April 30 (7-8 p.m.) Virtual Author Talk: Jason Reynolds: “Coach” – Join us in conversation with bestselling author Jason Reynolds as we discuss his latest work, “Coach,” the fifth–and last–entry in the highly popular Track series. Following the immersive stories of Ghost, Lu, Patina, and Sunny, it’s finally time for Coach to shine in his own book as we discover: Who was Coach before he became an inspiring leader?

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