In one of my presentations earlier this year, I touched briefly on the importance and the significance of a third space to the growth of theaters in the mid-century. But what is a “third space”? And why are they still essential in modern times? The short explanation is that third spaces — a safe, inexpensive, and welcoming space for people of all ages, and where any ethnic and financial backgrounds can meet and interact — is an important part of any community. For individuals who need a safe, welcoming, and budget friendly place to build a community, options for third spaces are limited. Public libraries fit the bill of this need, and Westlake Porter Public Library has plenty of opportunities for all members of our community to meet, learn, and play!
Youth Services provides, and hosts, a variety of programs yearlong for our youngest of patrons through teenagers. From Family Storytimes, hosted by one of our librarians and providing an interactive and literacy-based themed time for parents and their young children; Bow Wow Books, for reluctant elementary school students to strength their reading skills to a local therapy dog; to Teen Foodies, for our teen patrons who want to learn how to cook treats (and eat them too!), the options are plentiful for all age groups! Our newly renovated Teen Lounge space has also welcomed hundreds of teens and tweens over the past year, between programming and a space to study, game, and socialize after school. Our Disability Librarian, Natalie, hosts numerous programming for those with disabilities in our community, partnering with Cuyahoga County’s Board of Developmental Disabilities and Connecting for Kids, which host numerous programs at WPPL for patrons with a variety of different physical and developmental disabilities and neurodivergence.
Adult Services also provides a variety of different programming and supports to our community. Erin M.’s Horror Film Club, one of the longest running programming series at WPPL, connects cinephiles of all ages across the Northeast Ohio community, watching an iconic horror film once every month; Spanish Language Social Hour meets once every month, for adults who are fluent in Spanish; Citizenship Classes for immigrants who want to learn the skills and information to officially become US citizens; fun themed Trivia Nights with prizes; and a wildly popular World at War Forum, an educational panel that discusses various topics and subjects relating to conflict across history and around the globe; there’s bound to be something for anyone in the community to enjoy! The Makerspace also hosts numerous programs and events throughout the year, educating patrons on the uses of our creative equipment and bridging gaps with technology and computer literacy.
When local crisis happens, local libraries provides shelter, free wifi, heat/air conditioning, and electricity to those in need. When tornadoes ripped through Westlake in August of 2024, leaving residents without power or air conditioning, Westlake Porter Public Library remained open, accepting those needing a place to reconnect and cool down, extending hours as the temperatures peaked. Local businesses provided free food and drinks, delivered to the library, and given away for free. Those who were around during those bleak couple of weeks remember the huddles of patrons around electric outlets, charging their devices throughout the day, skin slick with sweat from the humid heat outside. Those who worked from home, laptop and charging wires in hand, used our meeting rooms for conferences and zoom calls, continuing business as usual. Families with young children came in flocks, using our play spaces to burn off excess energy, reading books, and playing games. We saw many new faces, and more returning, thankful that we stayed open. I couldn’t have been more proud to have been on staff during this time, and what a wonderful service we were able to provide to our community! This is just one example (of many) from Westlake Porter Public Library’s history, providing a safe and welcoming space for those in need.
As we celebrate National Library Week, I can’t help but to think about the many ways our library supports all the different parts of our community here in Westlake, and beyond. Fueling connections and community with people can have the power to spark joy, and I hope you check out some of WPPL’s programming offerings soon!
Have a great National Library Week!
