America 250: Sports and Recreation in Ohio
Throughout this year staff members have been changing out the display in the lobby (just to left of the Book Nook). Changes are made on a monthly basis to celebrate…
Remembering 9/11 at the Library
September 11 marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks on the United States claimed the lives of over 3,000 people. Westlake Porter Public Library will observe this solemn anniversary with…
Carts filled with new materials await shelving.
From Selection to Shelf: How Library Materials Make It to Your Hands
When patrons enter the library they find a world of information and entertainment waiting for them in the form of books, DVDs, Blu-rays, magazines, digital materials, and more. But how do these materials make their way to Westlake Porter Public Library’s shelves? The answer is the library’s Technical Services Department
Kanopy Round-Up
Did you know that you have access to thousands of movies, TV shows, documentaries, kids' read-alongs, and more with your WPPL library card? With no fees or commercials, Kanopy is…
Environmentalism Book Recommendations & Resources
A curation of some of the Environmentalism Book Club's favorite books, plus a collection of local, national, & global resources that will enable and inspire you to take action and get involved with the fight against climate change.
Let’s Celebrate Disability Pride Month!
In honor of the signing of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, July is Disability Pride Month. The ADA is an important legal document that protects the rights of people with a wide…
It’s Summer! Let’s Go to the Beach!
In my mind, summer means visiting the library and the beach. Here in Northeast Ohio, we are so fortunate to have a beach practically in our back yard. So head…
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday With a Patriotic Read!
On Saturday, July 4th, 2026 the United States of America will be celebrating it's 250th Birthday. As our country celebrates this monumental Birthday it's important to look back at the…
Visit a State Capital – Start a New Bucket List
When I first started looking into this activity for The Summer Library Challenge and Beanstack, I was amazed at how many references there were for various aspects of visiting State…
Westlake250: A Summer Where Community and History Meet Celebration
In honor of America250, Westlake is stepping up as a community and celebrating with Westlake250 events and activities. Westlake is joining communities across Ohio and the country in celebration of America250.…
Summer Library Challenge – Write a Poem About the USA
Writing your own poem about the USA counts towards an activity badge for Summer Library Challenge. Make sure you go back to Beanstack or talk to a staff member to mark your activity! Summer is here!…
Summer Library Challenge – Make a Patriotic Pinwheel, Wind Sock, or Bunting
Making your own patriotic decoration counts towards an activity badge for Summer Library Challenge. Make sure you go back to Beanstack or talk to a staff member to mark your activity! This special blog post is…
Summer Library Challenge – Find Ohio on a Map
As someone who is not from Ohio but moved here to go to college, I always enjoy learning new fun facts about this state I've grown to love so much.
The Five National Parks Closest to Cleveland
The United States has 63 national parks that see over 318 million people each year! And as Clevelanders, we are lucky enough to have one within a 30 minute drive!…
Cat’s Picks! Attend a Parade or Picnic
Friendly reminder: If you read this article or attend the Polka Picnic at the Pavilion it counts towards an activity badge for Summer Library Challenge. Make sure you go back to Beanstack or talk to a staff member to…
We Want You…to Create Art for the Free Little Art Gallery!
The Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG) was officially installed in the library's lobby in April 2023. Since opening in 2023, the FLAG has featured homemade bookmarks, cards, ceramics, jewelry and…
Cat’s Picks! Look for Constellations
Friendly reminder: If you read this blog post or look for constellations in the night sky, it counts towards an activity badge for Summer Library Challenge. Make sure you go back to Beanstack or talk to a staff…
Summer Library Challenge – Paint a Rock!
Have you ever painted a rock before? I gave it a try for the first time this year, and surprised myself by how much fun I had!
Oreo Moon Phases Activity
If you do this activity, it counts towards an activity badge for Summer Library Challenge. Make sure you go back to Beanstack or talk to a staff member to mark your activity! This special blog post is written…
J Is My Favorite Color: An Introduction to Synesthesia
A is a pretty boring gray-tan. B is brown. C is where it gets good: the exact color of Crayola's "Macaroni and Cheese" crayon. My initials, J and M, are…
Share a Smile in Your Community with Dear Elders
Earlier this month, I wrote a blog post about one of my very favorite hobbies: letter writing. And today, I wanted to take that idea a step further and talk…
Let’s Learn about the Presidents!
In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, let's celebrate with some presidential trivia! Below, you'll find some interesting presidential facts and some books to go along with them. I chose books…
Cat’s Picks! Find Your Joy in Community
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…
Explore History with 20 Fascinating Picture Books!
I have always enjoyed reading children's books, even as an adult, so imagine my pleasure when I learned record-setting Jeopardy champion James Holzhauer used children's nonfiction as a way of…