We’re celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial all 2026 with programs for all ages about our country’s history! The programs and events listed here are part of the yearlong commemoration.
Almost all of our programs are free to attend. We’ll say in those rare instances when there’s a fee. Due to limited space, we also require registration for many of our programs. You can sign up by linking the hyperlink in the program’s title or by calling Mentor Public Library at 440-255-8811.
August programs
Civil War on the Homefront: Lucretia Garfield in Hiram
6:30 pm on Monday, Aug. 10, at our Main Branch
Historical reenactor Debbie Weinkamer from We Made History will step into the shoes of Lucretia Garfield. She’ll revisit when her husband — future president James A. Garfield — served in the Civil War. Meanwhile, Lucretia was establishing their first home, raising a toddler, and participating in homefront activities with other soldiers’ wives.
6:30 pm on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at our Lake Branch
You’ll be transported back to the heyday of Cleveland’s most glamorous department stores. Companies like Higbee’s, Halle’s, and the May Company grew with the city and came to define Cleveland fashion and shopping for decades.
4 pm on Thursday, Aug. 14, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 7-12) can explore a different chapter in the story of the United States with crafts, activities, and a snack that relates to that era.
The Story of the Ladies’ Aid Society of Northern Ohio
6:30 pm on Monday, Aug. 17, at our Lake Branch
Angie George from North Coast Narrative shares the story of the Ladies’ Aid Society of Northern Ohio. During the Civil War, these women provided a lifeline to Union soldiers. They used creativity, determination, and community spirit to ensure soldiers had the essentials they needed.
4 pm on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 8-12) can celebrate 250 years of American history through the American Girl dolls. Each month, we’ll celebrate a different girl. (Children may bring their dolls with them.)
1 pm on Saturday, Aug. 29, at our Headlands Branch
Learn about Honor Flight Cleveland’s organization and mission. HFC honors U.S. veterans by giving them an all-expenses paid trip to visit the monuments and memorials in Washington D.C. Our speaker will be Charlie McGibony, an original Honor Flight Cleveland Board Member.
July programs
All July (while supplies last) at our Headlands Branch
Celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary by adopting a miniature bald eagle, while supplies last. Families can also receive an information sheet about eagles and borrow books and DVDs about our national bird.
10 am on Thursdays, through July 23, at our Main Branch and James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Enjoy a walk from our Main Branch to the nearby James A. Garfield National Historic Site. Each story time will be themed to accompany Junior Ranger activities, which encourage kids to care for and learn more about national parks!
America’s Birthday Green Screen Parade
From 4 to 6 pm, Wednesday, July 1, at The HUB
All ages are invited to make a patriotic pinwheel and felt flag, then show them off in a green-screen parade photo. No registration required.
10:30 am on Thursday, July 2, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 2-6) and their families can celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a parade down Mentor Avenue! Decorate strollers and wagons and parade together to Eleanor B. Garfield Park. There, kids can enjoy a story and snack.
Little Women Christmas in July
1 pm on Wednesday, July 8, at our Main Branch
Kids (entering 1st-6th grade) can celebrate Christmas in July during the era of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. Registration required.
4 pm on Thursday, July 9, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 7-12) can explore a different chapter in the story of the United States with crafts, activities, and a snack that relates to that era.
1 pm on Wednesday, July 15, at our Main Branch
Meet Apollo, a bald eagle and an animal ambassador with Lake Metroparks. A ranger will educate kids about this magnificent species. Registration required.
4 pm on Wednesday, July 22, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 8-12) can celebrate 250 years of American history through the American Girl dolls. Each month, we’ll celebrate a different girl. (Children may bring their dolls with them.)
1 pm on Wednesday, July 29, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 7-12) can travel back to the 1940s and discover what life was like for children during World War II. Registration required.
June programs
All June at our Headlands Branch
Explore the history of our city for a chance to win a gift card to Confectionary Cupboard and free day passes to select Mentor facilities! Pick up your clues from our Headlands Branch and learn fascinating facts about Mentor’s rich history along the way! Complete checklists must be returned by no later than July 3.
June 1-27 at our Lake Branch
Find the eagle, star or America’s 250th birthday cake in our Lake Branch and win a prize! Kids can play once a day. Hiding spots change daily.
10 am on Thursdays at our Main Branch and James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Enjoy a walk from our Main Branch to the nearby James A. Garfield National Historic Site. Each story time will be themed to accompany Junior Ranger activities, which encourage kids to care for and learn more about national parks!
1 pm on Thursday, June 4, at our Main Branch
Kids (entering first through sixth grade) can reenact the Boston Tea Party with the New Connecticut Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Registration required.
Monday University: Lost Put-in-Bay
6:30 pm on Monday, June 8, at our Main Branch
Join author and investigative historian William G. Krejci for a tour of the island vacation getaway that no longer exists. Discover grand hotels, roller coasters, carousels, an electric railway, and a cemetery dating back to the War of 1812. Registration required.
1 pm on Wednesday, June 10, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages five to 12) can explore American history through fun activities and the popular Magic Tree House series. Registration required.
4 pm on Thursday, June 11, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 7-12) can explore a different chapter in the story of the United States with crafts, activities, and a snack that relates to that era.
Roanoke: The Mystery of the Lost Colony
6:30 pm on Thursday, June 18, at our Main Branch
Explore the mystery of Roanoke — the first permanent English colony of North American soil. But in a few short years, the settlers had vanished.
4 pm on Wednesday, June 24, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 8-12) can celebrate 250 years of American history through the American Girl dolls. Each month, we’ll celebrate a different girl. (Children may bring their dolls with them.)
Celebrate the Statue of Liberty
4 pm on Thursday, June 25, at our Main Branch
Kids (entering second through fifth grade) can celebrate the Statue of Liberty with activities, games, and a snack!
Family Trivia Night: America — Celebrating 250 Years
6 pm on Monday, June 29, at our Main Branch
Families can compete as a team to answer questions about American history. Open to kids (13 and younger) with their adults.
1 pm on Tuesday, June 30, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages nine to 12) can explore how Alexander Hamilton went from a young immigrant to the celebrated American leader through stories, activities, and crafts.
May programs
The People’s Congressman: James Garfield
6:30 pm on Tuesday, May 12, at our Main Branch
John Garfield — the great-great-great-great grandson of James A. Garfield —will discuss the president’s 17 years of impactful service in the US House of Representatives. Discover his role as a principled leader, reformer and advocate during one of the most pivotal eras in American history.
4 pm on Thursday, May 14, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 7-12) can explore a different chapter in the story of the United States with crafts, activities, and a snack that relates to that era.
Surveying & Mapping the Western Reserve
6:30 pm on Thursday, May 21, at our Lake Branch
Brian George of North Coast Narrative shares the stories of the explorers who traversed the rugged, uncharted lands that became Ohio. He’ll also discuss the methods they used to put lines and place names on the map.
4 pm on Wednesday, May 27, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 8-12) can celebrate 250 years of American history through the American Girl dolls. Each month, we’ll celebrate a different girl. (Children may bring their dolls with them.)
April programs
All April & May
Teens and adults can submit original poetry inspired by an American poet or poem! The winners of our contest will receive a gift card to Half Price Books and the title of Library Poet Laureate 2026.
What If President Garfield Had Lived
12 pm on Wednesday, April 8, at our Main Branch
A ranger from James A. Garfield National Historic Site will examine many of the political issues that the United States and President Garfield’s successor faced after his assassination. Then the speaker will speculate — based upon evidence — how Garfield would have addressed both these domestic and international matters.
Cleveland: The Car Capitol of the World
6:30 pm on Wednesday, April 8, at our Main Branch
Revisit the turn of the 20th century when Cleveland was the automobile capitol of the world. Our speaker will be from the Western Reserve Historical Society.
4 pm on Thursday, April 10, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 7-12) can explore a different chapter in the story of the United States with crafts, activities, and a snack that relates to that era.
The Declaration of Independence
10 am on Tuesday, April 14, at the Concord Township Community Center
MPL librarian and historian Dr. John Foster will discuss the importance of the Declaration of Independence — both its importance when it was signed in 1776 and its meaning for the country today.
4 pm on Wednesday, April 22, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 8-12) can celebrate 250 years of American history through the American Girl dolls. Each month, we’ll celebrate a different girl. (Children may bring their dolls with them.)
March programs
The Path to Women’s Suffrage
6:30 pm on Monday, March 9, at our Lake Branch
Brian Shifflet from North Coast Narratives explores the long and determined struggle for women’s right to vote — from early advocacy in the 19th century to the ratification for the 19th Amendment. Shifflet will highlight key figures, pivotal moments, and the social and political obstacles along the way. For teens and adults.
4 pm on Thursday, March 12, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 7-12) can explore a different chapter in the story of the United States with crafts, activities, and a snack that relates to that era.
4 pm on Wednesday, March 25, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 8-12) can celebrate 250 years of American history through the American Girl dolls. Each month, we’ll celebrate a different girl. (Children may bring their dolls with them.)
James Madison: The Forgotten Founder
6:30 pm on Thursday, March 26, at our Main Branch
Discover the crucial role that James Madison served in the Creation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. For teens and adults.
1 pm on Saturday, March 28, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 6-12) are invited to First Lady Lucretia Garfield’s afternoon tea!
February programs
Scandals & Mansions of Lake County
6:30 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at our Lake Branch
Mandy Spencer from the Lake County Historical Society shares the hottest gossip from Lake County’s history. Discover the scandal that comes from wealth and leisure.
The Apollo Program
6:30 pm on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at our Lake Branch
Eric Rivet, Chief Curator for the Western Reserve Historical Society, will discuss the triumphs and tragedies of the Apollo program. Adults and teens can learn about the men and machines that made it possible for us to leave Earth and walk on the moon!
The Story of America Club
4 pm on Thursday, Feb. 12, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 7-12) can explore a different chapter in the story of the United States with crafts, activities, and a snack that relates to that era.
Dinner with the Presidents at Yours Truly
5 pm on Monday, Feb. 16, at Yours Truly in Mentor
Our Children’s Department will have crafts and their trivia wheel during Yours Truly’s annual Presidents Day dinner! Join the historical reenactors from We Made History for a memorable evening.
Ohio Inventors and Inventions
6:30 pm on Monday, Feb. 23, at our Lake Branch
Doug Hulett from North Coast Narratives will discuss the groundbreaking ideas and innovations that originated in the Buckeye state, including the airplane, traffic light, and some quirky inventions that reflect Ohio’s unique spirit of creativity.
American Girl in America
4 pm on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 8-12) can celebrate 250 years of American history through the American Girl dolls. Each month, we’ll celebrate a different girl. (Children may bring their dolls with them.)
January programs
The Story of America Club
4 pm on Thursday, Jan. 8, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 7-12) can explore a different chapter in the story of the United States with crafts, activities, and a snack that relates to that era. In January, we’re learning about the people who lived in Ohio before the formation of the United States.
Monday University: The Declaration of Independence
6:30 pm on Monday, Jan. 12, at our Main Branch
MPL librarian and historian Dr. John Foster will discuss the importance of the Declaration of Independence — both its importance when it was signed in 1776 and its meaning for the country today. For teens and adults.
From Mentor to Marietta
1 pm on Monday, Jan. 19, at our Main Branch
Kids (in first through sixth grade) will learn interesting tidbits about Ohio’s history through crafts, activities, and food.
American Girl in America
4 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at our Main Branch
Kids (ages 8-12) can celebrate 250 years of American history through the American Girl dolls. Each month, we’ll celebrate a different girl. In January, we’ll revisit the Revolutionary War with Felicity. (Children may bring their dolls with them.)