Jason Lea

A team of Master Gardeners explain how to join their ranks, what they do, and why it’s important.

The Ohio State University Extension Master Garden Volunteer program provides horticultural training to volunteers. Those volunteers – the master gardeners – then use their expertise to assist with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents (including those at your local library.)

Two more tips for any gardeners out there:

1. Did you know that you can get free veggie, flower, and herb seeds from our Seed Library? Check out our collection  the next time you visit our Main Branch. Borrow up to 15 packets of seeds per season.
2. Visit our YouTube channel for more gardening and horticulture programs — including several from our friends and partners, the Lake County Master Gardeners.

Kids (ages six to 12) decorate a graham-cracker house at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, at our Main Branch.

We’ll provide supplies, and kids can bring their own ideas for their holiday decoration. The program is free to attend. However, due to limited space, registration is required. Sign up online or by calling us at 440-255-8811 ext. 3.

We have a program that encourages young readers by letting them borrow a furry friend to read with!

Paws to Read pairs children with trained therapy dogs. The pups make an ideal audience—supportive, adorable and happy to listen to the reader—and all they ask for in return is the occasional belly rub. Paws to Read is open to any kids who can read independently.

We’re hosting Paws to Read sessions at 6 and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at our Headlands Branch.

Each child gets 30 minutes to read with their therapy dog. Registration is required, and we have a finite number of therapy dogs volunteering; so, unfortunately, there’s a limit on how many kids can participate. Call us to sign up now at (440) 257-2000.

Chris Lambert’s childhood dreams of meeting rock stars came true quickly. When he was only 16, the newly formed Scene Magazine gave him the opportunity.

Over the years, Lambert interviewed rock legends including Eric Clapton, Badfinger, Glass Harp, Jackie Lomax and more.

Lambert shares his favorite stories from that era in his newest book, I’ve Scene It All, and during an author talk at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at our Main Branch. The talk is free and open to all. Due to limited space, registration is required. Sign up online or by calling us at 440-255-8811 ext. 1.

Lambert has written for magazines, newspapers, television, and websites, including the White House and VH1. He has also written on more than 30 books on topics ranging from Batman to Orson Welles.

Want a creepy Christmas? Families used to read ghost stories before Christmas during the Victorian Era. The most famous is Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. But there were several more.

Staff from James A. Garfield National Historic Site will share lesser-known ghostly tales that were read by the yule fire during a program at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Mentor Public Library’s Main Branch.

Due to limited space, registration is required. Sign up online or by calling us at 440-255-8811 ext. 1.

For more from our neighbors at James A. Garfield National Historic Site, enjoy their Civil War lecture series.