Age Limits for Programs
Please be sure to check the age limits when registering. Our programs are specifically designed with the listed ages in mind. We want to ensure that children who do fit the age group are not prevented from signing up or attending programs. Please respect the posted age limits.
Mentor Safety Town 2024
The JWCM (Junior Women’s Club of Mentor) sponsors the Mentor’s “Safety Town” program. Mentor Safety Town helps to keep preschoolers (Ages 4-6) safe while providing parents with peace of mind.
Safety Town Dates for 2024 are June 3rd -June 7th and June 10th-June 14th. There are both morning (9:00–11:15 am) and afternoon (12:00– 2:15 pm) classes. Location: Ridge Elementary School, 7860 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Mentor, Ohio. 2024 Children’s Application. Mentor_Safety_Town_Flyer_2024.
Mail-in Registrations accepted February 15, 2024 through April 15, 2024.
Teen Aides: Volunteering as a Safety Town Aide provides local teens the opportunity to earn 40 service hours. 2024-Teen Aide Application. Teen-Aide-Flyer-2024
For more information, please see http://mentorjuniorwomen.org
Main Branch
Countdown to Kindergarten Bags
Ages 3 – 6
Is your little one getting ready to enter kindergarten? Or maybe you’d just like to work on some fun and educational activities together?
Check out our new Countdown to Kindergarten bags! Each bag has 3 unique activities and challenges for you to complete together, along with supplies and instructions. Each bag also has a guide that matches he activities to corresponding state educational standards and childhood developmental benchmarks and milestones.
These bags are for in-library use only and cannot be taken home. Ask at the desk for the complete list of bags and activities.
Kids Board Game Collection
Check out our new board game collection! These board games are available for in-library use. We have a wide variety including Candyland, Life, Monopoly, Trouble, and much more! Stop by the Children’s Desk for a full list of games and check one out today!
Sensory Bags
Ages 3 and up
Thanks to a Libraries Accelerating Learning Grant, we now offer 7 sensory bags. You can choose from the list below:
- Auditory
- My Sensory Bag
- Proprioception Sensory Backpack
- Quiet Fidget and Fun Backpack
- Sensory on the Go
- Tactile Awareness Bag
- Visual Sensory Bag
We also offer noise reducing headphones.
These bags are to be checked out for in-library use only and cannot be taken home.
Monthly Make a Craft
Every first Monday of the month
All day while supplies last
All ages
Stop by the Children’s Department to get creative with one of our monthly crafts. This craft is in-house only.
Spring Story Times
Spring Story Times will run Monday, March 11 – Friday, May 3. Head over to our Story Time Page for full listing and descriptions.
Story time schedule is subject to change based on needs and safety of the community. If you have any questions please call 440-255-8811 option 3 for more information.
Firehouse Friends
March 14th, April 11th, and May 9th
10 AM
All ages
Join Fireman Dan, from the Mentor Fire Department, as he reads some fire related stories and offers tips on staying safe. Receive a raffle ticket for each time you attend for a chance to win pizza lunch with some firemen in December, 2024. No registration required.
Science Readathon
Friday, March 1st – Saturday, March 30th
All day
Check out 2 science books at any of our branches or departments and receive a pair of eclipse glasses. There is a 2 pair maximum per family for the month. Books must be checked out at the children’s department at main or the check out desk at Lake and Headlands. The program runs the month of March or until we run out of glasses. Please follow the guidelines, as we would like as many families as possible to receive glasses.
Moonbear’s Shadow: Eclipse Time
Friday, March 15th
11 am
Grades K-6
Join us for eclipse activities with Moonbear’s Shadow. This is an event of a lifetime. Receive a pair of solar eclipse glasses. Registration is required.
KidShow at the Great Lakes Mall
Saturday, March 23rd
11 am
All ages
Visit the KidShow at Great Lakes Mall and stop at the Mentor Public Library craft table.
Egg Hatching at the Library
Monday, March 25th- Saturday, April 20th
All day
Visit the Children’s Department to see our chicken eggs that are getting ready to hatch. We will have an incubator set up and you may even get to see the eggs hatch. As we near the hatching date, we will be livestreaming the eggs. More info to come. After hatching, we will have our fluffy friends for about a week before they are relocated!
Book Bunnies
Monday, March 25th
4 pm
Readers up to 5th grade
Call the children’s department to register for a 15 minute time slot. The Book Bunnies Hazel, Hopkins and bunny friend Trick will listen to you read to them. This program is designed for reluctant readers. A friendly face, particularly one with a wiggly nose, can help ease reading jitters and build confidence. Registration is required.
Reading Buddies
March 26th, April 2nd, April 9th, April 16th, April 23rd, and April 30th.
4 pm
Grades K-3rd
Children are invited to attend this early literacy series to enforce reading skills through games and activities. Receive a reading buddy to take home and keep. Children must have some reading skill. This program is supported by a Libraries Accelerating Learning grant. Registration is required.
Build a Peeps House
Tuesday, March 26th
1 pm
Ages 7-12
Create a cute Peeps house just in time for Easter! We will use graham crackers, frosting, and candies to make a fun Easter decoration! Registration is required.
Mr. Zap’s Thrill Show
Thursday, March 28th
11 am
All ages
Mr. Zap has been thrilling kids for over 35 years with his magic shows. Watch juggling, magic, and puppets. Registration is required.
Science Saturday: Be Eclipse Smart
Saturday, March 30th and Saturday, April 6th
1 pm
Ages 6-12
What is an eclipse? Why is it so special? Learn some do’s and don’ts with eclipse watching. Some activities to help understand an eclipse. Participants will receive a pair of solar glasses Registration is required.
A Librarian for a Day
Monday, April 1st – Friday, May 31st
All day
Ages 7-12
Children receive a raffle ticket for every 2 nonfiction books they check out for a chance to be a librarian for a day sometime over the summer. For more information see a children’s librarian.
Yoga Kids
Thursday, April 4th
1 PM
Ages 3-6
This special storytime will be led by Darlene Kelbach and our own children’s library associate. Ms. Darlene is a certified yoga instructor. She will guide the littles ones and their grown-ups through exercises in breathing and movement, all put together with a story and music. Don’t forget your yoga mat or towel! Registration is required.
Egg-cellent Facts with Meyer Hatchery
Thursday, April 4th
4:30 PM
All ages
Children and their families may join us for our program with Jess Nestor from Meyer Hatchery. This event kicks off our egg hatching here at Mentor Public Library. Jess will answer any questions you may have and she might even have some baby chicks to show us! Registration is required.
Make Dog Treats on National Pet Day
Thursday, April 11th 4 PM
Ages 8-12
Join us to celebrate National Pet Day by making some dog treats! Registration is required.
Q and U Wedding
Friday, April 12th 1 PM
Ages 4-6
Join the letters of the alphabet as they celebrate the wedding of Q & U. Story, dancing, and treats. Registration is required.
Preschool Dance Party: Bunny Hop
Monday, April 15th 1 PM
Ages 3-6
Let’s all gather for a hippity-hoppity good time! Sing songs, hear stories, and dance! Registration is required.
National Superhero Day Scavenger Hunt
Friday, April 19th All day
All ages
Join us to celebrate our favorite caped crusaders, masked vigilantes, mutants, guardians, and gods! Dress as your favorite hero while completing our scavenger hunt! No registration is required.
Tree Tellers
Tuesday, April 23rd 11 AM
All ages
Join for a special Holden tree teller story time to learn about the world of plants and trees. Registration is required.
Lake Branch
Storytime Stars @ Lake
Tuesdays
10:30am – 11:00am
Children ages 6 months to 5 years are welcome to attend this storytime at Lake Branch. Enjoy stories, music, rhymes and a craft. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration.
For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512.
Musical Munchkins @ Lake
Thursdays
(No session on March 7th)
10:30am – 11:00am
Join us for an interactive musical story time with music, singing, and stories. For children 5 and under. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.
For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512.
Feathers, Fur, and Scales @ Lake
Monday, March 25, 2024
1:00pm – 2:00pm
What animals are covered with feathers? What animals are born with fur or scales? Meet Several Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center residents face-to-face and discover where they live, their favorite foods, their hunting techniques, and many more facts about Ohio’s native wildlife. Presented by Lake Metroparks.
For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512 or register online. Registration begins March 11, 2024.
COSI Connects Learning Lunchbox Water Kits @ Lake
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Ages: 7-12
Water is all around us. It’s part of our everyday lives, inside our homes and in nature. We all rely on water every day and in many ways. Explore water and how precious it is. Also learn how to take care of it!
Each registered child will receive a COSI Connects-Water Kit. We will work on one of the activities from the box together and the rest you may take home to continue exploring. All activities relate to water.
For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512 or register online. Registration begins March 12, 2024.
Creation Station @ Lake
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
1:00pm – 5:00pm
Stop in at Lake Branch for some crafting fun! We’ll have a table of fun crafting supplies. Use your imagination to make your own special creations!
Dress for mess. Walk-in program with no registration.
For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512.
Solar Science Crafts @ Lake
Friday, March 29, 2024
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Ages: 6-10
Enjoy some solar science with us as we lead up to the eclipse in April! Kids can create some crafts teaching them about the sun and the solar system.
Each child will receive one free pair of eclipse glasses to use for the eclipse on April 8. Kids must be present for the whole program to receive glasses.
For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512 or register online. Registration begins March 15, 2024.
Pizza Box Eclipse Viewers @ Lake
Saturday, April 6, 2024
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Make a pinhole viewer using just a pizza box and some simple supplies. Each family in attendance will receive two free pairs of solar eclipse viewing glasses as well, while supplies last.
This program is in partnership with the Mentor-on-the-Lake Star Seekers.
For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512
Master Builders @ Lake
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Ages: 5-11
Join us at the Lake Branch for a monthly club where you can be creative with different building materials.Come build with LEGO, magnetic tiles, Brain Flakes, marble run, and more! No registration required.
For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512.
Saturday Family Story Time @ Lake
Saturday, April 20, 2024
10:30am – 11:00am
Welcome to a monthly story time for the whole family! Enjoy stories, music, rhymes and a craft. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration necessary.
For additional information, contact the Lake Branch at 440-257-2512.
Lake Erie N-scale Society (LENS) Model Train Display @ Lake
Friday, May 3-4, 2024
12:00pm – 4:30pm
Join us at the Lake Branch of the Mentor Public Library for a special model train exhibit brought to you by the Lake Erie N-scale Society (LENS). Members of LENS will be available to demonstrate the model trains and answer any questions you may have. The display will begin at noon on Friday, May 3rd and continue until Saturday, May 4th at 4:00.
For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512.
Headlands Branch
Finger Paint Fridays @ Headlands
Fridays
10:00am – 12:00pm
Bring in your little one to explore their creativity! We’ll provide the paper, paint and aprons – you provide the fun! Perfect for Pre-K!
Registration is not required, but space is limited inside the branch so there may be wait times. This activity is largely self-directed with limited interaction with staff.
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000
Headlands Crafternoon
Thursday, March 19, 2024
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Calling all crafters! Come to the Headlands Branch for a fun afternoon of crafting! Bring your current project, meet others with similar (or radically different) interests & maybe learn a new thing or two! Open to fiber/textile artists, beaders, paper crafters, etc. All skill levels and ages welcome! No registration necessary.
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000.
Solar Art Soiree! @ Headlands
Saturday, March 30, 2024
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 8+
Spend a fun weekend afternoon with us – just ahead of the upcoming solar eclipse! We’ll make art with just sunlight, learn about what an eclipse is (and how to watch it happen safely). And we’ll even send you home with special eclipse viewing glasses!
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000 or register online. Registration begins March 16, 2024.
PAWS to Read @ Headlands
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
6:00pm – 6:30pm or 6:30pm – 7:00pm
Kids who are able to read independently are invited to practice their reading skills in these 30 minute sessions with a licensed therapy dog! Bring a book or pick one out here before your session starts. Perfect for the reluctant reader!
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000 or register online. Registration begins March 20, 2024. Click on the appropriate link to register.
Headlands Crafternoon
Thursday, April 4, 2024
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Calling all crafters! Come to the Headlands Branch for a fun afternoon of crafting! Bring your current project, meet others with similar (or radically different) interests & maybe learn a new thing or two! Open to fiber/textile artists, beaders, paper crafters, etc. All skill levels and ages welcome! No registration necessary.
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000.
Total Eclipse of the Sun Extravaganza @ Headlands
Saturday, April 6, 2024
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Join Alyssa and Christina at Headlands Library on Saturday, April 6, 2024 to celebrate the sun and upcoming solar eclipse. Children ages 4 to 10 are encouraged to dress as the sun (in all yellow, a costume, or any way they interpret their vision of the sun). We will read a book about an eclipse, explain through a creative demonstration using manipulatives the process of the of an eclipse, complete a craft, eat sunny colored sweet treats, and end with a pinata. Our your patrons will also be given a favor to take home. This celebration will be so bright, you’ll want to wear shades!
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000 or register online. Registration begins March 23, 2024.
Next Level Video Game Club @ Headlands
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Ages: 8+
Do you enjoy playing games like Smash Brothers, Mario Kart and Nintendo Sports?Come join us at the Headlands Branch as we take turns playing video games for the Nintendo switch.You can also bring your own portable device, and just hang out and meet new people!
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000 or register online. Registration begins March 27, 2024.
Headlands Jeopardy
Saturday, April 13, 2024
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Ages: 8+
Come see what you know or learn something new with us in a fun afternoon of trivia challenges at the Headlands Branch. Always on the 2nd Saturday of the month!
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000 or register online. Registration begins March 30, 2024.
ROBLOX Saturday
Saturday, April 13, 2024
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Each month, we’ll be playing different games from Roblox! In-house computer use will be on a first-come, first-served basis, but you can still join us at the branch on your phone, computer or tablet! If you plan on attending with your own device, please let us know!
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000 or register online. Registration begins March 30, 2024.
Nature Journaling @ Headlands (offsite)
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
6:00pm – 7:30pm
The library meets the wilderness! Join us every month at a different Mentor park to forge a deeper connection with yourself and with the marvels of nature living in our own neighborhood. We’ll explore different journaling techniques across a variety of mediums.
No experience necessary – open to all ages and skill levels. Limited instruction will be given, as this is a way for each individual to find ways to create a habit of observing and connecting to nature. All supplies provided (but feel free to bring your own!).
First meeting will take place at the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve & Marina (8365 Harbor Drive). Registration is required.
By registering, you agree to waiver found on the registration page.
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000 or register online. Registration begins April 9, 2024.
Let’s Cook With Kids @ Headlands
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Ages: 8 +
Let’s Cook is a plant-based mobile cooking school that is making their way to the Headlands to offer cooking classes for kids. Registration opens 2 weeks prior. Please call the Headlands Branch at 440-257-2000 to inform us of any food allergies.
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000 or register online. Registration begins April 17, 2024.
Headlands Crafternoon
Thursday, May 2, 2024
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Calling all crafters! Come to the Headlands Branch for a fun afternoon of crafting! Bring your current project, meet others with similar (or radically different) interests & maybe learn a new thing or two! Open to fiber/textile artists, beaders, paper crafters, etc. All skill levels and ages welcome! No registration necessary.
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000.
The HUB
Eclipse Path of Totality Wooden Wall Decor @ The Hub
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Thursday, March 28, 2024
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Ages: 6 – 11
You’ll always remember seeing the eclipse in the Path of Totality! Create your special remembrance with Cricut designs.
This program will repeat on March 28, 2024. Attendees may only participate in one session.
This program is open to the public. The program will be held at the HUB at Mentor High School (6477 Center St). Call the library at 440-205-6011 for more information or register online. Registration begins March 7, 2024.
Wizardry Wall Hanging @ The Hub
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Ages: 6-11
All Wizards welcome! Learn how to make a Harry Potter inspired sign for your room!
This program will repeat on April 10th. Attendees may participate in one session only.
This program is open to the public. The program will be held at the HUB at Mentor High School (6477 Center St). Call the library at 440-205-6011 for more information or register online. Registration begins March 20, 2024.
Fancy Watering Can @ The Hub
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Thursday, April 25, 2024
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Ages: 6 – 11
This spring gardening companion should be as special as you! Make it unique with Cricut designs.
This program will repeat on April 25th. Attendees may only participate in one session.
This program is open to the public. The program will be held at the HUB at Mentor High School (6477 Center St). Call the library at 440-205-6011 for more information or register online. Registration begins April 4, 2024.