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.

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.

Summer Reading: Color Our World

Friday, May 30th-Saturday, July 26th

All kids from birth up to grade 6 may stop in at the Children’s desk to sign up for Summer Reading. Receive your reading log and begin reading for a chance to win some fabulous prizes. Last day to turn in reading logs for raffle tickets is Saturday, July 26th at 4pm.

Spring  Story Times

Spring Story Times will run Monday, March 10th through Friday, May 2nd. 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 Story Time

May 8th
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, 2025.  No registration required.

Lego Graffiti Wall

Thursday, May 1st-Saturday, May 31st
All day 
All ages                                                

Grab some Lego’s from the library and create a design on our Lego Graffiti Wall in the Children’s Area.

Ozobot Hangout

Tuesday, May 8th
4 PM 
Ages 8-12                                                

Children will learn Ozobot basics while hanging out with peers.  Registration is required.

Kindergarten Readiness Workshop

Tuesday, May 8th
12 PM 
Ages 3-6                                                

Sylvan Learning Center will conduct a half hour seminar with caregivers to help parents understand what it means for their child to be kindergarten-ready, while children work on activities with Children’s Staff. Then parents will join the children. Leave with practical tips and fun activities. For ages 3 to 6 with a caregiver. Or parents may come without children. Registration is required.

Gift for Teacher

Thursday, May 22nd
4 PM 
Grades K- 5                                                

 Create a gift for your teacher during this workshop. Registration is required.

SRP Kickoff: The Wonderful World of Bubbles

Saturday, May 31st
11 PM 
All ages                                               

Join the Bubble Lady as she takes bubbles and science to a new level of fun. Registration is required. Register only children.

Lake Branch

Storytime Stars @ Lake

Tuesdays through April 29, 2025
10:30am – 11:00am
Ages: 6 months to 5 years

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 through May 1, 2025
10:30am – 11:00am
Ages: 0-5

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.

Guessing Jar @ Lake

April 1-30, 2025 
All Day Event

Guess how many candies are in the jar and win the jar of candy!

For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512.

No registration necessary. Walk-ins welcome.

Disney Music Bingo @ Lake

Wednesday, April 23, 2025
6:00pm – 7:00pm
All Ages

Play Bingo with a musical twist – each space will be a Disney tune. Listen and sing along to some of your favorite Disney songs and win fun prizes! Please register all attendees. Disney attire is strongly encouraged.

For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512 or register online.

Registration for Disney Music Bingo begins April 9, 2025.

Ice Cream Scavenger Hunt @ Lake

May 1 -31, 2025
All Day Event

Scoops of ice cream have been placed in pockets around the library. Can you find 1 of each flavor? Bring them to the desk and glue your own creation onto an ice cream cone to win a small prize!

For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512.

No registration necessary. Walk-ins welcome.

Teen Paint Night! @ Lake

Thursday, May 8, 2025
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Ages: 11-17

Teens and Tweens can have a fun night of creativity and try painting in whichever medium they choose! We will have paint-by-numbers, canvases, and even some coloring pages to choose from.

For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512 or register online.

Registration for May’s Teen Paint Night begins April 24, 2025.

Toddler Playdate @ Lake

Monday, May 12, 2025
10:00am – 10:30am
Ages: 18-36 months

Connect with other toddlers and families and test drive toys from the library collection. This program is for toddlers and their caregivers.

For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512.

No registration necessary. Walk-ins welcome.

Firefighter Storytime @ Lake

Saturday, May 24, 2025
10:30am – 11:00am

Families can join us for a story with Firefighter Josh from the Mentor-on-the-Lake Fire Department. Learn about fire safety and the firefighter’s equipment, then get a chance to explore the fire engine!

For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512.

No registration required.

 

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.

Spring Reading Challenge @ All MPL Branches

March 20, 2025 to June 20, 2025
All Day
All Ages

Grow your mind by growing a tree!

Visit any branch of the library to pick up a reading log (and don’t forget your leaves!).  Each prompt you read will grow a leaf on your tree.  Can you get your tree to fully foliate before summer starts?

Completed trees can be shown to staff for a special prize and a chance to win a one year membership with Holden Forests and Gardens!

Runs from the Vernal Equinox (March 20) to the Summer Solstice (June 20)!  Open to all ages!

Poetry Contest @ Headlands

April 1 – April 30, 2025
All Day

To celebrate National Poetry Month, writers of all ages can submit original poetry to win the title of ‘Library Poet Laureate 2025’ in their age group and a $20 gift card to Half Price Books.

Age Groups:

  • Adult (18+)
  • Teen/Tween (12-17)
  • Children (11 & under)
  • Staff

CONTEST RULES:

  • Poems in their entirety must be original work by the person entering the contest.
  • A signed waiver for adult and minor participants must be on file with staff upon entry (please see staff to acquire this form)
  • Poems can be submitted to Branch-Headlands@mentorpl.org or in person at any branch location (please give to Reference or Children staff) by no later than end of day, April 30th
  • Emailed poems must be submitted as .doc, .docx, or .pdf
  • Poems submitted in person must be typed – no hand-written poetry will be accepted
  • Poetry can be written in any style and on any subject, but anything containing imagery deemed inappropriate, vulgar or offensive by library staff will be rejected from consideration
  • Participants can submit up to two (2) original works
  • Contact details (name, age, phone/email) must be included with submissions
  • By entering this contest, you agree to allow Mentor Public Library to publish your poems both online and in a printed anthology for public consumption.
  • You may submit anonymously but forfeit the ability to win any prizes
  • Staff entries will be judged as any other group and a winner will be announced but staff will not be eligible for monetary reward

Nature Journaling @ Headlands (off-site)

Tuesday, April 22, 2025
6:00pm – 7:30pmField of grass and cloudy sky
All Ages

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!).

In April, we’ll be meeting at the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve (8365 Harbor Drive).

For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000 or register online.

Registration for April’s Nature Journaling begins April 8, 2025.

Headlands Crafternoon

Thursday, May 1, 2025 
1:00pm – 2:00pm
All Ages

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.

PAWS To READ @ Headlands

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 
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! Registration is required.

For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000 or register online.

Headlands Trivia!

Saturday, May 10, 2025
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 for May’s Trivia begins April 26, 2025.

Next Level Video Game Club @ Headlands

Saturday, May 10, 2025 
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Kids 8+ & Teens

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 for May’s Next Level Video Game begins April 26, 2025, 2025.

ROBLOX Saturday @ Headlands

Saturday, May 10, 2025 
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Kids 8+ & Teens

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 for May’s Roblox begins April 26, 2025.

Headlands Craft Squad Social

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 
6:00pm – 7:30pm

A monthly meeting of crafters and artists of all skill levels and ages. Bring whatever project you’re working on (and your supplies), and enjoy the company of other crafty people. Second Wednesday of every month.

For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000.

No registration necessary.

Headlands Crafternoon

Thursday, May 20, 2025 
1:00pm – 2:00pm
All Ages

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!

For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000.

No registration necessary.

Family Storytime on a Laketran Bus! @ Headlands

Thursday, May 22, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
Ages: 3-Kindergarten

Our friends at Laketran will have a bus in our parking lot where we will listen to stories, sings songs and do a craft in the library. 

For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000 or register online.

Registration for Family Storytime on a Laketran Bus! begins May 8, 2025.

Nature Journaling @ Headlands (off-site)

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
6:00pm – 7:30pmField of grass and cloudy sky
All Ages

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!).

In May, we’ll be meeting at

For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000 or register online.

Registration for May’s Nature Journaling begins May 13, 2025.

 

The HUB

Star Wars Mini-Con @ The Hub

Tuesday, April 22, 2025
4:00pm – 6:00pm
All Ages

Star wars day is flying into the hub early this year for a one of a kind craft, Green screen, and meet-and Greet!

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.

No registration necessary. Walk-ins welcome.

Flower Bookmarks @ The Hub

Tuesday, April 29, 2025
3:30pm – 6:30pm
All Ages

Spring is upon us and so is the season of flowers. Immortlilize some and your name in a bookmark with the help of The HUB’s Cricut Maker!

One per person, while supplies last!

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.

No registration necessary. Walk-ins welcome.

Buzzy Bee Oasis @ The Hub

Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Ages: 6-11Two terracotta bowls fused together containing decorative rocks making a shallow basin for bees to get water.

Learn how to make a simple Bee Watering Station with a little help from The HUB’s Cricut Maker!

This program will repeat on May 14th. One session per person.

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.

Garden Helpers Bucket @ The Hub

Thursday, May 22, 2025
Thursday, May 29, 2025
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Ages: 6 – 11

Personalize this summertime essential for garden or beach with Cricut at The HUB!

This program will repeat on May 29th.  One session per person.

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.