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.
Winter Story Times
Winter Story Times will run Monday, January 6th through Friday, February 28th. 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
February 13th, March 13th, April 10th, and 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.
Black History Month Scavenger Hunt
February 1st-27th
All day
All ages
Grab a sheet from the Children’s Desk, and follow the clues to learn about and locate some important black figures hidden around the department. No registration required.
Mixed-Up Valentine Mailers
Monday, February 3rd- Sunday, February 9th
All day
All ages
Come to the Children’s Desk to get a card and envelope. Decorate your card and put your address on the envelope. Please DO NOT seal the envelope. Place the valentine into our MPL mailbox where we will mix up the cards so you will receive a card in the mail from another kind kid. 1 valentine per child. No registration required.
Yoga Kids
Thursday, February 6th
1 PM
Ages 3-6
This special story time 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.
Sing and Swing
Thursday, February 13th
10 AM or 11 AM
Ages 5 and under
Sing and Swing, a musical story time hosted by Jen Woda from Sing and Swing. Registration is required. Please sign up for ONE time slot.
We Love Chocolate
Friday, February 14th
2 PM
Ages 6-12
Sign up for some chocolatey fun. Activities and crafts all pertaining to chocolate. Parents may remain, but no younger siblings please. Registration is required.
Lunch an a Movie
Monday, February 17th
12 PM
All ages
While you’re off from school, bring your lunch to the library and enjoy a movie and popcorn. No registration required.
Happy Birthday Dr. Suess
Monday, March 3rd
9 AM- 4:30 PM
All ages
Help celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with games, activities, crafts, and a special Dr. Seuss story time at 10 AM. No registration required.
National Barbie Day
Saturday, March 8th
1 PM
Ages 6-12
Celebrate the iconic Barbie doll! Paint a 3-D printed doll chair while watching Barbie and the Three Musketeers. Don’t forget to bring your favorite doll! Registration is required.
Energy Explorers with NOPEC
Friday, March 14th
1 PM
K-4th Grade
We have partnered with NOPEC for some hands on activities to see how energy works. Ride the energy bike. Parents must sign a waiver for the bike. Registration is required.
Egg Hatching at the Library
Monday, March 17th- Saturday, April 19th
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. 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!
Bluey Bash
Monday, March 17th
11 AM
Ages 2-6
Celebrate everything Bluey. There will be crafts, activities and a Bluey snack! Registration is required.
Sew Much Fun
Tuesday, March 18th
2 PM
Ages 8-12
Use easy sewing techniques to sew a beginner level project. Registration is required.
Kindergarten Readiness Workshop
Thursday, March 20th
12 PM
Ages 3-5
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. Registration is required.
Superhero Party- Good Manners
Saturday, March 22nd
11 AM
Ages 4-8
Learn polite words and dining manners. Miss Kimberlee from Ohio Etiquette Factory will be presenting this program. Wear your favorite superhero attire! Registration is required.
Taylor Swift Party
Saturday, March 29nd
2 PM
Ages 8-12
Bring International Women’s month to a close by celebrating all things Taylor Swift. Join us for friendship bracelet making, sing alongs, crafts, and more. Registration is required.
Lake Branch
Storytime Stars @ Lake
Tuesdays through April 29, 2025
(No meeting on March 4th)
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
(No meeting on March 6)
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.
February Teen Art @ Lake
Thursday, February 6, 2025
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Ages: 9-15
Teens and tweens can make a cute Valentine’s Day garland or hanging heart decor!
For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512 or register online.
Registration for February’s Teen Art begins January 23, 2025.
Toddler Playdate @ Lake
Monday, February 10, 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 required.
Kids Craft-Dinosaurs @ Lake
Monday, February 17, 2025
11:00am – 4:00pm
Ages: 5-12
Kids can stop in at Lake Branch for some crafting fun! Two different variations of a craft will be offered to accommodate young and older kids. Walk-in craft with no registration. While supplies last.
This month’s theme is Dinosaurs.
For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512.
No registration necessary.
All Mentor Libraries closed the morning of February 28, 2025. Will open at 1:00pm.
Library closed for staff training in the morning. Main, Headlands, and Mentor-on-the-Lake branches will open at 1:00 pm.
Grab-n-Go Seasonal Crafts @ Lake
Monday, March 3, 2025
All Day Event
Enjoy a seasonal children’s craft to take and make at home. Available at Lake Branch. While supplies last.
For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512.
No registration necessary. Walk-ins welcome.
Lake Branch Jigsaw Puzzle Saturday
Saturday, March 8, 2025
All Day Event
All Ages
Patrons gather together to solve jigsaw puzzles, with the focus on teamwork, problem-solving, and enjoying the challenge of figuring things out together.
For additional information, contact the Lake Branch – 440-257-2512.
No registration necessary. Walk-ins welcome.
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.
Itty Bitty Bookworms Storytime @ Headlands
Thursdays through March 27, 2025
11:30am – 12:00pm
Join us for a fun morning of stories, song, rhymes and a craft!Perfect for Pre-K! Registration is required.
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000. Please register for this program.
Let’s Cook With Kids @ Headlands
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
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 ages 8 +. 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 for February’s Let’s Cook begins January 22, 2025.
Headlands Crafternoon
Thursday, February 6, 2025
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.
Headlands Trivia!
Saturday, February 8, 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 February Trivia begins January 25, 2025.
Next Level Video Game Club
Saturday, February 8, 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 February’s Next Level Video Game begins January 25, 2025.
ROBLOX Saturday @ Headlands
Saturday, February 8, 2025
2:00pm – 3:00pmKids 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 February’s Roblox begins January 25, 2025.
Headlands Craft Squad Social
Wednesday, February 12, 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 from 6:00-7:30pm.
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000. No registration necessary.
Headlands Crafternoon
Thursday, February 18, 2025
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.
SymFUNNY! @ Headlands
Monday, February 24, 2025
6:30pm – 7:15pm
Music! Music! Music! This SymFUNNY workshop engages young children in an interactive book reading and brings the silliness of SymFunny to life through a variety of musical and literacy exploration. Make and take craft at end of program.
Program presented by coauthor of book, Jeannie Fleming-Gifford.
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000 or register online.
Registration for SymFUNNY begins Monday, February 10, 2025.
All Mentor Libraries closed the morning of February 28, 2025. Will open at 1:00pm.
Library closed for staff training in the morning. Main, Headlands, and Mentor-on-the-Lake branches will open at 1:00 pm.
PAWS To READ @ Headlands
Wednesday, March 5, 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.
- Registration for Paws to Read @ 6:00pm begins February 19, 2025.
- Registration for Paws to Read @ 6:30pm begins February 19, 2025.
Headlands Crafternoon
Thursday, March 6, 2025
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.
Headlands Trivia!
Saturday, March 8, 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 March’s Trivia begins February 22, 2025.
Next Level Video Game Club
Saturday, March 8, 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 March’s Next Level Video Game begins February 22, 2025.
ROBLOX Saturday @ Headlands
Saturday, March 8, 2025
2:00pm – 3:00pmKids 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 March’s Roblox begins February 22, 2025.
Headlands Craft Squad Social
Wednesday, March 12, 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 from 6:00-7:30pm.
For additional information, contact the Headlands Branch – 440-257-2000. No registration necessary.
Headlands Crafternoon
Thursday, March 18, 2025
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.
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!
The HUB
Conference Night @ Mentor High
Thursday, February 13, 2025
5:00pm – 8:00pm
All Ages
Stop by the library’s table during Parent Teacher Conferences at Mentor High! Learn about The HUB and the other great services provided by Mentor Public Library through our partnership with Mentor Schools.
The HUB is closed February 17, 2025
Dr. Seuss Tote Bags @ The Hub
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Thursday, February 27, 2025
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Ages: 6-11
Celebrate Dr. Seuss Week with a tote for your favorite books.
This program will repeat on February 27th. 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.
- Registration for Dr. Seuss Tote Bags (Feb. 20) begins February 6, 2025.
- Registration for Dr. Seuss Tote Bags (Feb. 27) begins February 6, 2025.
The Easter Bunny’s Green Screen Portraits @ The Hub
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
3:30pm – 6:30pm
All Ages
Dress your finest for the Easter Bunny. Come into the The HUB for your Easter Portrait using our Green Screen!
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.
Silly Bunny @ The Hub
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Ages: 6-11
Learn how to make a simple Wood Bunny with a little help from The HUB’s Laser Engraver!
This program will repeat on March 26th. 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.
- Registration for March 19th’s Silly Bunny begins March 5, 2025.
- Registration for March 26th’s Silly Bunny begins March 5, 2025.
Spring Flower Handprints @ The Hub
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Thursday, March 27, 2025
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Ages: 0-11
Get ready for the new season with some paint and The HUB’s Cricut Maker! Creative fun for little ones, a cherished memory on canvas for their grown-ups!
This program will repeat on March 27th. 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.
- Registration for March 20th’s Spring Flower Handprints begins March 6, 2025.
- Registration for March 207th’s Spring Flower Handprints begins March 6, 2025.
Galaxy Jars @ The Hub
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
3:30pm – 6:30pm
All Ages
The universe is at your fingertips with the galaxy in a jar. Join us at The HUB to make yours with the help of our laser engraver!
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.