Public libraries are a tremendous resource for not only printed materials, but also for speakers and special events. Mentor Public Library is a good example. It’s just released its Adult Program highlights for March. Enjoy.
Lights Out Cleveland: A Collaboration in Migratory Bird Conservation, Research & Awareness
Wednesday, March 2, at 7 p.m.
Mentor Headlands Community Center
Every spring and fall, millions of birds migrate through Ohio on the way to their breeding and
overwintering grounds. Most species of songbirds migrate at night, and lights on tall buildings
can disorient them and draw them into buildings. The Lights Out Cleveland campaign is an
innovative approach to bird conservation that involves numerous organization and community
members. All are dedicated to raising awareness and making Cleveland safer for birds. Experts
from Lights Out Cleveland, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and the Lake Erie Nature
& Science Center will discuss their efforts to help our feathered friends. Please register to attend.
Adopt a House Plant
Tuesday, March 8, at 6:30 p.m.
Village Room, Main Branch
Come to the library for a Plant Swap. Pick up an indoor plant, share cuttings of your own, or
drop off a plant you no longer need. Space is limited, so registration is required.
Leaders & Legacies of the Civil War: Jewish Americans and their Civil War Experiences
Wednesday, March. 9, at noon
Village Room, Main Branch
The Civil War affected Americans of all races, backgrounds and religions, including Jewish
Americans. Hear about their triumphs and tragedies, successes and failures, and inclusion and
discrimination during the Civil War. Speaker will be Chris Dobeck from the James A. Garfield
National Historic Site. Registration required.
History of Women in Air and Space
Thursday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m.
Village Room, Main Branch
Join the International Women’s Air & Space Museum as they explore the role of women in
aviation and aerospace. Learn about women’s accomplishments, obstacles and enduring legacy –
from the first woman to solo a balloon in the 18th Century to Bessie Coleman’s dream of
establishing a flight school for women. Registration required.
Monday University: Essential Oils Make & Take
Monday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m.
Village Room, Main Branch
Learn about essential oils – what they can be used for and how to use them safely. Participants
will also have the opportunity to make their own essential oil that they can take home. This class
is taught by Maggie Kimble, certified reiki master and aromatherapist. Space is limited for this
class so registration is required.
Discovery of the Argo: The Great Lakes’ Top Environmental Hazard
Tuesday, March 15, at 6:30 p.m.
Village Room, Main Branch
Discovered by Cleveland Underwater Explorers (CLUE) member Tom Kowalczk, the fuel barge
Argo quickly made national news when it was announced to be leaking oil by the U.S. Coast
Guard. It was considered by NOAA to be the Great Lakes’ top environmental threat. Discover
how the barge sank while carrying hazardous cargo in Lake Erie in 1937, how it was discovered
by accident in 2015 and how it was eventually made safe by the Coast Guard’s efforts.
Presented by Kevin Magee from CLUE. Registration required.
Spice Club: Nutmeg
Starting Sunday, March 20
Main Branch
Spice up your life with the library’s newest club: Spice Club! Each month, the library will
feature a new spice, along with information on how to use it. This month’s spice is nutmeg. Pick
up a free take-home kit from the Main Branch’s reference desk with a sample of the spice and a
suggested recipe to try. One kit per family, while supplies last. Share your culinary creations on
social media with the hashtag #SpiceUpMentor.
Balance & Health
Tuesday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m.
Village Room, Main Branch
Greg Morris – physical therapist and licensed athletic trainer with UH Lake Health
Rehabilitation Services – will talk about good balance and the many parts of the body that have
to coordinate to have it. Having trouble with balance? Bring your questions. Registration
required.
Misinformation Online
Tuesday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m.
Lake Branch
Learn how to be a misinformation detective, be your own fact checker, and protect yourself from
misinformation online. Learn tips and resources for identifying and avoiding misinformation on
the Internet. Registration required.
Spring Birding with Lake Metroparks
Thursday, March 24, at 6 p.m.
Village Room, Main Branch
With the weather changing, feathered friends are flocking back to Northeast Ohio. Find out
which birds will be visiting the region with Andy Avram from Lake Metroparks. Discover which
native birds can be found during walks this spring and the best way to view them in your own
backyard. Registration required.
Phil Bova, Throwing Back the Chair: Book Talk & Signing
Wednesday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m.
Village Room, Main Branch
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a referee during the NCAA March Madness tournament? Learn
all about it from Phil Bova who worked the tournament for an amazing 20 consecutive years.
Bova was even a referee in the infamous game in 1985 when Bobby Knight threw a chair across
the floor. Bova will be joined by Nino Frostino, the author of Bova’s biography, “Throwing
Back the Chair.” He’ll discuss many funny stories from his career, including what it’s like to
work with iconic coaches like Knight, Tom Izzo, Gene Keady and more. Copies of “Throwing
Back the Chair” will be available for sale and signing after the talk. Registration required to
attend.
A Senior’s Guide to Lowering Drug Costs
Thursday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m.
Village Room, Main Branch
Andrew Preston, an independent insurance advisor and analyst, offers practical advice on how to
lower your drug costs gleaned from nearly a decade of experience in the Medicare insurance
industry. He’ll explain how to tackle high prescription costs with your doctor, find assistance
programs, obtain discounts, access expensive drugs locally for pennies a pill, and more. This
program is free to attend. Due to limited space, registration is required.
Most library programs are hosted in-person at one of the library’s branches. A few are hosted
online via Zoom. When registration is required, you can sign up by calling the library or
online at mentorpl.org.
