Pandemic Positivity is a new effort Boomerhas launched to make people aware of the GOOD things happening amidst the coronavirus pandemic. While Contending with COVID-19 will remain a regular section on our website, it will focus more on the nitty-gritty details of how to manage your health and practical next steps as we navigate through this public health crisis. Pandemic Positivity, on the other hand, is a place where we can relax a bit and celebrate the significant — at times, inspiring— problem-solving, ingenuity and humanity demonstrated by our neighbors throughout Northeast Ohio. Stay tuned for more and feel free to submit your own stories for possible publication at [email protected].
In just a few short months, libraries all across Northeast Ohio have found innovative ways to stay connected with their readers even when their readers can’t gather for programs.
A great example is Mentor Public Library. Below is a list of their upcoming events — all socially distant-appropriate and all offering a twist to conventional programming.
If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your public library, go to its website. You may be surprised. All of us are finding new ways to carry on throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Libraries are especially good at it.
Mentor’s programs are offered through Zoom and require preregistration. Go to their website mentorpl.org for more information.
Borrow Board Games from MPL
Bored at home? Borrow a board game from Mentor Public Library. The library has more than a dozen board games available, including educational games for kids and both cooperative and competitive games for all ages. They include favorites like Catan, Munchkin and Pandemic, as well as quirkier offerings like Rhino Hero, King of Tokyo and Zombie Dice. For a list of games and their descriptions, visit www.mentorpl.org/games. Adults can borrow up to two games at a time for up to two weeks. No renewals.
Imagine Your Story Summer Reading Program
Ends Aug. 2
Kids, teens and adults can all participate in Mentor Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. The theme for summer reading is Imagine Your Story and it’s all about fairy tales, folk tales and mythology. Families can enjoy themselves and possibly even win prizes by filling out the library’s “Safe in your Castle” Bingo Card, which is stuffed with fun ideas for summer activities. Get your printable bingo card at www.mentorpl.org/summerreading2020. The more bingos you get, the more chances you have to win one of our prizes. Adults and teens must turn in their bingo cards by Aug. 1 and kids have until 3 p.m. on Aug. 2.
No Talking in the Library
Thursdays at 8 a.m.
Every week, watch a new episode of No Talking in the Library, the podcase where our librarians Meredith and John discuss pop culture, and what they’ve been reading, watching, and listening to. No Talking in the Library can be viewed on the library’s website, www.mentorpl.org, as well as its Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Just the Facts: Nonfiction Book Reviews
Fridays, Aug. 14 and 28, at 12 p.m.
Every other week, Ms. Mollie from the Lake Branch will highlight two relatively new nonfiction books. Everyone needs a recommendation from time to time, and she can try to help you find your next favorite book. Just the Facts can be viewed on the library’s website, www.mentorpl.org, as well as its Facebook page and YouTube channel.
All Booked Up with Cailey & Meg
Saturdays at 12 p.m.
Every week, MPL’s librarians Cailey and Meg recommend and discuss books on a specific theme. They rotate their suggestions between teen and adult books. All Booked Up can be viewed on the library’s website, www.mentorpl.org, as well as its Facebook page and YouTube channel.
It’s a Mystery Book Club
Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 6:30 p.m.
This monthly book club reads crime-related genres such as thriller, suspense, true crime and mystery/detective. In August, they will discuss “Broken Places” by Tracy Clark. The book club will be hosted online via Zoom. Email [email protected] if you wish to participate.
Serenity with Yoga
Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 2 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing yoga session with instructor Darlene Kelbach from the comforts of your own home. Wear comfy clothes that are easy to move in and don’t forget to set up your yoga mat or beach towel before we get started. Hosted online via Zoom. Registration required to attend.
Men’s Book Club
Monday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m.
This month’s book is “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” by Michelle McNamara. Copies of the book are available at the reference desk at MPL’s Main Branch. Hosted online via Zoom. Registration required to attend.
Author Talk with Amanda Flower
Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 6:30 p.m.
A special evening with bestselling and award-winning writer Amanda Flower, author of “Andi Unstoppable,” “Maid of Murder,” the Magical Bookshop series and more. Hosted online via Zoom. Registration required to attend.
Civil War Series: Ideas Outlive Men – James A. Garfield & the Civil War
Wednesday, Aug. 12, at noon
James A. Garfield was catapulted to national fame by the impressive victory in the January 1862 battle of Middle Creek in Kentucky. Even before he donned a soldier’s uniform, though, he had strong convictions and opinions about the events which led to the Civil War. Garfield, like every surviving soldier, continued to have those strong feelings and close ties with his fellow veterans after they mustered out. Learn more about Garfield’s private and public sentiments about the war and the cause for which millions fought. Presented by Daniel J. McGill of James A. Garfield National Historic Site. Hosted online via Zoom. Registration required to attend.
Old Crimes of Old Times
Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 6:30 p.m.
Revisit famous and infamous stories from Lake County’s past. For example, the first murder in Lake County is cringe-worthy. Party girl and husband slayer Velma West brought a new definition to strong women, and the Mafia reigned supreme here during the old days of the Mounds Club. Presented by staff from the Lake County History Center. Program will be hosted online via Zoom. Registration is required to attend.
Monday Night Book Club
Monday, Aug. 24, at 6:30 p.m.
Join librarian Cailey for a discussion of bestsellers, popular reads and books of interest. This month the book club will discuss “The Mapmaker’s Children” by Sarah McCoy. Copies are available at the Reference Desk for pickup. Book club will be hosted online via Zoom. Registration is required to attend.
