WESTLAKE, Ohio – A series of improvement projects are underway in and around Westlake Porter Public Library with the goal of providing new services to the community and enhancing the visitor experience. Library officials said the projects evolved from the strategic and space planning process that wrapped up last year at the library.
The process included community feedback during public sessions and through surveys. The projects include an outdoor programming pavilion, renovation of study and collaborative spaces in the Adult Services Department, including two new study rooms which can accommodate up to four people each.
Construction costs will be approximately $900,000. About $160,000 – so far -- is coming from donations. The project will be paid for from the library’s Permanent Improvement Fund which sets aside money for projects such as these, as well as general building maintenance and upkeep.
The outdoor programming pavilion will provide additional space for all types of outdoor programming and events. It will be named for the Friends of Porter Public Library in honor of their 50th anniversary. The Friends donated $100,000 toward the project.
The former reference collection alcove in the Adult Services area will be renovated to create a more welcoming study space with new carpet, lighting and furnishings while taking advantage of the view from the library’s large picture windows. A $50,000 donation to honor a longtime patron who is the mother of the donors. The names of the donors and honoree will be announced when the space is completed.
Two small group study rooms will also be added in the Adult Services area. One of the study rooms will be named in honor of Janet and Ted Snider through a $10,000 donation from their family.
Other projects the library is working on this fall include converting the former café into a makerspace and opening the second floor to the public. A dedicated makerspace will bring together the library’s collection of maker resources, including the 3D printers and file transfer machines as well as adding new services such as an A/V recording booth and equipment for craft cutting and making custom T-shirts.
Opening the second floor to the public will provide additional meeting room space for the community and additional seating on the mezzanine, allowing taxpayers more use of the building for which they pay.
“We are very excited about these upgrades and improvements to the library based on community feedback from our strategic and space planning projects,” said Andrew Mangels, library director. “We are proud to be your nationally recognized 5-Star Library and believe these projects will help us to provide even better service to this community.”
Groundbreaking ceremonies tool place on Sept. 25.
Primping your pooch: Does your furry family member need some “maintenance?”
Dog groomer Annie Madansky will give a lesson on how to groom your dog at home during “Basic Home Maintenance for Your Coated Pup” at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Rocky River Public Library, 1600 Hampton Road, Rocky River.
Madansky will practice on her dog while describing tools, tricks and trimming, stressing the importance of making the experience a positive and rewarding one. She’ll also answer questions regarding the needs of your specific dogs. Registration required. Visit rrpl.evanced.info/signup to register.
Gift of life: A Red Cross blood drive is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 5 at Bay Lodge, .492 Bradley Road, Bay Village.
Call 800-733-2767 or visit redcross.org/give-blood for more information or to schedule a donor appointment.
PERI meeting: Chapter 91 of Public Employee Retirees, Inc. will meet at 11 a.m. Oct. 4 on the lower level of the Fairview Park Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, 21255 Lorain Road, Fairview Park.
Guest speaker will be Sarah Florimonte, community liaison for the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program. She will give a Medicare 101 presentation and talk about the different Medicare options as well as the upcoming changes for 2023. Medicare Open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
PERI, established in 1948, has more than 40,000 members throughout the state. Chapter 91 includes members from the northwestern suburbs surrounding Cleveland. The group meets every other month to discuss topics of interest and keep updated on proposed legislation. Public sector retirees are welcome to attend the meetings. Light refreshments are served.
Meals on Wheels needs help: West Shore Rocky River/Lakewood Meals on Wheels needs substitute volunteers for its kitchen. Operation hours are 8:30-11:45 a.m. Monday through Friday.
Substitutes are contacted by email with dates help is needed to staff the kitchen with volunteers. For more information, contact Kathy Blackwell, volunteer/community outreach coordinator, at 440-333-6298 or by email at rrlwcoordinator@westshoremow.org.
At the library: Here’s a look at a few of the programs planned for the coming week at Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, Westlake. Visit westlakelibrary.org for a full rundown of programs and information on registration.
Learn about growing, harvesting, preserving and cooking with herbs during a program at 2 p.m. Oct. 1. Registration is requested.
Students in grades 7-12 can pick up a take-home bubble tea craft kit during library hours on Oct. 3. Registration is required.
Learn about the top scams targeting consumers from a representative of the Cleveland Better Business Bureau during a program at 7 p.m. Oct. 3. Registration is required.
The STEAM Club for students in grades 1-2 will meet at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 4 for a program on the “Life Cycle of a Pumpkin.” Participants will learn the life cycle of a pumpkin with hands-on experiments and activities. Registration is underway.
Information, please: Readers are invited to share information about themselves, their families and friends, organizations, church events, etc. from Bay Village, Rocky River and Westlake for the West Shore Chatter column, which I write on a freelance basis. Awards, honors, milestone birthdays or anniversaries and other items are welcome. Submit information at least 10 days before the requested publication date to carolkovach@hotmail.com.
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