Alice in Wonderland

Visit with cast members from the Fine Art Association's production of Alice in Wonderland! Watch excerpts from the performance and get a shot to win free-tickets to the show.

This free program will take place at the Main Library on Saturday, January 28 at 12:30 pm. This program will fill quickly, register today! Register online or call 440.255.8811.

AARP Tax Assistance

Appointments with AARP tax aide volunteers are available on Tuesdays at 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm, February 7 through April 10 in the Main Library's James R. Garfield Room. This assistance is for 60 and older middle and low income taxpayers. Plan to bring your completed tax forms from last year and valid ID to your appointment. Registration is required! Call the Library at 440.255.8811 extension 215 to schedule your appointment.

Mentor Public Library's Homebound Services on Around Town

Our homebound sevices were recently featured on Around Town. See how we serve Mentor residents by bringing the Library to their homes. You can watch the segment here.

Mentor Public Library Delivers Books to the Homebound

Retired school teacher Vicky Barden, 95, supports the importance of creating young readers and instilling a passion for the written word. Her commitment to teaching included hauling wood on snowy Vermont mornings to fuel the one-room school house’s wood stove, keeping her students in grades first to eighth grade comfortable as she prepared them for the outside world.

“That was my life, still is and will always be,” she said of her decades-long teaching career. These days Barden is educating herself, actively seeking knowledge and entertainment that is offered in the pages of a book. With the help of the Mentor Public Library’s Homebound Services, Barden is able to obtain reading materials without having to leave her house. The library service delivers large-type and regular-print books, books on CD and tape, magazines, DVDs to the elderly and temporarily-or-permanently homebound patrons.

MPL Community Outreach Coordinator Pam Rose said she considers her role in the library’s homebound service program one of her favorite positions at the library because of the quality of people she serves. “I am learning from their example. They are a wealth of knowledge and provide insight into what life was like for them in their early years,” she said. “This also helps me understand what they need from us. Personally, their zest for life is inspiring.” Barden said she is willing to read anything Rose suggests to round out her average list of 20 books a month. “Every time Pam brings me books it is like Christmas in July,” she said. “Books are my whole world. She brings the whole world to my door month after month. (With a book) you can be any place in the world you want to be. The words will take you there. You are having the best life there is. I can go to my favorite places. I can go to Paris and eat escargot…be in Vienna in 1898.” M PL Circulation Clerk III Leslie Pernus assists Rose in delivering the books once a month to the patrons. It is a service she has provided for the past 10 years.

“These people are so happy to see us,” she said. “It brightens up their day. This is a great job and very rewarding for me. I try to spend a few moments with them and ask them how they are feeling.” Pernus said she is inspired by many of the patrons she visits because they maintain “good attitudes even in the worst situations.” “Some of them have touched my life and I will never forget them,” she said. Barden said she appreciates the time and effort Rose and Pernus expend on her behalf and is looking forward to her next shipment of books. “Keep them coming!” For more information on the homebound service program, contact Rose at (440) 255-8811 ext. 204.

Monday University - Exploring the World of Rhododendrons

Explore the world of rhododendrons at Monday University with Stephen Krebs, the Holden Arboretum's Director of the David G. Leach Research Station. This fascinating presentation will focus on plants from the arboretum's collections and include an overview of Holden's rhododendron and azalea research program, which aims to improve the performance and adaptability of these beautiful but difficult-to-grow shrubs. This program will take place in the Main Library's James R. Garfield Room on Monday, February 13 at 7:00 pm and is free and open to the public. Registration is requested but walk-ins are welcome! Register online or call the library at 440.255.8811. Monday University is presented in partnership with the Mentor Community Arts Commission.

MPL collects 1,000 pounds of food for local pantries!

Mentor Public Library Community Outreach Coordinator Pam Rose packs up the donated canned and packaged food collected during our Holiday Food for Fines campaign. The library collected 800 to 1,000 pounds of food which will be delivered to local food pantries. Mentor Public Library will continue to accept donations of canned goods through January 20 for local area food pantries. You may drop off your canned goods at any of our locations in the collection boxes.

Has your email changed?

The holidays are over and many of you may have new smartphones, iPads, computers, or other devices. If you also have a new email address, please stop by any of our locations or call us to update your record. Thanks!

Spring Winter Cleaning at the Main Library

No waiting until spring! We're rolling up our sleeves and reorganizing our basement now! While we "de-clutter," we will temporarily be unable to accept your donations. If you have items you wish to donate, please contact the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library at 440.942.3200, or Morley Library at 440.352.3383. While we appreciate your generosity, we are unable to take items at this time.