The Mentor Public Library is excited to launch two new mobile apps: CardStar and Boopsie®, a free new service to patrons.  With the use of these smartphone apps, patrons not only will be able to have 24/7 access to the library’s catalog and services, but also have an on-hand digital Mentor Public Library card.  Patrons can search in the smartphone app store under “Mentor Public Library” to find these free apps.

Boopsie® app offers patrons anytime, anywhere access to library

The MPL Mobile app, developed by Boopsie® for Libraries, offers patrons anytime, anywhere access to the library’s catalog content, reading lists, event calendar and social media networks.

 “Patrons are able to have real-time access to materials and have the ability to manage their accounts, including placing holds and renewals,” MPL Executive Director Lynn Hawkins said.

The Boopsie® app provides catalog search and account management, a GPS-powered library locator, Ask a Librarian, integration of social-network tools and other resources.

 “This is a hard-working library app,” she said. “With one click, patrons can also access eBooks. Our eBook patrons can think of Boopsie as a very streamlined way to get to eBook content.  There is a separate and simple channel for Overdrive in the app.  That’s just one of the things they do.”

Patrons now able to download free CardStar app to mobile device

Patrons can use the library’s CardStar iPhone app as their library card.  The CardStar app generates a barcode, which patrons can use in place of their card. The barcode on the iPhone screen can be scanned with special scanners at the Mentor Public Library.  If patrons forget their card, they can use their CardStar app to check out library materials.

“We want to make Mentor Public Library as easy to use and as accessible as possible,” said MPL IT Manager Andy Gunsch. 

With the CardStar app, Gunch said patrons will have no worries about being able to check out an item if they left their library card at home.

“The CardStar app will keep your most important card on you at all times,” he said. “You can have your library card on your smartphone, in your pocket, wherever you go. Our patrons will never have to worry about forgetting their library cards again.”

Apps anticipate patron needs

Hawkins said Mentor Public Library is the first to offer mobile-library apps in Lake County. 

“This is a very fluid environment and we try to anticipate our community’s needs; to be nimble enough to implement the services and programs that they want, even before they know they want them,” she said. “These new mobile apps are in response to that goal.”

Laura Lyn Lute, a renowned psychic medium, paranormal investigator and author called on the Archangel Michael for protection before she began to tap into the energy of the spirits present during the Monday University at the Library: Mediumship 101 program held Oct. 8 at Mentor Public Library. More than 70 people attended the program.

More than 70 people attending the Mentor Public Library’s Monday University at the Library: Mediumship 101 program were able to learn more about angels, spirit guides and how to open up their own spiritual potential.

Laura Lyn Lute, a renowned psychic medium, paranormal investigator and author, began her Oct. 8 talk by describing her first experiences as a small child seeing angels, spirits and guides.

“I thought maybe it was a dream, but I was so excited about the encounter,” she said.  “Next day I told our preacher and asked him what his angel’s name was.  He didn’t think that was funny and told my parents for me not to tell stories.”

Today, Lute has a career in helping others in their search for healing and enlightenment by channeling her spirit guides and spirit counsel.

“A spirit counsel is the entourage of spirit energy…helps us on our soul path and tells us we are not alone.”

Lute conducted several readings with members of the audience through the reading of auras, oracle cards and tapping into the spirits’ presence in the library’s James Garfield Room.

Lute called on the Archangel Michael for protection before she began to tap into the energy of the spirits

“I see spirits and I see spirits around a person,” she said. “I tap in many different ways with the same result.”

Lute gave attendees an idea in how to see a loved one…through the dream world.

“It is one of the times a spirit can enter very easily,” she said.

She suggested writing a letter to a loved one that has passed and “talk about your memories and how much you miss them and want to see them.”

Lute said placing the letter under a pillow or in a nightstand may bring a vivid dream of the loved one in about a month or so.

Georgia Torchik said she enjoyed the program and gained a great awareness of the spirit world

 “I love mediums and the spirit world,” said Torchik. “I want to grow spiritually.  Learning about the spirit world through Laura Lyn and other mediums will help me in my spiritual journey.”

The next Monday University at the Library program will bring professional storytellers with heart-pounding stories of the supernatural, uncanny, and altogether creepy. The Scary Stories, Not for the Faint of Heart program will take place on Monday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library.  Registration is required.

Monday University at the Library program series brings special monthly programs with exciting new guest speakers, providing high quality, educational and entertaining programming for lifelong learners.

Congratulations Diana Soder and Marlene Capasso for winning a raffle for a spreader and a bag of fertilizer during the Lowes at the Library: Fall Lawncare and Cleanup Tips program held Oct. 6 at the Mentor Public Library. Lowes store represenatives Shirley Tulas and Nick Donato provided great advice for program participants

Lowes at the Library: Fall Lawncare and Cleanup Tips program covered several DIY approaches for program participants. Mentor Lowes store representatives Nick Donato and Shirley Tulas provided their expert advise on fall yard cleanup and preparation.

Former Mentor Public Library Board of Trustee David Roberts saw an ad in the paper asking for volunteers to serve on the library board 23 years ago.  With encouragement from his wife, Helen, he signed up and was soon appointed.

“I love the library and I love reading and it was an opportunity to volunteer,” he said.

During the Sept. 19 Mentor Public Library Read House Grand Opening celebration, Roberts was present as Mentor Public Library Executive Director Lynn Hawkins unveiled a sign dedicating the Read House performance stage as “Roberts Round.”

“We are not only here to recognize the Read House, but we are also here to recognize your contribution to the library with a 23-year tenure on the board,” said Mentor Public Library Board of Trustees President Amy Frank-Hensley. “We are recognizing you…as a dedicated, lovely and incredible library friend.  For now and until eternity this stage will be known as the ‘Roberts Round.’  That is our ‘Thank You’ to you.”

Roberts said the dedication was a “total surprise.”

“In my opinion, public libraries and the national park system are two of the greatest institutions we have in this country and to be honored by one of them is really special,” he said.

Roberts has been on ground floor of library development since the 1991 Main Library addition and ending with the Read House acquisition and renovation.  His involvement was focused on keeping the library relevant within its community through its services and program offerings.

“The growth of the library and the range of programs have really been impressive,” he said. “It has enriched my life and was meaningful to me.”

Helen Roberts said the dedication of the Read House stage was in keeping with her husband’s affinity for the performing arts, his years of public service on the board and on the Read House Committee.  A testament to the service that began on the day he answered the ad to volunteer.

“It just was a perfect fit,” she said.

PHOTO BY SKIP TROMBETTI OF VAN’S PHOTO
A big surprise for Dave Roberts as he realizes that the Mentor Public Library Read House stage has been dedicated as “Roberts Round” in honor of his 23 years of service on the library board of trustees. The dedication was made during the Sept. 19 Read House Grand Opening celebration.

For nearly 150 years, the Mentor Public Library Read House has sheltered four families.  With the Sept. 19 grand opening, the home will now host public events for many families in the years to come. 

For “born and raised Mentorite” Barb Lingafelter, attending the grand opening brought back a cherished childhood memory of attending a birthday party held for one of the Reed family members who had lived in the home.  She approves of the library preserving the 1868 Gothic Revival home for future generations.

“This is so exciting,” Lingafelter said.  “I think it is a wonderful facility and it has all the programs for children. We will also be able to enjoy the summer concerts here.  It is so nice to be able to enjoy this area.”

Lingafelter’s husband, Don, said the addition of the Read House to the Main Library campus is an accomplishment and benefit to the library and the community.

“I think it is wonderful that you have put it to use like this,” he said. “It is right next to the library and it is so convenient,” he said.

Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mentor Public Library Board of Trustees President Amy Frank-Hensley said to the audience that preparing the home for public use and the new home of the Friends of the Mentor Public Library was a “tough, but great journey.”

“We have taken this unique opportunity to connect with the community in a different way,” Frank-Hensley said of the Read House. “Our library is not just about books, it is about community.”

One of those community connections is a birth to five-years-old story time group to be held in the Early Literacy Room inside the Read House. The goal of the story time program is to create a culture of young readers and support early literacy, one of the library’s strategic plan service points.

Seven-year-old Ryan Nichols is particularly excited about the library’s newest facility.  After all, it was at the Read House grounds where he participated in his favorite program, a round of miniature golf at last year’s party to celebrate the end of the library’s summer reading program.

“For a kid, it gives us plenty of great things to do,” he said. “I think it is a good idea to have extra space because we can have even more end-of-summer reading parties.”

Frank-Hensley said she expects the Read House will host many more days and nights of fun, as well as many children learning to love books under its roof.

“It is our community,” she said. “It is our library. There are

 wonderful opportunities here and I am looking forward to what becomes of this.”

The Mentor Public Library board of trustees and library staff watch Board President Amy Frank-Hensley and Executive Director Lynn Hawkins cut the ribbon to officially open the Read House to the public. More than 100 people attended the Sept. 19 Read House Grand Opening celebration.

Visitors to the Sept. 19 Read House Grand Opening celebration were able to tour the Read House, the new home of the Friends of the Mentor Public Library, and purchase some used books.