Saying Goodbye to 2013 & Hello to 2014

We had a big, busy and beautiful year at Mentor Public Library in 2013.

We also have some incredible things coming up soon. But I have an entire year to tell you all about 2014.

For now, let's enjoy how much fun we had this year.

See you next year!

Learning how to use that new eReader

Did you get an eReader for Christmas or Hanukkah but have no idea to use it?

Is your tablet pretty much a pricey paperweight until you figure out how to use it?

That's OK. We can help you turn your digital doodad into a repository for the books, magazines and even movies you love.

The Mentor Public Library is holding a series of free tutorials in January where we'll show you how to get the most out of your Kindles, Nooks, tablets, smartphones, Kobos or any other kind of eReader device.

And—I can't stress this enough—these classes are free and open to everyone.

All the classes are from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Garfield Room of our library's Main Branch. You can register for them on the library's website or by calling (440) 255-8811 ext. 215.

The first session is Wednesday, Jan. 15. It's specifically for people with Nooks, Kobos and other types of eReaders but not Kindles, Kindle Fires, smartphones or tablets. If you want to learn how to download books to your Nook, this session is for you.

The second session is Thursday, Jan. 16. It's for people who want to learn how to check out library eBooks, audiobooks and other materials onto their tablets (including iPads) and smartphones.

The final session is Saturday, Jan. 18; and it's specifically for those with Kindles and Kindle Fires. Learn how to check out eBooks and more on your new eReader.

Mentor Public Library offers a lot of online services that are always available, even when our buildings are closed; and you can use them from the comfort of your own home.

Once you know how to do it, you'll be able to check out library eBooks, stream audiobooks and even watch movies (depending on what kind of device you use) on your eReader, smartphone or tablet.

No excuses: You're never too old or old-fashioned (or too young, for that matter,) to learn something new.

If you're intimidated by your new eReader, bring it to the library and one of our reference librarians will show you how to get the most out of it.

Besides, your eReader is more valuable as an eReader than it is as a paperweight.

How Mentor Library can help you keep your New Year's resolutions

Get healthier? Read more? Both? What's your resolution?

Depending on what think-piece article you're reading, anywhere between 88 and 92 percent of New Year's Resolutions don't survive the year.

There are already plenty of articles giving general advice on how to stick to your resolution. Instead of recapitulating their advice, we wanted to offer some specific ways in which the library can help you maintain your resolve.

1. Lose weight & be healthier
Let's talk about the big one first—the most popular resolution of all.

If you want to lose weight or just generally be more fit, we have books on eating better, cookbooks with healthy recipes and exercise DVDs you can borrow.

We also have a pair of programs scheduled for January, specifically designed to help you get started.

First, a nutritionist from the Lake County General Health District is coming to our Main Branch on Jan. 15 to suggest healthy lifestyle changes that are more effective than any crash diet.

Then, on Jan. 16, Dr. Misty Morris of Morris Chiropractic will talk about some commonly made mistakes that can lead to weight gain and poor health.

You can follow the hyperlinks to register for either or both programs on Mentor Public Library's website.

2. Get your finances in order
Don't just get physically fit in 2014. Become fiscally fit.

The Society for Financial Awareness will talk about overcoming financial challenges, setting goals, managing debt, investing basics and developing spending plans on Jan. 23 at our Main Branch.

The program is, of course, free and open to the public.

3. Find a better career
Sometimes the first step to getting your finances in order is finding a better job.

And, even if you have a job that pays enough, it might still be time for a career change if the job drives you crazy.

Either way, the people at Ohio Means Jobs have teamed with the library to help you find the right career. We'll be hosting a series of Career Coffee Talks in which experts from around the region will give suggestions to job hunters.

The first talk is Jan. 23. The speaker is Charlene Long, the Talent Acquisition Specialist for Progressive. She’ll offer advice on what companies like Progressive are looking for in prospective employees.

Additionally, Ohio Means Jobs and The Reserves Network are holding a job fair at the Mentor Public Library's Main Branch on Jan. 17 to help people find both temporary and long-term employment.

4. Learn something new
This resolution is definitely one we can help with.

There are a lot of ways to learn something new at the library: read a book or a magazine, watch a documentary, come to one of our programs. But one of our favorite ways to keep people learning all their lives is via the digital service Learn4Life. (You may remember the service by its former name, Ed2Go.)

Learn4Life gives you access to free online courses, most of which are taught by college professors, on a variety of subjects.

Accounting, digital photography, college readiness, computer fundamentals, creative writing, alternative medicine, paralegal—take a look at all of your options. Learn4Life is bound to have something that interests you.

And I can't stress this enough. It's free! All you need is a Mentor Public Library card. (Here's a video by MPL Librarian Mary Pelton explaining how to register for and use Learn4Life.)

5. Spend more time with your family
Yes, we have a Family Story Time every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in January.

But there are a lot of ways to use library resources to spend more time with your family. Borrow a stack of DVDs and start a family movie night.

And, while our story times are a lot of fun, there's no substitute for reading to your child.

6. Read more
In 2014, we're resolving to read more and we hope you join us.

Over at our Main Branch, some of us will fill out stars with our Reading Resolutions—that is, the names and number of books we resolve to read in 2014.

You're all welcome to post your Reading Resolution at the library also. These stars will decorate the Main Branch's first floor.

Teens and adults can also enter the library’s “Reading Resolution Raffle.” All they have to do is check out a young adult or adult book at Mentor Public Library and bring the receipt to the reference desk at the Main Branch.

Then they will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 gift certificate from Barnes & Noble.

You have all of January to enter the raffle. We'll pick a winner at the beginning of February.

Resolving to Read in 2014

It feels like Christmas was just yesterday—in part, because it was just yesterday—but we're already thinking about next year.

In 2014, we're resolving to read more and we hope you join us.

Over at our Main Branch, some of us will fill out stars with our Reading Resolutions—that is, the names and number of books we resolve to read in 2014.

You're all welcome to post your Reading Resolution at the library also. These stars will decorate the Main Branch's first floor.

Teens and adults can also enter the library’s “Reading Resolution Raffle.” All they have to do is check out a young adult or adult book at Mentor Public Library and bring the receipt to the reference desk at the Main Branch.

Then they will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 gift certificate from Barnes & Noble.

You have all of January to enter the raffle. We'll pick a winner at the beginning of February.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Mentor Public Library is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

But even though our buildings are closed, you still have access to all of our digital services as long as you have a library card. (And you really should have a library card.)

And those aforementioned digital services offer a seasonal bounty of awesome Christmas movies, music and ebooks.

And, as one more Christmas gift, here are some photos and videos from our recent holiday-themed programs.

Our pine cone Christmas tree

From Mr. Dennis's holiday story time

Kids make sparkly snowflakes.

For more photos from Mentor Public Library programs, visit our Facebook page; and, for more videos, visit our YouTube channel.

Get your kid a library card this Christmas

Maybe you're the type of person who spends a lot of money on your kids, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, siblings et. al. around the holidays.

Maybe you're not.

Either way, the most important gift you give your kids (or grandchildren etc.) might be free. Better than free--it could probably save you money.

A Mentor Public Library card gives you access to more than 200,000 books, audiobooks, movies, video games and albums, as well as hundreds of thousands of more materials from libraries throughout the state via OhioLink.

And, if you're borrowing instead of buying, you could be saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. (If you want, you can use this online calendar to tabulate how much money a library card can save you.)

And that's just a fraction of what your library card allows you to do.

You can take online classes with Learn4Life. (The classes include everything from computer programming to English as a second language to fiction writing. It's worth a look.)

You can download eBooks and eAudiobooks with OverDrive and digital magazines with Zinio.

You can download free music and even music videos from Freegal -- more than 7 million songs are available from more than 28,000 record labels, including Sony. And once you download a mp3 or mp4, you can keep it forever. Put it on your iPod, listen to it from on your phone, burn it to a CD, whatever you want. It's yours.

You can stream thousands of independent films via IndieFlix and soon you'll be able to stream even more movies, music and audiobooks to your mobile devices and computer via Hoopla.

So how do you sign up your kid for a Mentor Public Library card?

It's easy. You can do it at our circulation desk.

Adults, you're going to need a current photo ID, such as an Ohio Driver’s License or State of Ohio ID card, with your current address. If your photo ID doesn't have your current address, a personal check, utility bill, envelope or post card with a recent postmark showing your current address will do.

Meanwhile, kids need their guardian's signature to get a card. Adults assume responsibility for their children's borrowing privileges.

One quick note: If you're not an Ohio resident, you must give a $10 deposit to get a card. You will receive the deposit back once you produce an Ohio form of photo ID. Or, if you aren't moving to Ohio, you will receive your deposit back when all materials and the library card are returned.

You can also get a temporary card online that allows you to place up to five holds on items in the Mentor Public Library catalog.

If you have any questions, visit any of the Mentor Public Library's branches and you'll find people eager to help you get your library card.

And, if you already have a card, get out there and give it a workout.

For more information on Mentor Public Library and its services, visit www.mentorpl.org.

Oh, and Merry Christmas.

Kids channel Jackson Pollock and make mess-terpieces

Our Studio MPL Art Club--you remember them, right?--learned about Jackson Pollock and even imitated some of his techniques Monday at Mentor Public Library.

They used straws, toy cars, plastic spiders, marbles, yarn, sections of pool noodles and blunt ends of the paintbrushes to make their masterpieces.

The good news: It was a lot of fun and the kids made some incredible stuff.

The bad news: It took awhile to clean up afterward.

Here's some photographic evidence.

Ava used a toy car to paint a rainbow.

Caleb covered marbles in paint and then rolled them over his page.

Eva streaked paint across her masterwork with a toy car.

Kaylee dips marbles in paint.

Lily uses the straw to create texture in her painting.

Ruthie begins with a single dab of paint and a straw.

I told you there was a mess.

Studio MPL is open to any child from first through fifth grade. Next month's session will be Jan. 20at our Main Branch. The kids will be making Scribble Art with pens and ink. You can register for it here.

For more photos from our Studio MPL session, check out our Facebook page. For more information on programs and events for children, teens and adults at Mentor Public Library, visit www.mentorpl.org.

This Week in Adorable: Kids Playing Inside of Bubbles

I could write 2,000 words about how Nabokov wrote the definitive translation of Eugene Onegin or you could watch a video from when the Bubble Lady visited Mentor Public Library earlier this week.

So which is it, Russian literature or adorable kids playing inside enormous bubbles?

I thought so.

For more information on programs and events at Mentor Public Library, visit www.mentorpl.org.

Season's Readings: 12 Christmas Stories

With respect to the 12 days of Christmas, here are a dozen seasonal stories to see you through until the New Year.

1. Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris

If you like Sedaris and his droll sense of humor, you probably already consider this collection of short stories a classic. If you don't like Sedaris, I don't know if there's anything in here that will change your mind. But if you haven't read any Sedaris, then SantaLand Diaries--the story of a 33-year-old man working as an elf at SantaLand--is a great point of entry.

2. A Different Kind of Christmas by Alex Haley

Haley's best known as the author of Roots and the ghostwriter of Malcolm X's autobiography. That sort of resume doesn't immediately make one think of Christmas. However, A Different Kind of Christmas is true to both the season and Haley. It tells the story of a young man who's trying to help one of his father's slaves escape on Christmas Eve.

3. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

You know this one: stingy lender, hobbled child, three ghosts, humbug. Even if you've seen a half-dozen movie versions of this story, you should still read the book. It has some of Dickens' finest writing. (And, if you're looking for a movie version, my personal favorite is the Muppets.)

4. A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote

Let's be honest. It's easy to make Christmas stories (especially those involving children) saccharine. But this story about a 7-year-old boy and an elderly woman, who is also his best friend, hits the sweet spot. It's a beautiful rumination on odd friendships and growing up.

5. Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

Even if you don't know Macomber by name, you probably still know her stories. She's responsible for the stories behind several Hallmark films. If you enjoy Hallmark films, you'll love Macomber's books. If you don't, there's always Holidays on Ice.

6. Matchless by Gregory Maguire

Maguire--the writer behind Wicked and Confessions of an Ugly Step-Sister--gives his version of the Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Match Girl. Fair warning: You'll probably cry when you read this (but you already know that if you're familiar with the original.)

7. You Better Not Cry by Augusten Burroughs

Burroughs was on his sixth memoir by the time he wrote You Better Not Cry. That's even more than Winston Churchill. You would think Burroughs would be out of material by now, but his Christmas-tinged recollections range from sweet to sad and never miss their mark.

8. Winter Dream by Richard Paul Evans

You were expecting The Christmas Box, right? That's his stadium hit, his Layla or Stairway to Heaven. But Evans has written a lot of seasonally appropriate tomes. This one incorporates the Old Testament story of Joseph and his prophetic dreams and gives it a modern retelling.

9. Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

Don't let the dead-eyed motion-capture movie deter you. This story is a classic.

10. Decked With Holly by Marni Bates

This YA book about a girl pretending to be fauxmantically involved with a mega-popular rock star is over the top in all the right ways. Teens who liked Bates' Awkward will get a kick out of Holly too.

11. Santa & Pete by Christopher Moore & Pamela Johnson

Did you know that Santa used to have an African accomplice named Pete? You know about the elves and Rudolph; but, somehow, Santa's most important helper has disappeared in the annals of time. (If you liked Moore's story about Jesus' forgotten friend Biff, then you'll get a kick out of this too.)

12. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Most people think the instance where the Grinch's heart grows three sizes is a nice moment. But cardiomegaly can lead to congestive heart failure. It may have even contributed to Secretariat's death.

That aside, this book is pretty much perfect. I read it every Christmas... and Easter... and most Octobers... and sometimes in June.

Get Festive with Duct-Tape Christmas Trees & Ornaments

Hey teens, feeling festive? Feeling crafty?

Just want to see what sort of cool stuff you can make from duct tape?

Teens can make duct-tape Christmas trees and ornaments Thursday afternoon, Dec. 19, at our Main Branch.

It's fun and it makes a nice gift if you really don't feel like buying a present for your great-uncle or something.

We'll supply the duct tape. You don't have to bring a thing (unless you want to bring your own tape. Feel free, if you do.)

You can register for the program on the library's website.

Some of our Favorite Things

I asked my coworkers at Mentor Public Library what their favorite Christmas story, movie or song is. For your convenience, I've linked their answers to where you can find them in our collection.


Dee from Circulation: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the Boris Karloff version)
Kim from Children's: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the Jim Carrey version) and Baby, It's Cold Outside
Sue from Administration: Jolly Snow by Jane Hissey
Andy from IT: Love Actually
Chuck from Facilities: A Christmas Story
Leslie from Circulation: White Christmas (the movie)
Sally from Shelving: White Christmas (the song)
Morgan from Shelving: Carol of the Bells
Barb from Tech Services: Christmas Carol (both the book and the film starring Alistair Sim)
Mary from Tech Services: The Bishop's Wife
Rita from Circulation: It's a Wonderful Life
Torey from Circulation: This Christmas by Donny Hathaway
Kristin from Reference: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Meredith from Reference: All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey
Mary from our Children's Department: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and O Holy Night by Josh Groban
Judy from Children's: The Santa Clause and Underneath the Christmas Tree by Kelly Clarkson
Lisa from Children's: A Charlie Brown Christmas (both the movie and soundtrack)
Kelly from Finance: Miracle on 34th Street
Tiffany from Tech Services: Elf
Mary Beth from Tech Services: Lilies of the Field
Julie from Tech Services: The Christmas Donkey by T. William Taylor
Lynn from Administration: The Hallelujah Chorus
Caleb from Circulation: 2000 Miles by The Pretenders
Amanda from Reference: A Garfield Christmas and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Cailey from Reference: The Year Without Santa Claus
Pam from our Mentor-on-the-Lake Branch: Sound of Music
Mary from Reference: Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer by Elmo 'n Patsy
Jason from Community Outreach: I Hate Christmas by Oscar, the Grouch

You can find all of our favorites at Mentor Public Library. What's your favorite Christmas song, movie or book?

7 Things I Learned about Civil War Artillery

A M1857 Napoleon at Stones River battlefield cemetery, courtesy of Wikipedia

Rangers and volunteers from the James A. Garfield National Historic Site have been hosting a monthly series of talks about the battles of the Civil War at the Mentor Public Library.

On Wednesday, Ted Karle of the NEO Civil War Round Table talked about the artillery used in the Civil War.

Here are some interesting facts I learned from Karle's talk:

1. Artillery was responsible for about 10 percent of the 388,000 battle casualties during the American Civil War.

(About 620,000 soldiers died total from combat, accident, starvation and disease during the war.)

2. Unsurprisingly, the Union had the Confederacy outgunned.

The North had 163 field pieces at the beginning of the war and more horses with which to transport them.

By comparison, the South only had 35 field pieces.

That number increased for both sides during the war, but the Confederacy was (at least in part) dependent upon captured artillery.

3. The most common gun was the M1857 Napoleon (pictured above.) Karle posited that the 12-pound Napoleon cannon probably killed more soldiers than any other during the war.

However, the most famous gun of the war was an 18-pound Confederate cannon named Whistling Dick.

The iron smoothbore Model 1839 was rifled; and, because of this rifling, shells would whistle when fired from it.

It's claimed that Whistling Dick sank the Union gunboat Cincinnati at Vicksburg.

4. The most famous mortar, however, was The Dictator.

Its tube weighed more than eight tons and could lob a 220-pound shell.

The Union used it to wreak havoc during the siege of Petersburg.

5. All aspects of artillery were upgraded during the Civil War. Guns, powder, projectiles and fuses all became bigger, faster, more powerful or more precise.

Muskets with grooved barrels increased accuracy substantially (and led to a lot of deaths because military tactics had not caught up with the technology.)

6. You can always spot the artillerymen in Civil War photos because both sides wore hats with crossed cannons and uniforms with scarlet piping.

7. Perhaps you've heard the truism that artillery is the "king of battle" and infantry is the queen. (According to Karle, General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson would often use that analogy.)

The comparison may initially sound dismissive of infantry, but it's actually a compliment once put in context. The artillery is being compared to a king in chess--powerful, important but immobile. Meanwhile, the queen has more reach and maneuverability. 

For more info on Civil War artillery you can check out some of these sites.

The Garfield/Mentor Library Civil War series will continue January 8 with an armchair tour of battle sites. The talk is free and open to the public. You can register for it on the library's website.

12 Days of Christmas on IndieFlix

Remember IndieFlix?

It's the website that allows you to stream thousands of independent films from festivals all around the world. And it's free with your Mentor Public Library card.

The IndieFlix catalog has independently made full-length features and shorts, as well as classic movies and even television episodes.

And it also has a lot of awesome Christmas stories you can watch, if you're feeling festive.

So without further prelude, a dozen seasonal selections from IndieFlix for your 12 Days of Christmas:

1. Don't Tell Santa You're Jewish
A young Jewish girl is worried that Santa will find out that she doesn't celebrate Christmas during her hockey league's holiday party. This animated short is all kinds of adorable. It doesn't matter if you spin the dreidel or hang the mistletoe, you'll get a kick out of this one.

2. The Santa Lie
This short from the United Kingdom is about a 6-year-old girl who discovers the truth about Santa. Needless to say, her parents are left sputtering for an explanation.

3. Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
This 1964 film is unforgettable. Whether it's memorable in the good or bad sense is a matter of taste. Simply put, you can file this one under "so bad it's good." It features a bunch of Martians who kidnap Santa Claus so they have someone to give their children presents. If you snickered when you read, "Martians who kidnap Santa," then this one might be worth a look. (It is free, after all.)

4. A Jersey Christmas
A group of clerks at Xmas-O-Rama, a tumbledown Christmas shop in Jersey, are trapped working there until midnight on Christmas Eve. While the boss is at a card game in a last-ditch attempt to pay his bookies, the employees (most of whom are not Christian) struggle with their "outsider" relationship to Christmas. Fair warning: Despite having "Christmas" in its title, this is not a family film. There's way too much profanity in this one to consider it kid-friendly.

5. The Jack Benny Show, The Christmas Shopping Show
In addition to independent films and shorts, IndieFlix features a bunch of classic television shows, including their Christmas specials. In this episode of "The Jack Benny Show," Jack tries to finish all of his Christmas shopping in one fell swoop. (You'll feel immense sympathy for the poor wallet salesman.)

6. The Silver Bow
This one just might make you tear up a little. A son gets his dad, a bedraggled street performer, the perfect Christmas present.

7. The Great Rupert (A Christmas Wish)
This movie might be worth watching just to hear Jimmy Durante sing "Jingle Bells." But the real scene-stealer in this family-friendly film is an animated squirrel who saves Christmas. That's right, Jimmy Durante and a stop-motion animated squirrel. If you don't want to see that, then you don't understand Christmas.

8. Jingle Blues, Jingle Bells
The father in an atypical black British family tries to get his family through the holiday and an impending financial crisis after he loses his job. Can he keep his sanity while still giving his kids the Christmas they want?

9. The Carrot Cake Conversations
This film is more Christmas-adjacent than full-on festive (like "Die Hard" or "Batman Returns.") It is a story of four strangers--three locals and a failed American actress--who find themselves stranded in Singapore two days before Christmas, and find companionship among themselves over a plate of carrot cake.

10. Wood of Value
This Norwegian documentary follows the path of a Christmas tree from the forests of Norway, across the North Sea to the city of London. It also tells the story of the people who assist the tree on its journey.

11. Christmas Comes on a Bicycle
This short film from South Korea is both somber and sweet. A young boy tries to get the object of his affection to notice him on Christmas, but she is too distracted by her job at a family bicycle shop to even notice that it's Christmas.

12. The Beverly Hillbillies, Home for Christmas
The Clampetts fly back to their original home for the holidays, but can a fish that's used to being out of water return to the sea?

Catch More Steelhead with Tips from Gander Mountain

Update: Due to an emergency, this program has been rescheduled for January 9. We apologize for any inconvenience.

When fishers talk about it being “the season,” they’re not talking about Christmas. They’re talking about steelhead trout.

Steelhead are not native to the Great Lakes, but they have been stocked in the region for decades; and fishing for them has become increasingly popular.

Furthermore, Lake County is one of the best places to catch steelhead in the state. The Chagrin and Grand Rivers both receive more than 90,000 yearlings annually.

But catching steelhead can be difficult for novice or even the experienced angler. Consequently, the Gander Mountain and Mentor Public Library are teaming for a seminar on the fly fishing steelhead this Thursday at the library’s Main Branch.

The experts from Gander Mountain will talk about the best places to find steelhead, what baits and lures work best, and offer some inside tips on making the most of the season. They will also go over the basics of fly fishing with gear and demonstrations.

The seminar is free and open to the public. However, people are asked to register beforehand. They can do so by calling the library at (440) 255-8811 ext. 214 or by visiting the library's website.

Mentor Public Library and the Gander Mountain in Mentor have been holding programs for hunting and outdoor enthusiasts since 2002. In the last two years, the experts from Gander Mountain have talked about urban deer hunting, the safe way to deep fry a turkey, fishing from a kayak and much more.

And they're not done. The library and Gander Mountain will continue the outdoor series in 2014.

They will have seminars on Lake Erie fishing, grilling, camping and tailgating later next year. All of those talks are free and open to anyone.

Have Yourself a very Freegal Christmas

Thanksgiving is over. Nobody can give you a dirty look for playing Christmas music now.

So if you're looking for something different to play this Christmas or just need a new copy of an old favorite, you should check out Freegal.

Freegal is one of the library's digital services, which lets you download DRM-free mp3s of your favorite songs. Moreover, once you download a song, you can keep the mp3 forever. Put it on your phone, your computer, your iPod--wherever you want. It's yours.

If you have a Mentor Public Library card, you can download five songs for free every week from Freegal. Note: It's difficult picking just five because there are so many options.

So here are just a smattering of your seasonal choices.

1. Kelly Clarkson, Wrapped in Red
Clarkson has a new Christmas album out and it's already ubiquitous. You can start downloading songs from it now for free. (If you have the patience to spread it out over a couple of weeks, then you can get the entire album. And, yes, I still call them albums.)

Personal favorite: I'm always game for a new cover of Run, Run Rudolph. I'm less enthusiastic about Baby, It's Cold Outside, which is pretty much the holiday version of Blurred Lines.

2. Harry Belafonte, Christmas
Belafonte could sing about muddy slush and it would still sound great with his voice, so it's a delight to hear him sing these carols.

3. Dolly Parton, Home for Christmas
As a general rule, I love Dolly. This is doubly true during the holidays.

4. Ukulele Christmas
This album's for all the people who loved Israel Kamakawiwo`ole's version of Over the Rainbow. And, no, these standards aren't performed by IZ, but they have that same combination of earnestness and sweetness.

Personal favorite: Auld Lang Syne, but you might also like the Over the Rainbow/We Wish You a Merry Christmas medley.

5. Kirk Franklin, Christmas
If you need some gospel music this time of year, Kirk Franklin and the Family have you covered. Standards like Go Tell It on the Mountain and O Come All Ye Faithful sound sweeter than ever.

6. Harry Connick Jr., When my Heart Finds Christmas
Connick has a lot of Christmas albums in his discography. This one's my favorite but they are all available on Freegal.

Personal favorite: I Pay on Christmas.

7. Parranda All-Stars: Navidad
There's a lot more to Latin Christmas music than Feliz Navidad. This album is a good place to start.

8. NSYNC, Home for Christmas
Any NSYNC fans out there? There must be some. These guys only sold 50 bajillion records.

If you bought the CD or even *gasp* the cassette when you were in middle school, here's a chance to update your medium for free.

9. Glee Cast, Blue Christmas
If you don't like Glee...

10. Elvis, The Classic Christmas Album
Freegal has the Elvis version of Blue Christmas too.

What are some of your favorite Christmas albums?

If you're having trouble with Freegal, MPL Librarian Mary Pelton made video explaining how to navigate its web site.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Mentor Public Library

The Christmas trees are up. The holiday books are out. We even had our first Deck the Halls Story Time of the season on Tuesday.

We are in the midst of the hap-hap-happiest season of all, and Mentor Library has a bunch of Christmas programs scheduled for between now and the 25th.

So, if you're feeling festive, check out our upcoming programs, and see if we have anything planned that shines your garland or tinsels your tree.

Some of these programs require registration. Click on the link to our online calendar to check.

What: Sparkly Snowflakes
When: 7 to 8 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 5 (That's tonight!)
Where: Children's Department at our Main Branch
What: This one's strictly for young'ns, specifically 5- to 12-year-olds. Kids will sip hot cocoa and make a cool craft.

What: Girl Talk -- Tis the Season
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 9
Where: Our Mentor-on-the-Lake Branch
What: Girl Talk is a quarterly program for girls from fourth through eighth grade that encourages them to discuss important topics. Since its inception, Girl Talk has tackled topics like inner beauty, friendship and cyberbullying.

This time, we're relaxing a bit and enjoying the season. We'll be sharing stories of giving and making gifts for the special people in our lives.

What: Holiday Cookie Exchange
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 9
Where: James R. Garfield Room at Mentor Public Library
What: The only thing better than eating holiday sweets? Sharing holiday sweets. Make a batch of your best brownies, cookies or go-to dessert, and share them with other library patrons.

What: Deck the Halls Family Story Time
When: 10 to 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and Thursday, Dec. 19
Where: James R. Garfield Room at Mentor Public Library
What: Families can get in the holiday spirit with this special seasonal story time. We'll share holiday stories, rhymes, songs and a simple craft. No registration is necessary.

What: Piney Cone Holiday
When: 7 to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 11
Where: Our Mentor Headlands Branch
What: Kids from first through fifth grade can stop in for a wonderful hour of holiday songs, stories and a beautiful winter craft.

What: Christmas Cookies around the World
When: 7 to 8 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 16
Where: Our Mentor-on-the-Lake Branch
What: We'll be sharing treats (and their recipes) from all around the world.

What: Special Christmas Story Time
When: 11 to 11:30 a.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 17
Where: Our Mentor-on-the-Lake Branch
What: Kids from three to 10 years old can join us for a special program with stories, songs and a craft.

What: The Wonderful World of Bubbles
When: 7 to 8 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 17
Where: James R. Garfield Room at Mentor Public Library
What: Ever seen a person inside of a bubble? Want to? See all the wild things the Bubble Lady can do with bubbles at this special program.

What: Holiday Kidshow
When: 7 to 7:45 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 18
Where: Our Mentor Headlands Branch
What: Mr. Dennis will perform a special family show with puppets, magic and, of course, comedy.

What: Duct Tape Art -- Holiday Edition
When: 4:30 to 6 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 19
Where: James R. Garfield Room at Mentor Public Library
What: Teens can make Christmas trees and ornaments out of duct tape. We'll provide the tape but you can bring some rolls of your own if you like.

Mentor photographer finds beauty in the abandoned

Photographer Johnny Joo has an affinity for abandoned buildings—the kind with tree branches intruding into windows, moss growing on the floor, shattered glass on the stairwell, rust on the fire escapes and a degree of dilapidation that requires decades of neglect.

Joo has photographed abandoned Masonic temples, Byzantine and Baptist churches, vaudeville theaters, hospitals, schools, diners and homes.

Now he has gleaned his collection—which consists of thousands of photos from hundreds of places—for a special display at Mentor Public Library's Main Branch. The photos will be exhibited until December 31.

The display includes shots from the Newburgh Masonic Temple, the Paramount Theatre in Youngstown, Larimer Elementary in Pittsburgh, Detroit Hope Hospital, St. Joseph Byzantine Church in Cleveland, Fanny’s Diner and more.

All of the locations used to be landmarks—destinations that were part of thousands of people’s daily lives—but now they house insects, pigeons, rodents and memories.

“You can find people’s past there—things people forgot about,” Joo said of his subjects. “People just look past it.”

Joo also enjoys taking pictures of the quiet of undisturbed nature. He likes finding and photographing secluded caves and waterfalls.

Joo’s work has been featured in The News-Herald and Cleveland Scene. He was also a finalist in a National Geographic photography contest.

Nine Christmas Specials You Can Watch for Free on Hoopla

The last time we talked about Hoopla, we were suggesting options for your Thanksgiving soundtrack.

Hoopla, in case you don't know, is the digital streaming service with more than 300,000 audiobooks, movies and albums that's free with your Mentor Public Library card.

Now we're listing nine different Christmas movies and TV episodes that you can stream onto your computers, tablets and smartphones.

Spend your Christmas with Madeline.

1. Madeline's Christmas
All lists that can include Madeline's Christmas should, including lists about holiday specials, beloved children's literature characters, and pandemics.

There's not a whole lot of plot to Madeline's Christmas (but since when has Madeline been about things happening.) Basically, Madeline must take care of her classmates who have fallen ill around holiday time.

That's right. Any cartoon character can save Christmas! Madeline saves the holiday and cures the common cold. Is there anything this adorable moppet can't do?

2. The Munsters' Scary Little Christmas
Ready to have yourself a Munster little Christmas?

Eddie is missing Transylvania so the rest of his family rallies around him in this holiday Munsterpiece.

3. Archie's Weird Mysteries, The Christmas Phantom
Speaking of holiday monsters...

We'll forgive you if you've never heard of Archie's Weird Mysteries. Simply put, some television executive somewhere thought it would be a good idea to turn the Riverdale gang into the Scooby-Doo Crew.

Consequently, in this series, Archie, Betty, Veronica and Jughead solve mysteries with a supernatural twist. It's every bit as awful/awesome as it sounds.

If you want a seasonal sampling, check out The Christmas Phantom. It's the best Christmas special about a specter lurking in a department store that we've ever seen.

4. The Night Before Christmas
Or if you're looking for something more traditional, you can watch as Anthony Edwards narrates this Christmas classic.

5. Strawberry Shortcake, Berry Merry Christmas
Just when you thought this shortcake couldn't get any sweeter, she made a Christmas special.

Get ready for some adorable. Strawberry Shortcake and her friends make Madeline look like Edgar Allan Poe.

6. The Story of Christmas
Christmas isn't just about mystery-solving teenagers and princess-saving plumbers. (Oh, we'll get to the Mario Christmas special later.) It's not just about Santa Claus or talking snowmen either.

The Story of Christmas recounts the tale of Jesus's birth simply and sweetly. Watch it with your kids if they start to forget the reason for the season.

7. Bah Humduck! A Looney Christmas
There are hundreds of iterations on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, but this is the only one with Plucky Duck.

Ergo, it must also be the best. (Though we also acknowledge the awesomeness of A Muppet Christmas Carol.)

8. Christmas Kiss
Consider this the obligatory romantic comedy option.

On second thought, maybe you'd be better off borrowing one of our copies of Love Actually.

9. Super Mario World, The Night Before Cave Christmas
As is probably obvious by now, we have an enormous soft spot for Christmas specials that border on the ridiculous.

And what can be more ridiculous than Christmas with Mario and Luigi, especially when Mario is trying to stop King Koopa from stealing a bunch of cavemen's Christmas gifts?

Nothing. There is a not a single thing that can be more ridiculous than that.

If you want to watch any of these videos but don't know how to use Hoopla, you can check out this video tutorial that one of our librarians made.

And check out Mentor Public Library for more awesome holiday books, movies and music.

Hypnotherapist to talk about power of hypnosis

Edd Schultz, a hypnotherapist who works in Kirtland, likes to compare the mind to an iceberg.

There's the tip above the water's surface, and it looks powerful and impressive. That's the conscious.

But there's a much larger, more powerful structure underneath the water that supports the tip we can see. That's the subconscious.

Most people think they know their own mind, but they're just looking at the tip of the iceberg.

Schultz will be taking people beneath the surface during Mentor Public Library's Monday University at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the library's Main Branch.

Schultz will discuss the ways that hypnosis can be used to address a range of common problems, including insomnia, weight loss and quitting smoking.

Schultz will also talk about how hypnosis can be uses to change bad habits, control stress, cope with pain and otherwise use the power of the mind as an alternative to traditional therapies.


You're welcome to join us if you're interested, or even merely curious, in hypnosis.

The talk is free and open to the public, though we do ask that people register for it beforehand. You can register by calling the Mentor Public Library at (440) 255-8811 ext. 215 or on the library's web site.

Edd Schultz will talk about the power of hypnosis Monday, Dec. 2, at the Mentor Public Library.