Story times with local heroes

Raghav lets Annabelle and Liam know that their bee is healthy and should be buzzing for years to come.

Our summer reading program this year is dedicated to heroes, so we've got programs dedicated to Supergirls, Avengers, and more.

But not every hero wears a cape. A nurse, firefighter or 911 operator can be every bit as heroic as Spider-Man or Wonder Woman (or even more heroic, seeing as they're real.)

That's why we're celebrating local heroes during our Family Story Times every Thursday in June and July. (The story times are 7 p.m. at our Main Branch. No registration necessary.)

Last Thursday, Nurse Amanda joined us for story time and then helped with a Teddy Bear Clinic. She made sure everybody's stuffed animals were fluffy and healthy.

Nurse Amanda reads a story before the Stuffed Animal Clinic.

Each week, we'll be joined by a different local hero:

• Fireman Nate on June 18
• 911 operator Suzy & Red E Fox, June 25
• Dentist Nicole, July 2
• Recycling with Bonnie & Beth, July 9
• Policewoman Marilyn, July 16
• Naturalist Leslie, July 23
• Yoga instructor, July 30

If you can't join us Thursday evening, we also offer several other story times at all three of our branches.

Violet and Mae check the reflexes of Violet's teddy bear.

And while you’re at the library, you can sign up for summer reading. For every hour a child reads or is read to, they receive a raffle ticket that can help them win one of dozens of cool prizes—from telescopes and microscopes to Lego sets and Superhero Barbie. The more someone reads, the better chance they have of winning.

If a child reads 20 hours by Aug. 1, they will be entered into a special raffle to win one of two $50 gift certificates from Toys ‘R Us.

Mentor Library also has a summer reading program (and prizes) for teens and adults, as well. For more information about summer reading, call 440-255-8811 or visit Mentor Library’s website.

Nurse Amanda makes sure Asher's octopus is doing just fine.

For more photos from Mentor Library's story times, visit our Facebook page.