Girl Talk Returns To Mentor Public Library With Discussion On Transformation

Girl Talk -- the new quarterly program for middle schools girls at the Mentor-on-the-Lake library branch -- returned this month with a talk that focused on transformation.

Specifically, the girls talked about ways in which women have transformed the world.

First, the girls learned about the accomplishments of 11 special women throughout history -- including the first woman doctor, the founder of Mattel and the fastest woman in the world.

After the discussion, the girls used bleach pens and stencils to “transform” blank t-shirts into personalized ones.

“It’s cool to learn things I didn’t know about women I’ve never heard of before,” said Anna Platt, 8, who has attended both of the Girl Talk sessions.

The program series aims to give girls in grades 4 through 8 opportunities to play team-building games, discuss meaningful topics and create with their hands, while helping them feel like they are part of a community that supports and values them.

Platt said she enjoyed having a space to hang out with other girls her age to discuss topics they may not feel comfortable talking about together in other environments.

Library Associate Lyndsey Gvora, who brought Girl Talk to Mentor Public Library, said she’s happy that the girls are already able to identify reasons why the program can be valuable for them.

“I hope this program can model ways to have healthy interactions with adults and peers,” she said. “I’d like Girl Talk to encourage girls to seek out adult guidance and conversation with peers in the future.”

For more information on Girl Talk or the other programs at Mentor Public Library, please call 440-255-8811 or log on to www.mentorpl.org.