Last Chance: Revisiting Summer's Must-Reads

Sure, school is back in session, but the kids don't have to be the only ones hitting the books this month.

Although Labor Day marks the last hurrah for white pants, barbeques and kids up late on a Sunday night, it is not the end of the season. Until the clock strikes midnight on Sept. 21, it's still summer. And that means there's just enough time to squeeze in another good book atop your favorite lounge chair. Not sure what to read for your last hurrah of summer? Fear not, we've cobbled together some best-sellers from The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, along with a few staff favorites from summers past. All you need to make your experience complete is a nice cold glass of iced tea lemonade. Fiction Non-fiction Be sure to tell us in your comments about your favorite summer read.

• Photos (1)

Librarians Storm The Mentor Beaches

Librarians take it to the beach to share some summer reading

Mentor Public Library staff visited Headlands Beach State Park and Overlook Beach Park recently as part of the library’s Beach Reads program. They gave about 125 Beach Read bags to beachgoers. The bags were filled with free donated, gently used paperback books, information about library events, sunscreen and Frisbees. The beachgoers appreciated the largesse from library staff members Denise Wright and Courtney Patterson. “This is amazing. You have saved our day,” said one of the young adults. “You are like beach angels,” said another. Wright, the library’s circulation department manager, said the program is in keeping with the library’s strategic plan. "The Beach Reads program allows us to reach our patrons at the beaches to promote our …

• Photos (3)

Photo Gallery: Kids Have Country Hoedown At Mentor Public Library

A good old-fashioned country hoedown took place at Mentor Public Library’s Read House last week. Children from three to eight years old showed up in their best cowboy and cowgirl attire. They made their own boot spurs, threw horseshoes, roasted marshmallows by the “fire” and raced horses. There also read some stories, sang some songs and even square danced. Afterward, the kids lassoed some cattle. Everyone had a great time trying to capture an unsuspecting cow puppet and bulls head with the throw of a rope. This event was one of many the Mentor Public Library’s children’s department is putting on to celebrate their summer reading program. Check out the Mentor Public Library’s website at www.mentorpl.org or call 440-255-8811 for more …

• Photos (6)

Moms Talk: Summer Reading

What's on your list for the summer?

Each week the Mentor Patch Moms Council answers a question posed to them by readers or another member of council. This week's question: What's on your summer reading list? Mary Jo Stack: I read a lot. Just finished Janet Evanovich's 18, almost done with Dean Koontz's 77 Shadow Street. I have 27 books on my Kindle yet to be read. And I have just started "The President's Club" by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy. I have a long list of want-to reads -- way to long to list here. I am always looking for more suggestions, so I look forward to what the other moms are or want to read. Devone Lansing: I am also a voracious reader. I'm currently hooked on Amish fiction and I'll read anything by Dale Cramer, Wanda Brunstetter or Beverly Lewis. I just …

• Photos (1)

Read Kiddo Read and 'A Wrinkle in Time'

My grandmother would be so pleased to see her timeless book included in the Patch summer reading lists.

Summertime, and the reading is easy . . . or challenging, depending on our mood, right? I have just submitted my latest YA manuscript to my agent, so I am gearing up for a reading frenzy, a veritable feast of other people’s words. And I love them all, from picture books to the classics. (Right now I am reading The Mysterious Benedict Society aloud to my daughter (age 7) at the urging of my boys (ages 10 and 12) and I am LOVING it.) For myself I am currently reading A Discovery of Witches. When I was a child, summertime meant getting lost in other worlds created by amazing authors, JUST FOR ME. (Right?) This summer, Patch has teamed up with James Patterson to create a reading list to encourage literacy: Read Kiddo Read.  I was very pleased …

• Photos (2)

Kids, Therapy Dogs 'Paws' to Read at Mentor Public Library

Paws to Read program pairs reticent readers with therapy dogs

What do an Australian shepherd with heterochromia and a 6-year-old girl have in common? Reading -- specifically reading at Mentor Public Library's Paws to Read program, which pairs trained therapy dogs with children who are sometimes hesitant to read. Last week, Hansika Suru (the aforementioned girl) had the opportunity to read to her dog companion for the evening, Rukys. Hansika was all smiles as she told stories to Rukys and thought he enjoyed them just as much as she did. The Paws to Read program is very popular for children, ages six to 12 years old, who are able to read independently. Each child is paired with a gentle dog that is licensed and trained to be a good listener. There is often a waiting list for the program once …

• Photos (4)

Moms Talk: Hot Fun In The Summertime

What do your kids do for fun in the summertime around the Mentor area?

Each week the Mentor Patch Moms Council answers a question on parenthood posed to them by readers or another member of council. This week's question: What summer programs and events would you recommend for kids who are lazing through the summer? Renee Ochaya: My daughter’s favorite activity of the summer is the Wildwood Theater Camp. It is three weeks of non-stop fun, acting, putting on a performance and great games of fireball and capture the flag. The entire family enjoys lazy afternoons at the Civic Center pool. In addition to swimming and enjoying friends, there are sand volleyball courts and a personal favorite, tether ball. Another summer favorite is a neighborhood trip to Waldamere amusement Park in PA with about 10 other families. …

• Photos (1)

James Patterson's Summer Reading Lists for Preschoolers and Kids Ages 2-7

Patch has teamed up with James Patterson’s READKIDDOREAD program to bring you reading lists for every age. If you’re looking for some great summer reading options, check out this list of The Best Illustrated books from James Patterson.

Looking for a great book to read this summer? Patch has teamed up with James Patterson's READKIDDOREAD program and the best-selling author is offering his summer reading picks for kids of all ages. This list of illustrated books for kids ages 2 to 7 is so much fun. Plus it includes books young readers can start to read TO you! Read one, or read ‘em all – post your thoughts in the comments. Or, if we missed your favorite book, tell us what it is! Also, remember that all of these books and more are available at Mentor Public Library. Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld Who do you think will win, Shark or Train? Blackout by John Rocco   A summer blackout can actually be a great party! Dog and Bear: Two Friends, …

• Photos (1)
• Videos (1)