Follow the light, find the wonder
Follow the light, find the wonder
Join us for storytimes, author visits, and special celebrations. Each event is designed to spark imagination and foster a love of reading in children of all ages.
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Join us for Books & Badges at The Wandering Lantern on Saturday, October 24! Lakewood Police officers will visit as our special guest readers for a fun, welcoming Story Time with children and their grown-ups.
Ages All ages🎃 Read & Treat All Day at TWL!👻📚 Celebrate Halloween at The Wandering Lantern! Come in costume and drop in anytime for treats, spooky stories, crafts, a bookstore scavenger hunt, Halloween fun, and plenty of books. Free family fun all day long!
Ages All agesDiscover prehistoric creatures beyond dinosaurs with local children’s author Aliyah Kennedy! Join us Saturday, November 7, at 11 AM for a special Story Time celebrating fossils, friendship, kindness, and belonging. Free and drop-in!
Ages All agesPaint. Play. Connect. This family class is an easy, joyful way to bond through art. With a thoughtful methodology, you'll spend an hour pleasantly painting and leave with a beautiful piece you’ll both be proud of. No pressure. No perfection. Just fun, connection, and creativity. The class is adapted to each family's ages and capacities, though it is recommended for ages over 3.
Ages 3+Join award-winning Ohio author Marcy Campbell on Saturday, November 14 for a special morning all about friendship! At 11:00 AM, Marcy will be our guest reader for Story Time, sharing friendship-themed stories perfect for younger listeners. Afterward, we’ll continue the conversation with the older audience (for school age children ages 6-12) with Marcy’s brand-new book, We Used to Be Friends, followed by an exciting discussion and friendship craft. Come for the stories, stay for the conversation and creativity!
Ages All agesCozy up at The Wandering Lantern for our monthly **Family Classics Read-Aloud**. We’ll begin a beloved classic together, giving families a warm introduction to the story and inspiration to keep reading at home. Our November selection is *James and the Giant Peach* by Roald Dahl.
Ages The Whole FamilyDon't Push the Button! Special Story Time with Bill Cotter Join us for a very special Small Business Saturday as we welcome author and illustrator Bill Cotter, creator of the beloved Don't Push the Button! series! Get ready for interactive stories, a make-your-own-button art project, and a drawing demonstration featuring everyone's favorite mischievous monster, Larry! Come meet Bill, enjoy some silly storytelling, and celebrate our bookstore's first birthday! Saturday, November 28 | 11 AM- 2PM
Ages All agesCelebrate Small Business Saturday and The Wandering Lantern’s anniversary with local author and illustrator Bill Cotter! Meet the creator of *Don’t Push the Button!*, purchase signed books, and help support the independent businesses and local creators who make Lakewood special.
Ages All agesCelebrate The Wandering Lantern’s first birthday with us on **Sunday, November 29** during Small Business Weekend! We’ll have tea and crumpets, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party photo op, raffles and prizes, and a book character costume contest. Come dressed as your favorite character and bring everyone you know who loves books, parties, tea, and a little bit of nonsense. **Free • All day • All ages welcome**
Ages All agesThe Santa Experience at The Wandering Lantern 🎅✨ Make a little Christmas magic with us! Join us for a cozy Santa Experience featuring professional photos with Santa by **Wildflower by Abbey**, a beautiful holiday backdrop, a simple Christmas craft, letters to Santa, and a special Wandering Lantern treat for participating families. Come make a memory, browse some Christmas books, and enjoy a festive afternoon at the bookstore.
Ages All agesJoin us on Saturday, December 5 at 11 AM as we welcome children's book author Bonnie Kostan of Quill Town Books for a special guest Story Time! Bonnie writes delightful children's books that inspire kindness, creativity, imagination, and learning. Bring your little book lovers for a cozy morning of stories and a chance to meet the author behind the books! **Free • All ages welcome**
Ages All agesJoin us this month for 'The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe' by C.S. Lewis.
Ages School age kidsWe're excited to introduce a new weekly tradition at The Wandering Lantern: Midweek Makers! Every Wednesday we'll set out simple, meaningful creative projects that families can enjoy at their own pace. No screens, no pressure—just hands-on making, imagination, and a little wonder in the middle of the week. Drop in anytime during store hours and join us at the maker table. We can't wait to see what your children create.
Ages All agesCozy up at The Wandering Lantern for our monthly **Family Classics Read-Aloud**. We’ll begin a beloved classic together, giving families a warm introduction to the story and inspiration to keep reading at home. Our October selection is *The Boxcar Children* by Gertrude Chandler Warner.
Ages The Whole FamilyPut on your costumes and trick-or-treat your way down Madison Avenue! The Uptown Lakewood Business Alliance’s annual Trick or Treat brings families into neighborhood businesses for an evening of candy, costumes, and community fun. Be sure to stop by The Wandering Lantern for a treat and a little Halloween fun while you’re out!
Ages All agesYoung writers are invited to stretch their imaginations with local children’s author and creative writing teacher Kelly Tooman. Through playful prompts and guided activities, kids will build characters, expand their vocabulary, and create stories of their own.
Ages 8-10Celebrate the release of *Skelly T. Bones and Nami Do Yoga* with local author Terese M. G.! Join us October 17 from 11-12 PM for a free, playful story time yoga class for children and families.
Ages All agesJoin us every other Friday evening for a free, drop-in chess club for kids and big kids alike! Beginners can come early to learn the basics, experienced players can find a new opponent, and everyone can practice their skills in a relaxed, welcoming setting. **Free to attend. No registration required.**
Ages All agesNever miss a storytime, author visit, or special event. Our bi-monthly newsletter keeps you updated on upcoming events, what's next at The Wandering Lantern, and ways to be part of our community.
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