Hot Chocolate Hullabaloo today and a new Pokemon Club tomorrow
We hope you will join us for a free all-ages holiday event today, Thursday, December 15 from 4-6 p.m. at our Hot Chocolate Hullabaloo. We’ll help you build the perfect cozy evening kit as you join us for games and fun.
Then you’ll want to come to another fun free all-ages event on Saturday, December 17 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. as we launch our new Pokemon Club. So far we are only committed to this month, but we would love your feedback to let us know if you’d like it to continue.
Flu season protocols
The curbside service that we began for COVID safety continues – and it’s also a healthful option in the cold and flu season. To save your energy and lessen germ exposure to other patrons, we recommend you use our curbside service – or add a name to your account authorizing that person to pick up items for you while you recuperate. Library hours:
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Saturdays open 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
New format for activities calendar
To be sure you don’t miss any of the free library activities available to you and your family, we encourage you to pick up a copy of the events calendar each month. Its new streamlined format combines all the activities and events for children, teens and adults on one handy two-sided page.
Gaming tomorrow
Enjoy free all-ages video gaming on the X-box 360 Kinect tomorrow, Friday, December 16 from 3-4 p.m.
Makerspace on Saturday
Kids, tweens and teens are invited to a free Makerspace session on Saturday, December 17 from 11 a.m. to noon when we’ll provide the materials so you can build, design and create.
Dungeons & Dragons
Next Tuesday, December 20 from 3:45-5:30 p.m., join our Dungeons & Dragons game free for teens and young adults. Registration is required because space is limited. Contact the library to join.
ESL classes
Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays with 4-5 p.m. reserved for beginners and 5-7 p.m. for both intermediate and advanced students. Please help us spread the word about these classes to others in our community who would be interested, and contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.
Las clases de ESL
Las clases nocturnas gratuitas en persona se llevan a cabo los martes y jueves de 4 a 7 p.m. Los estudiantes principiantes asisten de 4 a 5 p.m., estudiantes intermedios de 5-6 p.m. y estudiantes avanzados de 7-8 p.m. Por favor, ayúdenos a correr la voz sobre estas clases a otras personas en nuestra comunidad que estén interesadas, y contáctenos por teléfono o correo electrónico si tiene alguna pregunta.
Homework help and tutoring
Free homework assistance and elementary tutoring are available for K-fourth grades on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. There is a registration packet for parents and guardians to fill out to enroll your child that you can get by emailing the library or coming in. This program has been a big hit because it helps build essential skills in core subjects. You still can register your child but you may be put on a wait list.
PALS/GED adult education
Mark is available for his free PALS sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 8 p.m. to help with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more. No registration required.
Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and 2-4 p.m. Thursdays. Judy will help you with basic questions relating to computers, smartphones and tablets and also provide assistance in accessing any of the library’s online resources. You do not need an appointment for these drop-in sessions. Note: No Tech Time December 20 and 22.
Writing challenge
A new all-ages writing challenge was posted December 12 on the library’s Facebook page. We hope you will challenge your creativity by participating in this free activity.
Family storytimes
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join us for free in-person children’s gatherings. Next Wednesday, December 21 is free playtime. We have plenty of fun toys for you to enjoy.
Downloadable books
CloudLibrary has a wide variety of downloadable e-books and audiobooks for all ages and accessing this free digital collection has never been easier. You just need to download the cloudLibrary app, answer a few simple questions, select AspenCat Union Catalog for the name of your library, then enter your library card number and 4-digit PIN. You are now ready to browse, borrow and read e-books and audiobooks using cloudLibrary. Library staff are happy to help you set up your device if you need assistance.
Christmas books
“A Christmas Deliverance” by Anne Perry is a holiday mystery set in London. “A Death Valley Christmas” by William W. and J.A. Johnstone is a western holiday story. “Dashing Through the Snowbird” by Donna Andrews is a Meg Langslow mystery.
DVDs
“Thor: Love and Thunder” is a fantasy adventure. “Ron Carter: Finding the Right Notes” is a documentary about the most recorded bassist in history. “Moonage Daydream” is a biography of English singer-songwriter David Bowie. “The Offer” is a 10-episode series about the making of “The Godfather.”
Books on CD
“Dawnlands” by Philippa Gregory is book three in the Fairmile historical fiction series set in England. “The Choice” by Nora Roberts is book three and the conclusion of the Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy. “Going Rogue” by Janet Evanovich is a Stephanie Plum mystery. “The Perfect Assassin” by James Patterson is a Doc Savage thriller.
Mysteries and thrillers
“Triple Cross” by James P:atterson is an Alex Cross mystery. “No Plan B” by Lee Child is a Jack Reacher thriller.
Large print
“All My Sins Remembered” by Rod Miller is set at a roadhouse on an abandoned stagecoach route. “The Atlas Paradox” by Olivie Blake is book two in the Atlas series featuring the society of Alexandrians. “The Kingdom of Savannah” by George Dawes Green is a murder mystery set in Savannah. “It Starts with Us” by Colleen Hoover is a romance. “Thief of Fate” by Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets is a mystery romance. “Going Rogue” by Janet Evanovich is a Stephanie Plum mystery. “Next in Line” by Jeffrey Archer is the latest in the William Warwick series.
Other novels
“Everything the Light Touches” by Janice Pariat interweaves four unique journeys across continents and centuries. “Holmes Coming” by Kenneth Johnson reunites Sherlock Holmes and Watson in a 21st century environment. “Someday, Maybe” by Onyi Nwabineli is about a young woman’s emotional journal after her husband commits suicide on New Year’s Eve.
Nonfiction
“Pickleball is Life” by Erin McHugh, a guide to enjoying the fastest growing sport in North America, includes its history and even recipes for postgame cocktails and treats. “The Anti-Viral Gut” by Dr. Robynne Chutkan is a gut-based approach to mitigating the effects of viruses like COVID using new research. “No F*cks Given” by Sarah Knight is a collection of humorous advice on setting boundaries, getting organized, managing anxieties and more.
Donations
Many thanks to Jill Wood and to Susan and Terry Arlington for their generous monetary donations. We also are grateful to our anonymous donors for their materials donations.
When we are open, material donations are accepted for the Friends of the Library at the front desk – not down the outside returns slot at the library or the dropbox at City Market, please. The Friends take fiction published in 2012 or newer and nonfiction that is 2017 or newer. Limited workroom space means we can only accept one or two small boxes at a time.
Quotable Quote
“Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” — Franklin D. Jones (1879–1967), mechanical engineer and author.
