Et cetera : Hawkins Library, LaPorte City, February Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER

Library Announcements

New Hours!

The Library is expanding our open hours from 33 to 36 hours beginning March 3, 2025. These expanded hours will meet the needs listed in the community surveys, as well as matching our hours of highest activity. Please visit our website and social media for these new hours.

A Call for Helping Hands!

Are you in need of volunteer hours for the Silver Cord? Do you have free time on your hands? We need your help. The Library is seeking adult volunteers aged 18 and up and young volunteens aged 13-17. You can set your own volunteer schedule, and we always have projects. We recommend setting aside one hour a week, scheduled flexibly but routinely.

The Library Board of Trustees is moving their monthly meeting time to 5:30PM on the second Monday each month. Agendas for Board meetings are still posted on the building and available online. All meeting are open for public comments, limited to three minutes.

For future announcements, please continue to check our socials. If you haven't followed us yet, the Library can be found on Facebook and Instagram @hawkinsmemoriallibrary. All events and activity reminders are posted on both social media sites. You will also find a complete list of events on our website: www.lpcpubliclibrary.org/events/all-events-calendar/. Please note, some events require registration, so ensure you check the website regularly.

For Kids Ages 0-9

This winter, the Library is displaying a seasonal StoryWalk®. From December through February, walk around downtown to read the complete story about Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright and illustrated by Stephen Gilpin. The story commences in the main window of the Library with directions on where to visit next.

Preschool StoryTime is every Monday morning from 10:00-10:30AM. Intended for audiences aged 3-5 and their caregivers, Preschool StoryTime is an interactive, communal activity. Library Assistant Zac reads a few stories and introduces an activity. Sometimes, songs and dance are included, sometimes, puppets are included. Each week is a little different.

Daily, the Library offers drop-in activities in the youth department, including clay, coloring, Legos®, Magformers, and Brainflakes. Each week, we change the activity. Additionally, we offer a Kid's Kit to be created in the Library or for takeaway. This month, the kit is a Valentine's luminary. Kits are first come, first served.

This month's Family Film Afternoons presents Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and Ice Age: Continental Drift (both PG Rated). Family Film Afternoons begin at 3:30PM on Wednesday, February 12 and February 26. If we have strong attendance, we'll pop some popcorn.

In celebration of Valentine's Day, the Library is offering BINGO on Friday, February 14 from 4:00-5:00PM. Drop into the Library to win some prizes and sweet treats. This month, we're also bringing back the Bee Bots. On Saturday, February 15, learn the basics of coding while sending a bee buzzing around the Library. For our Lego lovers, we're hosting a Lego Lab on Monday, February 17 from 1:00-2:00PM. This month's challenge is to build something you love. Final creations will be displayed in the youth department.

For Tweens & Teens Ages 10-17

The Library is continuing the "How To…" series. On Wednesday, February 5 from 6:00-7:00PM, learn the basics of applying for a first-time credit card. We'll discuss the basics of credit scores and how to manage a credit card. We'll also discuss the language surrounding credit cards, so you can begin to establish a credit score. Teens, Tweens, and parents are welcome.

Board Game Night is the first Thursday of the month, so join us on Thursday, February 6 from 5:00-6:00PM to enjoy some snacks and play some tabletop board games with Library Director Jake. Other board games will be available, and you're welcome to bring your own.

First Friday Film is a drop-in movie viewing intended for teens to relax after a long week of school. Join us on Friday, February 7 from 4:00-6:00PM for a viewing of Ferris Bueller's Day Off (PG13 rated). We'll provide the snacks.

AnimeZen Club is the second Tuesday of the month, so join us on Tuesday, February 11 from 6:00-7:00PM in the Library after hours. Join Librarian Anni in watching the first few episodes from One Piece. We'll provide snacks, so bring your appetite and your friends.

If you're a tween or teen and have an idea for a Library program, please stop by and tell us all about your idea.

For Adults at All Life Stages

Coffee Conversations continues every Monday morning from 8:00-9:00AM. New conversationalists are always welcome to join.

On Saturday, February 8, join us from 11:00AM-12:00PM to hear stories told in the oral tradition from professional Storyteller August Green. A Vinton resident, Green travels around the area telling stories about Iowa, often with a humorous twist. Though the humor is PGrated, seasoned adults will best understand Green's references and connections. Families are welcome, but the program is best suited for teens and adults.

Color, Craft, & Connect at the Library every third Tuesday of the month. Whatever crafting skills or skill level you possess, drop by on Tuesday, February 18 from 6:00-8:00PM. We'll provide the coloring materials along with some snacks.

Technology Classes continue on Wednesday, February 19 from 6:00-7:00PM. This month's class is Managing Passwords. In this program, learn the essential rules for creating and managing passwords. We'll discuss the most frequent issues with password management, as well as some digital tools to help you stay organized. We'll also discuss how to establish two-factor authentication. Please bring your questions and your own devices.

The Library is welcoming author Bill Haywood to share about his chapbook, Get Out Go Alone Get Away (2024) on Saturday, February 22 from 11:00AM-12:00PM. Released by Atmosphere Press, Haywood provides forty poems, written in metrical and rhymed verse, that draw readers into vivid depictions of nature's beauty. A Janesville resident, Haywood will share his experiences with nature and how he came to write his chapbook.

Novel Notions Book Club is meeting on February 25 from 6:00-7:00PM to discuss Deacon King Kong (2020) by James McBride. McBride's book is just one example of Black excellence in literature. Books are available at the Access Services desk, and new members are always welcome