The Niles District Library has a new feline friend, and library staff members are excited to introduce him to the community.

The Great Catsby, the library’s new mascot, will be making appearances around town and at the library. Catsby loves children and is an avid reader, so library staff asked him to vote for his favorite books in the library’s Niles Reads project.

According to the library, Catsby’s favorite books are “Dewey the Library Cat: A True Story” by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, and “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Suess.

The Library has been collecting votes from library patrons and community members all summer, and will publish the Top 100 Books lists in September.

There will be two lists: one for adult books and one for youth (kids’ and young adult) books.

Adults are permitted to vote for their favorite children’s books as well.

Those interested in voting can stop by the library to vote at any service desk. Guests can also email their favorite five books in each category to marketing@nileslibrary.net, or vote online at nileslibrary.com.

The Niles District Library has a new feline friend, and library staff members are excited to introduce him to the community.

The Great Catsby, the library’s new mascot, will be making appearnaces around town and at the library. Catsby loves children and is an avid reader, so library staff asked him to vote for his favorite books in the library’s Niles Reads project.

According to the library, Catsby’s favorite books are “Dewey the Library Cat: A True Story” by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, and “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Suess.

The Library has been collecting votes from library patrons and community embmers all summer, and will publish the Top 100 Books lists in September.

There will be two lists: one for adult books and one for youth (kids’ and young adult) books.

Adults are permitted to vote for their favorite children’s books as well.

Those interested in voting can stop by the library to vote at any service desk. Guests can also email their favorite five books in each category to marketing@nileslibrary.net, or vote online at nileslibrary.com.

Additionally, the Niles District Library will offer the following free events and activities. A library card is not needed to participate in any program.

For more information, call (269) 683-8545 ext. 116, email communityengagement@nileslibrary.net, or marketing@nileslibrary.net, visit facebook/nileslibrary, or browse www.nileslibrary.net.

 

Monday, Aug. 17

• 1 p.m. — Amazing Animals

Children will have the opportunity the paint a plaster animal sidekick. Registration is encouraged.

• 1 p.m. — Basket Weaving Demonstration and Artist Talk

Basket weaver Stan Troyer will demonstrate the art of basket weaving. Interested people and sign up for classes he will be holding at the library in October.

• 2 to 5 p.m. — Gaming Underground

• 6 to 8 p.m. — Coloring & chocolate for Adults

People can color using the library’s materials or bring their own while enjoying quiet music, warm drinks and chocolate.

 

Tuesday, Aug. 18

• 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. — The Connection (Emergency Shelter Services)

The Connection is the fruition of grassroots efforts to implement the Housing Resource Network’s 10-year plan to end homelessness in Berrien County. Housed at the Mercy Center in Benton Harbor, this program of Emergency Shelter Services is a one stop shop for help when housing is threatened or just for referrals and information.

• 10 to 11:30 a.m. — Special edition: Craft day

Crystal is going to help everyone make Gingerbread people to be used in next week’s life sized Candyland game.

• 2 p.m. — Mighty Movies showing “Transformers”

Popcorn and a feature film in Patti’s Place.

• 4 to 6 p.m. — The Writing Group

The Writing Group is a place for passionate writers to share their ideas and experiences with writing of all types with other passionate writers. All participants will have a chance to share their work and receive constructive criticism and tips for their writing.

• 6 p.m. — Villainy 101 for teens

Ever wondered how some of our favorite villains came to be so villainous? This is a chance to learn.

 

Wednesday, Aug. 19

• Multiple times — Storytime day

Squealers (birth-18 months) at 9:30 a.m., Squigglers (18 months-3 years) at 10 and 11 a.m., Storytime (3-5 years) at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

• 2 to 5 p.m. — Gaming Underground

• 6:30 p.m. — Readers Circle book group

Led by Sally Ginter, Readers Circle members have enlightening and thought provoking conversations about books from a wide variety of genres. Books are available at the info desk.

 

Thursday, Aug. 20

• 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — Storytime

• 1 to 5 p.m. — Mahjong

Volunteers are available to teach newbies how to play. Other board games are also available.

• 4 p.m. — Teen Game Night: Life-sized Monopoly

• 6:30 p.m. — Choose Your Own Adventure Thursdays: The Raptor Experience with Lake Milton Raptor Center

Learn what makes birds of prey such flawless hunters. It will include several live birds, including an eagle, hawk, falcon and vulture owls.

 

Friday, Aug. 21

• 1 p.m. — Twisted Stitches

Bring yarn or a sewing project and enjoy a cup of coffee and tea. All skill levels welcome.

• 2 to 5 p.m. — Gaming Underground

 

Saturday, Aug. 22

• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Sit and sew

A monthly social time for sewers, quilters, handstitching enthusiasts and more. Attendees should bring their own project and supplies.

• 10:30 a.m. — Superhero costume contest

Come dressed as a superhero and win a prize. Games, food and crafts will be available.

• 1 p.m. — Twisted Stitches

Bring yarn or a sewing project and enjoy a cup of coffee and tea. All skill levels welcome.

• 1:30 p.m. — Gardening for Monarchs

Learn about plants that attract butterflies to gardens and create a habitat to support them through all their life stages. The Monarch butterfly population has declined 59 percent over the last 20 years. Caryn Adler will talk about her experience becoming a Monarch Butterfly waystation, and will have information on how others can, too. It is a chance to be part of a community effort to make Niles a butterfly friendly town.