What’s happening at the Niles District Library?

Published 8:47 am Monday, February 6, 2017

The Niles District Library is building a community of lifelong learners that want to make Niles their lifelong home. Patrons do not need a library card to participate in any programs and all programs are free. For more information, call (269) 683-8545, email marketing@nileslibrary.net or visit facebook.com/nileslibrary or nileslibrary.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 7
• 7:30 to 9 a.m. — Google Verification Training
There are about 1,300 businesses in Niles, but only about 15 percent of them have become Google verified. Business owners are invited to take a few minutes to get help with this one time process from Randy Hendrixson from the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce. He will provide training and assistance, and the library will provide a continental breakfast. Seating is limited. Register by emailing chamber@nilesmi.com or by calling (269) 683-3720.
• 10:30 a.m. — Passport Pals
Each Tuesday the library hosts a storytime tour of the world. Each week there will be books, songs, a craft and other surprises relating to the special country of the month.
• 6 to 6:30 p.m. — Chips and Chapters
Chips and Chapters is a fun, new, read-aloud storytime. Every Tuesday Ms. Tara will read aloud from a chapter book while guests eat chips and follow along.
• 6 to 8 p.m. — Table Game Test Drive
Good games can be expensive, so the library is offering an opportunity for people to test drive them before they purchase them. A couple of families will use their personal collections to give guests a chance to learn the mechanics and see if they like them. This month participants be playing Splendor, Saboteur, RoboRally and Battle Sheep. All ages are welcome.
• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — LEGO Building Challenge
Stop by Youth Services on the first and third Tuesday of each month to create a LEGO masterpiece.

Wednesday, Feb. 8
• Multiple times — Storytime day
Squealers (birth-18 months) meet at 9:30 a.m.; Squigglers (18 months-3 years) meet at 10 and 11 a.m.; Storytime (3-5 years) is at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• 10:30 a.m. — Michigan Taxation Laws
The Niles League of Women Voters will present a discussion on Michigan taxation laws.
• Noon to 2 p.m. — Berrien County Treasurer Tax Talk
Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski will be at the library to help answer questions about personal property taxes in Berrien County.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Creating Hand-painted Valentines with the Society for Creative Anachronism
People can join members of the Society for Creative Anachronism in practicing the ancient art of scribes, hand-painting text onto a Valentine for someone special. Basic card-making materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring a copy of the text to be painted, along with photographs, paper or textiles to incorporate into the card. This free class is open to adults and teens, but space and supplies are limited. Register by calling (269) 683-8545 ext. 112 or email CommunityEngagement@nileslibrary.net .

Thursday, Feb. 9
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — The Connection (Emergency Shelter Services)
This program of Emergency Shelter Services is a one-stop shop for help when housing is threatened, or for referrals and information. Representatives will be at the library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday. For questions or information, contact Stephanie at (269) 277-5055.
• 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — Storytime
• 1 to 4:30 p.m. — Mahjong
Volunteers are available to teach newbies how to play. Other board games are also available.
• 4:30 to 7 p.m. — Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
People who made less than $54,000 in 2016 and need assistance in preparing their basic tax return can schedule a VITA appointment by calling United Way at 2-1-1 or 800-310-5454. Volunteers will be at Niles District Library every Thursday evening during tax season.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Teen Time
Teens are invited to hang out from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday evenings. The library has games, snacks, books and a place to study in the teen department.
• 7 p.m. — Audible Art: Acoustic Duo Frances Luke Accord
Originally from South Bend, Frances Luke Accord is a Chicago-based acoustic duo of multi-instrumentalist songwriters, Nicholas Gunty and Brian Powers. Their music is distinguished by, “genre fluidity, buttery harmonies and acoustic ensembles.” While their music can be defined as “modern folk,” their inspirations include Americana, jazz, soul, world music and rock.

Friday, Feb. 10
• 1 to 3 p.m. — Learn to knit
Materials will be provided for people to create their own knitted washcloth. This is week two of a two-week workshop. Call (269) 683-8545, ext. 112 to register.
• 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. — Tween Book Club
Kids ages 8 to 12 can join library staff for snacks, conversation and a book discussion on the second Friday of each month. Stop by the youth services desk for a copy of the latest book. This month, participants are reading “Jacky Ha-Ha” by James Patterson.
• 3 to 5 p.m. — Twisted Stitches
Patrons are invited to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and chat while they work on their own yarn or sewing project. Rookies are welcome; a teacher and a few loaner tools will help them get started.

Saturday, Feb. 11
• 10:30 a.m. — Toddler Dance Party
This musical program is aimed for toddlers ages infant to 5 to help strengthen brain and body muscles. Leaders will use music to reinforce hand eye coordination, cross brain exercises and tactile and sensory movements.
• 1 p.m. — Jr. Garden Club
For children ages 6 to 12, Jr. Garden Club meets at 1 p.m. the second Saturday of every month. Initial registration is required. Call (269) 683-8545 ext. 106 to sign up. This month the club will talk about air plants.
• 1 to 5 p.m. — Game Day for Adults
People 18 or older who like video games or board games can join Game Day for Adults on the second Saturday of each month. The library has board games, cards, tabletop games, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii U games set up and ready for everyone to enjoy. Guests are welcome to bring their own games.