What’s happening at the Niles District Library?

Published 8:36 am Tuesday, March 7, 2017

SUBMITTED

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

Tuesday, March 7
• 10:30 a.m. — Passport Pals
Join the library each Tuesday for a special storytime tour of the world. Each week, the library will have books, songs and a craft relating to the special country of the month. Do not forget to stamp your passport.
• 6 to 6:30 p.m. — Chips and Chapters
Chips and Chapters is a fun, read-aloud storytime. Every Tuesday, Ms. Tara will read aloud from a chapter book, while children of all ages eat chips and follow along.
• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — LEGO building challenge
The library has the LEGOs, particpants have the creativity. Stop by youth services on the first and third Tuesday of each month to create a masterpiece.

Wednesday, March 8
• Multiple times — Storytime day
Squealers (birth to 18 months) at 9:30 a.m., Squigglers (18 months to 3 years) at 10 and 11 a.m., Storytime (3 to 5 years) at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• 9 to 11 a.m. — Berrien
County Housing Resource Network
The Berrien County Housing Resource Network is a community group which actively works to prevent and end homelessness and poverty by developing and maintaining a system to coordinate the community’s resources and services for people experiencing homelessness and those that are precariously housed (couch surfing). These monthly meetings rotate between Benton Harbor, Berrien Springs and Niles. Churches, civic organizations and individuals willing to help make a change are all welcome to attend.
• 3 to 5:30 p.m. — Positive Parenting Program
The Berrien County Health Department presents “The Power of Positive Parenting,” the first in a three-part series. These sessions are free and open to the public; participants may attend one or all classes in the series. Snacks and materials are provided. Call (269) 927-5622 to RSVP. Consecutive sessions will be hosted March 15 and 22.
• 6 to 7 p.m. — Coupon
Exchange
Visitors may join Ann in the youth services area for a weekly coupon exchange and may bring their extra coupons to exchange. This program is open to teens and adults.

Thursday, March 9
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — The
Connection (Emergency
Shelter Services)
This program of Emergency Shelter Services is a one-stop shop for help when housing is threatened and for referrals and information. Representatives will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday at the library. For questions or information, call Stephanie at (269) 277-5055.
• 10 a.m. to noon — Special Edition
PetsConnect is bringing kittens that are looking for forever homes. They will be playing in Patti’s Place. They will also have therapy dogs down in the rotunda. They’ll perform a few tricks at 10:30 a.m. and then wander around for anyone who’d like to pet them and say “hello.” Special Edition is a weekly series of programs designed to be particularly accessible and engaging for adults and children with special needs.
• 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
If you made less than $54,000 in 2016 and need assistance in preparing your basic tax return, schedule a VITA appointment by calling United Way at 2-1-1 or (800) 310-5454. Volunteers will be at the library every Thursday evening during tax season.
• 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Health insurance information
Representatives from Niles Community Health Center will be available to provide information about options for community members who have questions about health insurance and obtaining affordable medical care.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Teen Time
Teens can hang out from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays for a night of fun. The library will have games, snacks, books, and a place to study in the teen department.
• 6 to 7 p.m. — Jocelynn Pletcher artist reception
Berrien Springs High School student, Jocelynn Pletcher, will have her work on display from March 6 to March 10. Join us in the gallery for a chance to meet this talented, young artist and learn more about her art.

Friday, March 10
• 8:30 to 10 a.m. — Computer basics
Want to learn how to use computers? Join library staff in the computer lab for an introductory class on hardware, the Windows operating system and standard computer terminology. To register, call (269) 683-8545 ext. 113, email CommunityEngagement@nileslibrary.net or stop by the information desk at the library. Because this class will be hosted before the library opens, please enter via the side door near the handicap parking spots.
• 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. — Tween Book Club
Children ages 8 to 12 are invited to join the 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, the club will be reading “Winnie: The True Story of the Bear,” by Sally Walker, and “Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla,” by Katherine Applegate.
• 3 to 5 p.m. — Twisted Stitches
Visitors may sip a cup of coffee or tea and chat while they work on yarn or sewing project. Rookies are welcome. There will beteachers and a few loaner tools to help beginners get started.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Computer basics
Want to learn how to use computers? Join library staff in the computer lab for an introductory class on hardware, the Windows operating system and standard computer terminology. To register, call (269) 683-8545 ext. 113, email CommunityEngagement@nileslibrary.net or stop by the information desk at the library. Since this class is hosted after hours, please plan to arrive before the library closes at 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 11
• 10:30 a.m. — Toddler dance party
This musical program is aimed for toddlers up to age 5 to help strengthen the brain and body muscles. Organizers will use music to reinforce hand eye coordination, cross brain exercises and tactile and sensory movements.
• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Yoga at the library
Participants may take the time to do something great for themsevles while reaping the health and relaxation benefits of yoga. This class is for all abilities; if you’ve never tried yoga, now is the time to start. Bring a yoga mat and some water. A limited number of mats will be available to borrow.
• 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Sensory bin expo
Sensory bins are an awesome hands on tools for little fingers. We will have a plethora of bins available for exploring.
• 1 p.m. — Junior Garden Club
For children ages 6 to 12, Junior Garden Club meets at 1 p.m. the second Saturday of every month. Initial registration is required by calling (269) 683-8545 ext. 106. This month is about maple syrup. Participants will learn about how it’s made, sample maple creations and do some maple crafts.
• 1 to 5 p.m. — Game Day for Adults
If you are 18 or older and like video games or board games, join the library for Game Day for Adults on the second Saturday of each month. There will be board games, cards, tabletop games and games for the Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U. Participants may bring their own as well.
• 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Teen and adult Nerf night
Teens (13 and older) and adults are invited to come to the library for an after-hours round of Nerf games with an emphasis on strategy and teamwork. Please arrive before the library closes at 6 p.m.