The Niles District Library is building a community of lifelong learners who 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, visit facebook.com/nileslibrary, or nileslibrary.com.

Monday, March 27
• 1 to 5 p.m. — MI Blood Drive
People can save a life by donating blood. Come to the library and do a good deed for the community. No appointment is necessary, but people who would like to schedule an appointment or ask questions about donating blood may call 866-MIBLOOD (642-5663).

Tuesday, March 28
• 10:30 a.m. — Passport Pals
Each Tuesday the library hosts a special storytime tour of the world. Each week, the library will have books, songs, a craft and other surprises relating to the special country of the month. Guests can stamp their passport each week.
• 2 and 5 p.m. — Geo Treckers
Each month, participants will focus on a different country through stories, crafts, a snack and other surprises. In March, the group will explore China. Treckers will also leave with a list of books and additional activities in case they want to explore that country more on their own. This group meets at 2 and 5 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. This activity is designed for ages 6 and older.
• 6 to 6:30 p.m. — Chips and Chapters
Chips and Chapters is a read-aloud storytime. Every Tuesday, Ms. Tara will read aloud from a chapter book, while guests eat chips and follow along. All ages are welcome.
• 6:30 p.m. — Pajama Storytime
Pajama Storytime offers an evening of three stories, music and movement and a craft. Guests should feel free to wear their jammies and bring their family.
• 6:30 p.m. — Olive Branch Book Club at The Brass Eye Cocktail Lounge
Would you love an opportunity to have a drink, mingle and talk about a book? Folks 21 and older are invited to be a part of the first bar book club in Niles. To register and pick up a copy of the book, “The Road to Little Dribbling” by Bill Bryson, visit the library’s information desk or call (269) 683-8545 ext. 112. Olive Branch meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at The Brass Eye Cocktail Lounge, 205 N. Second St. in Niles.

Wednesday, March 29
• Multiple times — Storytime day
Squealers (birth to 18 months) at 9:30 a.m., Squigglers (18 months-3 years) at 10 and 11 a.m., Storytime (3 to 5 years) at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• 1 to 4 — Michigan Works! Talent Development Specialists
Every other Wednesday afternoon, staff from Michigan Works! offices in Dowagiac and Benton Harbor will be here to assist job seekers. Talent Development Specialists can help people register for unemployment, evaluate strengths and skills, create or update resumes, sharpen interview skills and more. For more information on what MI Works! can do, visit michiganworks.org/job-seekers/
• 6 to 7 p.m. — Coupon Exchange
Ann will host a weekly coupon exchange in the Youth Services area. Guests are asked to bring the coupons they have that they will not use and pick up some that they will. This program is open to teens and adults.

Thursday, March 30
• 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 also 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. to 11:30 a.m. — Special Edition Lake Milton Raptor Center
Special Edition is a weekly series of programs designed to be particularly accessible and engaging for adults and children with special needs. Anyone is welcome to attend.
• 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 your basic tax return, schedule a VITA appointment by calling United Way at 211 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. Thursdays for a weekly night of fun dedicated to them. The library has games, snacks, books and a place to study in the teen department.

Friday, March 31
• 8:30 to 10 a.m. — Microsoft Word
Would you like to learn how to write, edit and format documents for school, work or personal use? Library staff will host an overview of Microsoft Word in the computer lab. 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, guests are asked to enter via the side door near the handicap parking spots.
• 3 to 5 p.m. — Twisted Stitches
People can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and chat while they work on a yarn or sewing project. Rookies are welcome; a teacher and a few loaner tools will help get them started.
• 4 to 6 p.m. — Bonus Book Sale
The library is clearing out the book sale area to make space for some remodeling in the basement so everything must go. All are invited to to this special book sale with everything priced at 10 cents.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Microsoft Word
Would you like to learn how to write, edit and format documents for school, work or personal use? Library staff will host an overview of Microsoft Word in the computer lab. 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, guests are asked to enter via the side door near the handicap parking spots.

Saturday, April 1
• 10 a.m. to noon — Chess Club
Love to play chess? This group meets twice monthly to play on the first and third Saturdays. All ages and abilities are welcome. Chess experts are happy to teach newbies how to play. This event is hosted in the children’s department.
• 10:30 a.m. — Treeclimbers Genealogy Group
Most genealogists find that their most valuable research tool is other genealogists. People can share their findings and support others in their own family quest. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience. Treeclimbers meets the first Saturday of each month.
• 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. — April Fool’s Writing Group
No fooling! Whether they write poetry, fiction, non-fiction or some combination, all writers are welcome to share their work and discuss the craft of writing with other writers in the area. While this session will be a general discussion about writing and some writing exercises to get creativity working, participants can feel free to bring a work in progress if they would like to get some feedback. The group will meet monthly, and the time and date is to be determined. Those with questions or people who are interested but unable to attend this session are encouraged to call (269) 683-8545 ext. 116, or email CommunityEngagement@nileslibrary.net
• 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Family Nerf Night
People are encouraged to grab their Nerf gear and bring it to this afterhours event. Participants will have full run of the main floor of the library to compete in a series of team and free-for-all Nerf activities. You must bring your own gear to participate. This event is open to all ages, but participants under 12 must have a parent/guardian present in order to attend. A waiver must be signed at the event by either the participant or their parent/guardian and eye protection is encouraged.