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

Tuesday, April 18
• 10:30 a.m. — Passport Pals
Join the library each Tuesday for a special 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.
• 1 to 4 p.m. ­— Trillium hiring event
Trillium Staffing will be hiring for multiple openings at French Paper. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to work any shift.
• 4 p.m. — Niles District Library board meeting
• 6 p.m. — Women’s 12 Step Meeting
• 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 participants eat chips and follow along.
• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — LEGO building challenge
The library has the LEGOs and participants have the creativity. Stop by youth services on the first and third Tuesday of each month to create a masterpiece.

Wednesday, April 19
• 9 a.m. to noon: Southwest
Michigan Planning Commission
• Multiple times — Storytime day
Squealers (birth to 18 months) at 9:30 a.m., Squigglers (18 months to 3 years) at 10 and a.m., Storytime (3 to 5 years) at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• 4 to 7 p.m. — Coupon exchange
Coupon clippers may join Ann in the youth services area for a weekly coupon exchange. This program is open to teens and adults.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Card crafting
Participants may join the library in the rotunda to make a card for Mother’s Day or any occasion. All supplies needed will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring extra materials. Sign up by calling (269) 683-8545, or stopping by the info desk
• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Readers Circle book group
Led by Sally Ginter, Readers Circle members have thought provoking conversations about books from a wide variety of genres. New members are welcome. Books are available at the info desk. This month, the group will be discussing “Ordinary Grace,” by William Kent Krueger.

Thursday, April 20
• 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 or 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 to 11:30 a.m. — Positive parenting program
This program is for parents or caretakers who wish to learn a variety of parenting skills that will promote their child’s development and potential. Discussion group topics will include positive parenting, dealing with disobedience, managing fighting and aggression, developing good bedtime routines and hassle-free shopping with children. RSVP to the Berrien County Health Department by calling (269) 927-5622.
• 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 will also be available.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Teen Time
Teens may visit the library to hang out from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays for a night dedicated to them. The library will have have games, snacks, books and a place to study in the teen department.
• 7 to 8 p.m. — Community Conversations with WMU
Niles Community Conversations brings WMU faculty members to Niles to talk about their roles, research, teaching, service and the relation of their work to community issues in Niles. Faculty are interested in meeting people and learning about the issues and concerns of the Niles community. The question for this session is: “What is a healthy community?”

Friday, April 21
• 10 a.m. to noon — Special Edition
Special Edition is a weekly series of programs designed to be accessible and engaging for adults and children with special needs.
• 3 to 5 p.m. — Twisted Stitches
Participants may 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 be available to help you get started.

Saturday, April 22
• 10:30 a.m. — Wee Readers
Wee Readers is a Saturday storytime for children ages 0 to 5. The program will teach children about stories, nursery rhymes, counting to five, music and movement.
• 2 to 3:30 p.m. — Craftastic Saturday
Participants of all ages may join the library in the rotunda for a craft project. In recognition of Earth Day, participants will be making re-usable tote bags out of recycled t-shirts. Some shirts will be provided, but crafters may bring their own. T-shirt donations welcome.
• 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Writers’ group
Authors who write poetry, fiction, non-fiction or any combination are welcome to this group to discuss the craft of writing and share pieces with other writers. Unfinished pieces may be workshopped. For questions, call (269) 683-8545 ext. 116, or email CommunityEngagement@nileslibrary.net.

Sunday, April 23
• 4 to 5 p.m. Niles Area
Community Orchestra Spring Concert
Music lovers are encouraged to celebrate spring by joining the Niles Area Community Orchestra for a performance in the rotunda. The theme will be “Classical Roots,” a concert of symphony excerpts and other classical music that have been “borrowed” for movies and TV shows. Enter through the rotunda door, since the library will be closed.