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, May 9

• 10:30 a.m. — Passport Pals

Participants may 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.

• 3 to 4:30 and 5 to 6:30 p.m. — Countywide public transit service integration plan meeting

The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission will host countywide open house meetings to discuss transit in Berrien County. The Niles meeting will be from 3 to 4:30 and 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9. The Berrien County Transit Integration Plan is an effort to create a countywide service plan with a menu of transportation options for the residents of the region. The group hopes to gather feedback from the public to improve productivity and cost-effectiveness of transit.

• 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 listeners eat chips and follow along.

• 6 to 7 p.m. —  Women’s 12-step meeting

Women who are looking for a supportive and friendly group to help work through the 12 steps of AA are invited to join this program.  Drop-ins are welcome. Women only, please. 

• 6:30 p.m. — Pajama storytime

Pajama storytime is an evening of three stories, music, movement and a craft. Guests should feel free to wear their pajamas.

• 6:30 p.m. — Fiction for Foodies

Fiction for Foodies, the tastiest book club out there, meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the community room. The club is potluck. Read, cook, eat and discuss. Sign up at the information desk and receive a copy of the book.

Wednesday, May 10

• 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Introduction to home buying

This program is for those who are in the process of buying a home, or looking to do so in the future. In this class, participants will discover what lenders look for in prospective home buyers’ applications, learn how to read a credit report, learn what to do to improve a credit score and how to apply for a mortgage loan. A meal will be provided to registered participants. Register online at changingthebalance.org, email CommunityEngagement@nileslibrary.net or call (269) 683-8545, ext. 117.

• Multiple times – Storytime day

Squealers (birth to18 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.

• 1 to 4 p.m. — Kinexus/Michigan Works!

Staff from the Michigan Works! offices in Dowagiac and Benton Harbor will be at the library to assist job seekers every other Wednesday afternoon. Talent Development Specialists can help participants register for unemployment, evaluate their strengths and skills, create or update resumes and help sharpen interview skills. No appointment is necessary. For more information, visit michiganworks.org/job-seekers/.

• 4 to 7 p.m. — Coupon exchange

Couponers may join Ann in the youth services area for a weekly coupon exchange. This program is open to teens and adults.   

Thursday, May 11

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

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — The Connection

As Berrien County’s Housing Resource Center, The Connection provides a centralized intake that works together with the consumer to rapidly re-house those who are homeless. Housing Resource Specialists will be at the library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Thursday. For questions or more information, call (269) 277-5055, or email help@emergencyshelterservices.org

• 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 & aggression, developing good bedtime routines, and hassle-free shopping with children. RSVP to the Berrien County Health Department at (269) 927-5622

• 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Writing the family history

Budding genealogists can learn how to identify the stories they want to share, who they want the audience to be and how to make their family’s stories come alive. Prior writing experience is not required, but attendance is limited. Sign up by calling (269) 683-8545, ext. 112, email CommunityEngagement@nileslibrary.net, or stop by the information desk at the library.

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. —Teen Time

Teens may hang out from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays for a night dedicated to them. The library will have games, snacks, books and a place to study in the teen department. 

• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Redistricting town hall meeting

Citizens interested in learning about how gerrymandering works and affects voting in Michigan are encouraged to attend this town hall-style meeting. Participants’ ideas will be heard, their questions will be answered and their input will be used to design changes that reflect the will of Michigan voters on the 2018 ballot. For more information, visit votersnotpoliticians.com/learn-more

Friday, May 12

• 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Tween Book Club

Children ages 8 to 12, may join the library 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 group will be reading “Matilda,” by Roald Dahl.

• 3 to 5 p.m. Twisted Stitches

Crafters may bring their yarn or sewing project and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while they chat and work. Rookies are welcome. An instructor and a few loaner tools will be available to participants.

Saturday, May 13

• 10:30 p.m. — Toddler dance party

This musical program is aimed for toddlers to help strengthen their brain and body muscles. Instructors will use music to reinforce hand-eye coordination, cross-brain exercises and tactile and sensory movements. This program is for ages infant to 5.

• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Constitution chat

History lovers may join the library for a scholar-led discussion of the U.S. Constitution, along with a little history of this fundamental national document, which grew out of the failed Articles of Confederation. Light refreshments will be provided. 

• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Yoga at the library

This free class is for yogis of all abilities. Participants are asked to bring a yoga mat and some water. A limited number of yoga mats will be available to borrow.

• 1 to 2 p.m. — Jr. Garden Club

This program is for children ages 6 to 12. It meets the second Saturday of every month. Initial registration is required. Call (269) 683-8545, ext. 106, to sign up. This month, the group will talk about mystery veggies.

• 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Teen and Adult Nerf Night

Teens and adults are invited to visit the library for an after-hours round of Nerf games with an emphasis on strategy and teamwork. Plan to arrive before the library closes at 6 p.m. All participants must have a signed waiver on file in order to play. This will be the last Nerf Night before summer. Nerf Night will return in the fall.