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, June 13

• 10 a.m. to noon — Special Edition: Movie day

Join the library for a screening of a film during this Special Edition program.

• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. -— Passport Pals

Join the library each Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. for a storytime tour of the world. Each week, the library will have books, songs, a craft and other surprises relating to the country of the month.

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Women’s 12-step meeting

This program is for women in search of support working through the 12 steps of AA. Drop-ins are welcome.

• 6 to 6:30 p.m. — Chips and Chapters

Every Tuesday, Ms. Tara will read aloud from a chapter book, while listeners eat chips and follow along.

• 6:30 p.m. — Fiction for Foodies

Fiction for Foodies meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the community room. Read, cook, eat and discuss. Sign-up at the information desk to receive a copy of the book.

• 6:30 to 7 p.m. — Pajama Storytime

An evening of three stories with music, movement and a craft. Participants are encouraged to wear pajamas.

Wednesday, June 14

• Multiple times — Storytime day

Squealers (birth to 18 months) at 9:30 a.m., Squeakers (18 months to 3 years) at 10 a.m., Squigglers (18 months to 5 years) at 10:30 a.m., Storytime (kids ages 3 and older) at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

• 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Learning through doing:
Introduction to the maker movement

The maker movement offers students the opportunity to explore the intersection of technology, design, aesthetics, creativity and prototyping. Participants will come away with concrete ideas to use to build or enhance making for youth. For questions, email contactmichiganmakers@umich.edu or call (734) 647-3593. Register at
makinginmichiganlibraries.eventbrite.com.

• 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, June 15

• 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Learning through doing: Day of design thinking

The maker movement offers students the opportunity to explore the intersection of technology, design, aesthetics, creativity and prototyping. Participants will come away with concrete ideas to use to build or enhance making for youth. For questions, email contactmichiganmakers@umich.edu or call (734) 647-3593. Register at
makinginmichiganlibraries.eventbrite.com.

• 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 at (269) 927-5622

• 10 a.m. to  4 p.m. – The Connection

The Connection, Berrien County’s housing resource center, 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 every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For questions, or more information, call (269) 277-5055 or email help@emergencyshelterservices.org

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

This program is for children ages 3 and up. Storytime features three books, a color song, music and movement. The program will end with a hand stamp, coloring sheet and a craft.

• 1 to 4:30 p.m. — Mahjong

Volunteers are available to teach newbies how to play.  Other board games are also available.

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Teen Time

Teens are encouraged to hang out from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays for a night of fun dedicated to them. The library will have games, snacks, books and a place to study in the teen department. 

• 7 to 9:30 p.m. — Michigan Notable Author: Kevin Keefe

Niles native, scholar and Michigan Notable Author Kevin P. Keefe will be at the library for a reading and discussion of his award-winning book: “Twelve Twenty-Five: The Life and Times of a Steam Locomotive.” The book explores the story of a World War II era train that was saved by volunteers.

Friday, June 16

• 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. — Learning through doing: Creating design challenges

With the maker movement gaining momentum, educational maker kits and tools available for children in the market are abundant. In this session, the group will share examples of design challenges that can take patrons to a new level of creative thinking.

• 10 a.m. to noon — TOPS meeting

Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss support group and wellness education organization. TOPS offers tools and programs for healthy living and weight management, with exceptional group fellowship and recognition. Established in 1948 to champion weight-loss support and success, TOPS has helped millions of people live healthier lives. New members are welcome.

• 12:45 to 4 p.m. — Learning through doing: Gathering financial support

With the maker movement gaining momentum, educational maker kits and tools available for children in the market are abundant. In this session, the group will share examples of design challenges that can take patrons to a new level of creative thinking.

• 3 to 5 p.m. — Twisted Stitches

Participants may enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and chat while they work on yarn or sewing projects. Rookies are welcome. A teacher and a few loaner tools will be available to help newbies get started.

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Father’s Day dance

This event is for children ages infant to 12 and their fathers.  There will e a DJ, crafts and a snack. There will also be an area to snap a memorable photo. Attendees should plan to arrive by 5:45 p.m., the library doors will close at 6:15 p.m.

Saturday, June 17

• 10 a.m. to noon -— Chess club

This group meets twice monthly to play on the first and third Saturdays.  All ages and abilities are welcome.  Teachers will be available to help chess rookies. Meet in in the children’s department.

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

This free class is for all abilities. Bring a yoga mat and water. If you do not have a yoga mat, a limited number will be available to borrow.

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

Participants are invited to join the library for coffee, donuts and lively conversation with facilitator Doug Farmwald. He will use his background in education, history political science and economics to guide an engaging discussion on the foundations of the U.S. as a context for understanding current events. This meeting’s focus will be on constitutional amendments 17 to 28.

• Noon to 2:30 p.m. — Craftastic Saturday: Father’s Day Craftstravaganza

Children who are looking for a creative and unique gift for dad, or a fun craft project for a Saturday afternoon, are invited to join the library in the rotunda to make memorable Father’s Day crafts including cards, mason jar cookie mix and duct tape wallets. All ages are welcome, but supplies for crafts are limited.

•  3 to 4:30 p.m. — Writers’ group

All authors are welcome to join the group to discuss the craft of writing and share your work with other writers in the area. Feel free to bring a work in progress to get feedback for the next meeting. For questions, or if you are interested in joining the group but cannot attend this session, call (269) 683- 8545, ext. 116, or email CommunityEngagement@nileslibrary.net.

• 3 to 4 p.m. — Teen Green Thumbs

Teen Green Thumbs is the teen garden club at the library. Each month, the group will have a craft, food and a garden-themed learning opportunity. Meet in Patti’s Place.

Niles District Library summer reading programs

Summer reading has started for all ages. The theme for this year is: “Build a Better World.” The library will create programming that is reflective of that theme. Programs begin June 19. Children and teens may pick up a reading calendar at the youth services desk, record how many minutes they read each day and earn prizes. Activities are planned all summer.

Adults may receive tickets to enter weekly drawings and to enter our grand prize drawing by:

• Reading or listening to a book.

• Attending an adult and/or family program.

• Showing your library card at a pop-up library.

• Submitting a book review

• Submitting a form telling the library how you are building a better world.