The Niles District Library is building a community of lifelong learners who want to make Niles their lifelong home. A library card is not required to participate in any programs. All programs are free.

For more information, call (269) 683-8545, email marketing@nileslibrary.net, or check out the Niles District Library Facebook page, Twitter page, @TheNDLib or nileslibrary.com.

Summer lunch program

Summer lunches run from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and will be located in Patti’s Place.

Children and teens from infant to 18 can eat for free, as well as handicapped persons up to age 21. A small fee is charged for adults for these nutritious summer meals. All meals must be eaten inside of the building.

Monday, July 24

• 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Lunchtime Adult Coloring

This activity takes place in the Rotunda (or outside on the patio, weather permitting). Those who participate have the chance to spend some relaxing time coloring. All materials will be provided. Those interested drop by for a few minutes or stay the whole time.

• Noon to 1 p.m. — Hot Mess Monday

This activity is for teens who like to make messes. Each Monday, the library will provide an activity that may be messy in the Storytime Room. Participants are advised to dress accordingly. This week’s activity is creating tie-dye shirts.

• 1 to 2 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. — Messy Monday

This activity is for children ages 2 to 12. There will be sensory and messy fun throughout the summer. There will be crafts, sensory experiences and experiments to exercise the brain. This fun may be messy, so participants are advised to dress accordingly. This week’s activity is to splatter painting. Those interested should meet outside by the picnic table. In case of inclement weather, this event will be cancelled.

• 1 to 5:30 p.m. —Michigan Blood: Blood Drive

More than 4.5 million patients need life-saving blood transfusions each year in the U. S. and Canada. Blood is a perishable resource that can only be stored for a short time, creating a need for donors every day. Those interested can help contribute during the Michigan Blood Blood Drive.

• 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Chair Yoga

This activity is for those who want to try yoga but are worried about getting down on the ground and not being able to get back up. Tammy Pressler will teach the benefits of yoga while doing poses in a sturdy chair. Those who participate will learn some breath techniques and rebuild balance along the way. The aim is to build a better body together and enjoy a relaxing hour of wellness.

• 7 to 8 p.m. — CDA Niles

Chemically Dependent Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship for anyone seeking freedom from drug and alcohol addiction. CDA Niles has a room reserved at the library 7 to 8 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday. For more information visit cdaweb.org.

Tuesday, July 25

• 10:30 a.m. — Passport Pals

Passport Pals takes place at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday for a special story time tour of the world. Each week, the activity includes books, songs, a craft and other surprises relating to the special country of the month. Those who participate can get a passport stamp.

• Noon to 1 p.m. — Trail Mix Tuesday

This program is geared toward those who like to eat. Each week, there will be a different food themed activity. Trail Mix Tuesday takes place in the Storytime Room. This week’s activity will be based on the fruit car race derby this week. This activity is for teens ages 13 to 19.

• 1 to 2 p.m. —Tasty Tuesday

Children ages infant to 12 are welcome to join for a fun food themed craft. The activity will include spending some time crafting a creation and then celebrate by eating it. This week’s activity is making marshmallow robots.

• 4 to 5:30 p.m. — NDL Board Meeting

Last week’s meeting was cancelled and the board meeting has been rescheduled for this week.

• 6 to 7 p.m. — Chips and Chapters

This activity includes a read aloud story time. Every Tuesday, Tara will read aloud from a chapter book, while listeners eat chips and follow along. All ages are welcome.

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Women’s 12-Step Meeting

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

• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Pajama Storytime

This evening storytime is for the entire family. The activity includes a reading of stories on a theme, participating in musical numbers and doing a craft. Participants are encouraged to wear pajamas.

• 6:30 to 8 p.m. — Olive Branch Book Club

Book club at a bar? Why not? This book club provides the opportunity to have a drink, mingle and talk about a book. To register and pick up a book, come to the library’s Information Desk or call (269) 683-8545 ext. 112.

Wednesday, July 26

• Multiple times — Storytime day

Squealers (birth-18 months) at 9:30 a.m., squeakers (18 months-3 years) at 10 a.m., squigglers (18 months-5 years) at 10:30 a.m., story time (children ages 3+) at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

• Noon to 1 p.m. — Wednesday Crafternoon

This activity is geared toward crafty teens. There will be the opportunity to tie dye projects  with Sharpies. There will be a free lunch to eat while crafting. This activity takes place in Patti’s Place.

• 7 to 8 p.m. — CDA Niles

Chemically Dependent Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship for anyone seeking freedom from drug and alcohol addiction. CDA Niles has a room reserved from 7 to 8 p.m. at the library every Monday and Wednesday. For more information visit cdaweb.org.

• 7 to 8:30 p.m. — Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Lecture Series

Beverley Smith, an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Michigan — Flint will give a presentation on “Negotiating Multiple Communities Surrounding (Literally and Figuratively) the Stone Street Recovery and Repatriation Project in Downtown Flint, Michigan.”

Thursday, July 27

• 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. Thursdays. For questions or more information, call (269) 277-5055 or email help@emergencyshelterservices.org

• 10 to 11 a.m. — Joel Tacey Book Building Comedy Show

Participants can gear up for reading with engineer Joel.  He is going to bring eight terrific books to life in this wacky, fun comedy show.

• 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Storytime

This activity is for youth ages 3 and up. Storytime features three books, a color song, and 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.

• 1:30 to 3 p.m. — Positive Parenting Program

This activity 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 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.

• 4:30 to 6 p.m. — Safe Shelter Support Group

This is a weekly support group for survivors of domestic violence. Drop-ins are welcome. For more information about Safe Shelter and the services it provides, visit the organization’s website at cfsswmi.org/our-programs/safe-shelter. For more information call (269) 925-1725 or (888) 237-1891 and ask to speak with Safe Shelter staff. 

• 6 to 7:30  p.m. — Teen Time

Teens can hang out 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday evenings, for various activities. There will be games, snacks, books, and a great place to study in the Teen Department. 

Friday, July 28

• 10 a.m. to noon — TOPS Meeting

TOPS (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 the opportunity for 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.

• 10:30 a.m. — Family Feature Friday

Every Friday this summer, the library will show classic family, friendly films.  Make sure to bring something to drink, because popcorn can make you thirsty! This week we’re watching a classic: “The Absent-Minded Professor.”

• 2 to 4 p.m. — Teen Features

This activity features popular teen movies. Those attending are invited to bring something to drink with their popcorn. This week’s feature is “Clue.” This activity takes place in the Storytime Room.

• 2 to 4 p.m. — DM Burr Hiring Event

The Niles District Library will host DM Burr, one of the largest privately owned building maintenance providers serving the Midwest, as they are hiring for multiple positions in Niles and Dowagiac. The company is looking to fill full-time second and third shift custodians, with a Monday to Friday workweek.

• 3 to 5 p.m. — Twisted Stitches

Participants are invited to bring a cup of coffee or tea and chat while they work on a yarn or sewing project.  Rookies are welcome. The teacher and a few loaner tools will be available to help get beginners started.

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Computer Class: Computer Basics

This activity is for those who want to learn how to use computers. Join us in the computer lab for an introductory class on hardware, Windows operating system, and standard computer terminology. Registration is required. For more information call the library at (269) 683-8545.

Saturday, July 29

• 9:30 to 11 a.m. — Computer Class: Computer Basics

This activity is for those who want to learn how to use computers. Join us in the computer lab for an introductory class on hardware, Windows operating system, and standard computer terminology. Registration is required. For more information call the library at (269) 683-8545.

• 10 a.m. to noon – Sensory Saturday

Each week, there will be a different sensory bin out for youth to explore. The activity takes place every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon in the Youth Services Department for a sensational experience.

• 1 to 3 p.m. — Craftastic Saturday: Craft Supplies Swap Meet

Those interested are invited to drop off unwanted craft supplies off at the library anytime between July 5th and July 28th, and then come back on Saturday, July 29th, to find some new treasures! For more information, please email CommunityEngagement@nileslibrary.com, or call 269-683-8545, ext. 116. 

•3 to 4:30 p.m. — Writers’ Group

This activity is geared toward writers. Those who write poetry, fiction, non-fiction, or some combination are welcome to join to discuss the craft of writing and share work with other writers. Feel free to bring a work in progress to get some feedback for the next meeting. For more information, call 269-683-8545, ext. 116, or email CommunityEngagement@nileslibrary.net.