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.

Wednesday, Sept. 6

• 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.

• 4 to 5:30 p.m. — Niles Public Arts Commission

The commission is seeking new members. Those interested must be city residents and interested in art. For more information contact the library.

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Card and Scrapbook Making

Crafters of all skill levels are welcome into this group of card and scrapbook makers. Some supplies will be available. Those participating are welcome to bring their own material too.

• 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 every Monday and Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. For more information please visit cdaweb.org.

Thursday, Sept.  7

• 10 a.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. The Connection offers the following services and resources when available: Community Referrals, Housing Information, Housing Case Management, Eviction Assistance, Rental Assistance, and Security Deposit Assistance.

• 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Storytime

This activity is for children 3 and up. Story time 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.

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

This is weekly support group for survivors of domestic violence.  Drop-ins are welcome.  For more information about Safe Shelter and the services they provide, visit their website at cfsswmi.org/our-programs/safe-shelter.html. Those interested may also 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 are invited to come and hang out Thursday evening for a night of fun dedicated to youth. There will be games, snacks, books, and a great place to study here in the Teen Department. 

Friday, Sept. 8

• 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.

• 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.

• 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. — Tween Book Club

This book discussion is for children ages 8 to 12. This month’s book is Jennifer L. Holm’s humorous historical novel, “Full of Beans.” There will be snacks.

• 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Friday Family Fun Movie Night

The public is invited to the library to enjoy a new to DVD family movie, have some popcorn, and celebrate the end of the week. Free and open to all ages and abilities. This month’s feature is “Sing!”

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

This activity is for those who want to learn more about their new smartphone, tablet, or e-reader. Those interested should meet in the computer lab for a general instruction on these gadgets. Registration is required.  To sign up call the library at (269)683-8545.

Saturday, Sept. 9

• 9:30-11 a.m. — Computer Class: Gadgets

This activity is for those who want to learn more about their new smartphone, tablet, or e-reader. Those interested should meet in the computer lab for a general instruction on these gadgets. Registration is required.  To sign up call the library at (269) 683-8545.

• 10:30 to 11 a.m. — Toddler Dance Party

This musical program is aimed for toddlers to help strengthen the little brain and body muscles. Music is used 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. — Yoga

Saturday morning yoga is back. This class is free and appropriate for all abilities. Those participating are advised to dress comfortably and to bring both water and a mat.

• 1 to 2 p.m. — Jr. Garden Club

Each month, Ms. Ann will present a lesson on gardening and nature. There will also be a snack, and a craft connected with the topic. This group is for ages 3 to 12.

• 1 to 5 p.m. — Game Day for Adults

This is for those 18 and up who like video games or board games. There will be board games, cards, tabletop games, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii U games set up and ready to enjoy. Those participating may bring their own equipment too.

• 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Indoor Gardening

This activity will teach how to preserve herbs and flowers, as the weather gets cooler and how to start a small container garden inside for the fall. Local gardening expert Jill McDonald will provide an informative session on transplanting and keeping plants healthy indoors.

• 3:30 to 5 p.m. — Writers’ Block

This is for writers looking for support from other writers. Whether poetry, fiction, non-fiction, or some combination, writers are welcome to join and discuss the craft of writing and share work with other writers. Feel free to bring a work in progress. For more information, call (269) 683-8545, ext. 116, or email CommunityEngagement@nileslibrary.net.

Sunday, Sept. 10

• 4 to 5:30 p.m. — Niles Area Community Orchestra-Fall Concert

Meet in the Rotunda for a Sunday afternoon pops concert, courtesy of the Niles Area Community Orchestra. The theme: “A Salute to the Big Bands and Medleys” will feature the music of Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, Louis Armstrong, and more. Please enter via the Rotunda door on Cedar Street, since the rest of the library will be closed.

2017 Friends of the Niles District Library Apple Festival book sale:

Those interested may reserve a spot to sell books at the 2017 Friends of Niles District Library Parking Lot Book Sale on Apple Festival Saturday, Sept. 30. Spaces are limited. To sign up visit our website or Facebook pages to complete a registration form.

Text alerts from Niles District Library:

Residents can receive program reminders and updates or updates on library closings. There are two ways to sign-up: iPhone or Android phone, open the web browser and go to the following link:

rmd.at/ndlys (for Youth Services Programs only)

rmd.at/ndlads (for Adult Services Programs only)

rmd.at/ndlib49120 (for all library program updates and closings)

Those who do not have a smartphone can still get text notifications. Text 81010 with the message:

@ndlys (for Youth Services Programs)