The Niles District Library seeks to build 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.Monday.

Monday, Sept. 25

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

The library invites the community to come and donate blood for the Michigan Blood Drive.

No appointment is necessary. For more information, call: 1-866-MIBLOOD (642-5663).

• 2:30-3:30 p.m. — Chair Yoga

Tammy Pressler will teach the benefits of yoga while doing poses in a sturdy chair. Participants will be able to learn some amazing breath techniques and rebuild balance along the way.

• 6 to 7 p.m. — Tween Game Night

This activity is for tweens. The library is starting a new game night just for youth aged 9 to 12. There will be an Xbox 360 (or Xbox One) and board games out. As well as art and crafts supplies. Snacks will be provided.

• 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.

Tuesday, Sept. 26

• 10:30 a.m. – Passport Pals

The community is invited for a special story time tour of the world. Each week, there will be books, songs, a craft, and other super surprises relating to the special country of the month.

• 2 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. — Geo Treckers

Each month, the library will focus on a different country through stories, crafts, and a snack. This program is for youth ages 6 and up. This month, participants will “visit” India.

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 is for women searching for 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 library staff will be reading stories on a theme, musical numbers, and a craft.  Those interested are invited to wear their 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, Sept. 27

• 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.

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

Talent Development Specialists can help register those in need for unemployment and evaluate applicant’s strengths and skills, edit or help update their resume, sharpen interview skills and more. For more information on Mi Works visit michiganworks.org/job-seekers.

• 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.

Thursday, Sept. 28

• 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

• 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.

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

This activity is for children 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.

• 2:00-3:30 PM – Positive Parenting Program: Parenting Teens

This activity is for parents or caretakers who wish to learn a variety of parenting skills that will promote their teen’s development and potential.

• 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.

• 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Drip-In Book Club

This book club is great for those looking for something new to read. Each month, a different genre of literature is chosen and each book club member reads a different book in that genre. At the meetings, participants will discuss what they liked about the book we read so others can get excellent recommendations for what to read next. This is a drop-in book club, so those interested are invited to stay as long as they would like.

• 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.

Friday, Sept. 29

• 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.

• 3:00-5:00 PM – Twisted Stitches

People may enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and chat while they work on your their yarn or sewing project.  Rookies are welcome; our teacher and a few loaner tools will help you get started.

Saturday, Sept. 30

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Walk the Block

Those looking for something to do before the Apple Festival Parade can go on a story walk.  The story will begin in front of the library, and continue around the block.  This is an interactive story and aimed at being fun for those who participate.

• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Yoga

This class is free and appropriate for all abilities. Those interested are advised to dress comfortably and to bring both water and a mat. A limited number of mats are available.

• 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Apple Festival Book Sale

The Annual Friends of the Niles District Library Apple Festival Book Sale will take place in the parking lot. The community is advised to browse for gently used books, CDs, and DVDs. The individual sellers set all prices. For more information or to learn how to register as a seller, please visit the library’s website, call, or email: info@nileslibrary.net

• Annual Niles District Library writing contest

Hard copy submissions accepted through 11:59 p.m. and electronic submission until 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. Niles District Library patrons are welcome to send in submissions for the Niles District Library Annual Writing Contest. Submissions are being accepted through Sept. 30 in the following categories:

•Youth

• Teen

• Adult

Submission requirements and judging criteria for the above categories are:

• Length of submission: 1,000-5,000 words

• Submission format: Microsoft Word document, to be emailed to: ami.schiffbauer@nileslibrary.net

• Judging criteria: 30 percent creativity, 25 percent characterization, 25 percent story development, and 20 percent spelling and grammar.

Miniature Literature (all ages)

Submission requirements and judging criteria for the above category are:

• Length of submission: 1,000 words (maximum limit)

• Submission format: Microsoft Word document, to be emailed to: ami.schiffbauer@nileslibrary.net

• Judging criteria: 30 percent creativity, 25 percent characterization, 25 percent story development, and 20 percent spelling and grammar.

For more information, call (269) 683-8545, ext. 112 or stop by the Information Desk at the library for a submission 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)