SUBMITTED

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.

Thursday, Oct. 5

• 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.  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 11:30 a.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 to 3:30 p.m. – 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.

Friday, Oct. 6

• 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

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

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

The public is invited to participate in a fall family movie classic as Linus, Lucy, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang celebrate Halloween in “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”  The library will also show “Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space” and “Shaun the Sheep” in “Little Sheep of Horrors.” Popcorn and drinks will be provided; all ages are welcome.

Saturday, Oct. 7

• 10 a.m. to noon — Chess Club

Love to play chess?  This group meets twice monthly to play, on the first and third Saturday, 10:00 am to noon.  We welcome all ages and abilities.  Do not know how to play?  We would love to teach you!  Meet us in the Youth Services Department for chess fun for all ages!

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Chess Tournament

Chess Tourney for all members of the National Chess Federation. Boards available for non-members as well.

• 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Treeclimbers Genealogy Group

Most genealogists find the most valuable research tool is other genealogists. Those interested are welcome to share their findings and support others in their own family quest.

• 3 to 4:30 p.m. — Invasive Species in Michiana

Casey Struecker from Chikaming Open Lands, will speak about the world of invasive species. Chikaming Open Lands is a local non-profit land trust, as we explore the world of invasive species. Learn about plants and animals that are invading local nature preserves, road ditches and backyards. Casey will expand on which invasive species to look out for and how they affect our native ecosystems, health and finances. Questions and comments are welcome.

• 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. — Family Nerf Night-Afterhours

Family Nerf Night returns. This activity seeks to offer something for every member of the family to do and a variety of awesome Nerf games that we play throughout the night. Participants are asked to bring their own Nerf gun. NDL Nerf darts are used at the event, so leave personal ones at home. Registration is required upon arrival, along with the signing of a seasonal waiver (under 18 need a parent to sign). Children under the age of 12 must have a parent or adult guardian with them for the duration of the event.

ELEANOR AND MOWITT DREW GALLERY- “SKEIN”-

Oct. 2 to Oct. 21

Gray Lyons is a photographer and installation artist whose work addresses themes of memory, history, identity, and storytelling. She has received degrees from Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Towson University. Her work has been exhibited and published both nationally and internationally and can be found in the collections of the Kinsey Institute; the Siena Art Institute Library; the Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur; and the Brauer Museum of Art. Lyons has been a visiting artist at the Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, Georgetown College, Goucher College and other venues.

Linda Lyons is a photographer who works within the areas of alternative photographic processes and interdisciplinary practices. She received her MFA in Photography from Savannah College of Art and Design. Her recent exhibitions include solo shows at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles, Missouri and at the Colfax Cultural Center in South Bend, Indiana, as well as a group show for uBe Art in Berkeley, California. Ms. Lyons has been published in print and web-based periodicals including F-Stop Magazine, Camera Arts Magazine, Curve Magazine, and Light Leaks Magazine. She has photographic work featured in Christopher James’ “The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes.”

• 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)