NILES – 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, Jan. 1 — Closed

Tuesday, Jan. 2

• 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 surprises relating to the special country of the month.

• 5:30 to 8 p.m. — Tabletop RPG Night

This activity is geared toward those who enjoy playing Dungeons and Dragons, Shadowrun, and other tabletop role-playing games. The library will host an evening of gaming every first and third Tuesday of the month.

• 6 to 7 p.m. — Chips and Chapters

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

• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Lego Building Challenge

Community members are invited to make any creation using a bucket of Legos and show it to the Youth Services staff.

Wednesday, Jan. 3

• 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 those in need register for unemployment, evaluate their strengths and skills, edit or help update a resume, sharpen interview skills and more.

• 4 to 7 p.m. — Coupon Exchange

The community is invited to meet in the Youth Services area for a twice-a-month coupon exchange (first and third Wednesdays). Those interested can bring the coupons they have that  won’t use and pick up some that can be used. This program is open to teens and adults.

• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Card Crafting

The community is welcomed to join the library in the Youth Services area in front of Patti’s Place for a card making craft. Supplies will be provided, but please register in advance by calling (269) 683-8545, ext. 112, emailing CommunityEngagement@nileslibrary.com, or stop by the information desk at the library. This program is open to teens and adults; activities for children will be available by request.

• 7 to 8 p.m. — CDA Niles

Chemically Dependent Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship for anyone seeking freedom from drug and alcohol addiction. The people of CDA do not make distinctions in the recovery process based on any particular substance. The basis of the program is abstinence from all mood-changing and mind-altering chemicals, including street-type drugs, alcohol and unnecessary medication.

Thursday, Jan. 4

• 10 to 11:30 a.m. — Triple P: Positive Parenting Program

This program is targeted at parents and caretakers who wish to learn a variety of parenting skills that will promote their child’s development and potential.

• 10 a.m. to noon — Special Edition: Arts and Crafts

This month Jennifer and Meghan will help the first 20 participants make these adorable owls. There will also be coloring materials out for participants to choose from, and Bob Ross or other artist channels will be on the screen for those who wish to observe rather than create.

• 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.

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Teen Time

There will be games, books, and a place to study here in the Teen Department. Snacks will be provided.

Friday, Jan. 5

• 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. 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 to get newcomers started.

Saturday, Jan. 6

• 10 a.m. to noon — Chess Club

All ages and abilities are welcome to Chess Club. Those interested should meet in the Youth Services Area.

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

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

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

Most genealogists find the most valuable research tool is other genealogists. The library invites the community to share their family history findings and support others in their own family quest. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience.

• 1 to 5 p.m. — Bad Art Afternoon

No art talent required for this activity.  In fact, this activity is recommended for the inexperienced artist. There will be random art stuff and participants are encouraged to make the baddest, ugliest, most unartsy art there is. The creations will be displayed and people will vote for the “Baddest Bad Art.” The winner receives a gift basket. This is an open house event. There will also be a movie and snack.

• 5:45 to 8 p.m. — Family Nerf Night-Afterhours

The community is welcome to spend the evening in a friendly Nerf gun battle and engage in various Nerf games. The community is invited to bring their own Nerf gun. The library will provide darts, 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). The doors to the library close at 6 p.m., so those interested should plan to arrive early. Children under the age of 12 must have a parent or adult guardian with them for the duration of the event.

• 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)