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.

Wednesday, April 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.

Noon to 2 p.m. — Spectrum Lakeland Health documentary screening: “When the Bough Breaks”

The U.S. infant mortality rate is higher than in other countries. Well educated African American women have birth outcomes worse than white women who haven’t finished high school. Although people know that health follows wealth, for African American women who are well-educated, racism plays a factor in birth outcome.

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Niles Public Arts Commission meets

7 to 8 p.m. — Happy Destiny Group

The purpose of A.A. group meetings is for A.A. members to share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and to help others recover from alcoholism. Open meetings are available to anyone interest in the program or recovery.

Thursday, April 4

10:30 to 11 a.m. — Classroom Critters

What is a backbone?  What are reptiles?  What is locomotion?  Join animal presenter Paul McCormick with this fun, educational animal program.

11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — Storytime

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 weekly to teach visitors how to play Mahjong.

6 to 7:30 p.m. — Teen Time

Teens are invited to come and hang out. There will be games, books, and a great place to study here in the Teen Department. Snacks will be provided.

6 to 6:30 p.m. — Chips and Chapters

This is a read aloud storytime. Every Thursday, library officials will read aloud from a chapter book, while participants eat chips and follow along. This activity is for all ages.

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

People are welcome to compete in the weekly Lego challenge. Creation will be placed on display.

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Artist Ivan Alvarado- Gray Board Reception

Born on July 27, 2001, in Niles, Ivan Alvarado is an artist raised in Berrien Springs. His favorite medium is oil painting, but just under that is ceramics. He uses bright colors to create semi-realistic paintings of his friends, family, and just about anything that pique his interest. He’s able to use a wide array of mediums to create portraits, but will sometimes let his humorous side out with a few of his ceramics.

Friday, April 5

10 a.m. to noon — TOPS

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss support group and wellness education organization.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Watermelon Seed Planting

People can get a jump start on their summer garden this year. The library will be hosting a watermelon seed open house.  Children and teens are welcome to come and decorate a planter and then plant a watermelon seed.

1 to 3 p.m. — Twisted Stitches

People can bring their yarn or sewing project and enjoy a hot beverage while they chat and work. Rookies are welcome. David, the teacher, is here to provide help and instructions, and a few loaner tools are available to help beginners get started.

Saturday, April 6

10 a.m. to noon — Chess Club

Love to play chess? All ages and abilities are welcomed. Do not know how to play?  Volunteers can teach people.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Chess Tournament

Chess Tourney for all members of the National Chess Federation.  There are boards available for non-members as well.

10:30 a.m. to noon — TreeClimbers Genealogy Group

People can get started on the journey of uncovering their family history. No experience is required to participate in the TreeClimbers group. Beginners are welcome. Additional selected dates are available for TreeClimbers to carry out their personal research, and/or assist newcomers as needed, however, all of the Niles District Library’s Local History and genealogical materials are available during normal hours of operation. Visitors are welcome to come to one or all sessions hosted the first Saturday of each month.

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. — Fandom Fest @ LMC

Fandom Fest is a convention centered around all things fandom: books, television shows, movies, gaming and art.

The Fandom Fest experience entails vendors, presentations, a cosplay contest, gaming area and more.