The library’s vision is to build a community of lifelong learners who want to make Niles their lifelong home.  We partner with other organizations to offer performance and learning opportunities for artists, musicians and craftspeople.

According to the American Library Association, visual and performing arts can transform understanding and appreciation of the world in all its cultural diversity.

The visual and performing arts can be powerful components of library collections and services. The arts play a vital role in our ability to communicate a broad spectrum of ideas to all people.

Each year, about a half a dozen exhibits are hung in the Eleanor and Mowitt Drew Gallery at the library.  Some exhibits feature prominent artists with local roots. Others showcase the works by students from local schools.  This provides a learning opportunity for both the artists and the viewers.    

The art work of Nicole D’Herde will be on display starting this week.  She was born in South Belgium, where she lived a part of her life, then in France and Luxembourg.

Nicole is a teacher of the French language, history and traditions.  She came to the U.S. in 1999, following her husband after a job transfer.  They moved to St. Joseph three years ago and Nicole decided to go back to an old passion: drawing and painting, mainly oil and charcoal. 

She is inspired by the memories of her beloved Provence, where she spent so much time with her parents during childhood.  Her artwork also expresses emotion — sadness — but always with hope, joy and love for life and music.

Nicole has had exhibitions in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor and she is working in her studio at The Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joe.

We are fortunate to be the regular meeting place for the Niles Art Association.  This group is committed to “enriching our community through the arts.”  They meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. from April through December. Each meeting features an art related program which can range from demonstration of a particular medium, information about a favorite artist, or even a hands-on participatory mini workshop.  Often an informal “show and tell” of members’ recently completed work or work in progress is held.

Julie Andrews believed that the arts bridge cultures and foster empathy and decency. Several times a year, the Niles Area Community Orchestra fills the library’s rotunda with the sound of music.  The group has grown to more than 50 members, and is open to anyone ages 12 and older in the greater Niles area. NACO provides musicians with learning opportunities throughout the year. 

A community of lifelong learners requires a community of teachers. SkillShare area in the library’s basement is dedicated to craftsmen of all types who are willing to share their knowledge and experience.

The space features three large tables for laying out projects.  There are carpentry tools, sewing equipment and a huge variety of crafting tools available on site. 

Several groups of craft enthusiasts already meet regularly at the library, including knitters and card makers.  We are eager to speak to others who want to share their skills in the SkillShare area. 

These are just a few of the ways we fulfill our goal of being a venue for accomplished artists and a resource for aspiring artists and creative craftspeople. 

Nancy Studebaker is the executive director at the Niles District Library. She can be reached by email at director@nileslibrary.net