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.

Tuesday, July 16

• 10:30 a.m. — Passport Pals, 10:30 a.m.

Books, songs, crafts and other items relating to the country of the month will be provided.

• Noon — Teen cooking class

Fun, easy and tasty dishes will be made, staff said. This weekly event during the summer is meant to teach teenagers to cook breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

• 1 p.m. — Tween cooking class

Children ages 8 to 12 will learn how to make simple and delicious recipes. Different themes are chosen each week. 

• 1 p.m. — Senior Seminars, Power of Attorney: What are the Differences?

The Senior Seminars Series, in conjunction with 1st Source Bank and Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, is a monthly series of speakers outlining topics on aging.

• 2 p.m. — Space food

Eating in space presents unique challenges for astronauts. Why? There is no gravity, said staff. Learn all about the problems and solutions to eating in space at this event, which is suitable for all ages.

2:30 p.m. — 4-H ag literacy

Open to youth ages 5 to 12.  In this summer program, children will read various books about agriculture and make a craft that goes along with their reading. Children will be able to connect agriculture to their own interests and daily life, said staff. Prospective attendees can email leeand16@msu.edu or call (269) 927-5674 for more information.  Pre-registration is requested. 

• 4:30 p.m. — Niles District Library Board meeting

The Board governs the library.  The public is welcome at all meetings. 

• 6 p.m. — Walking and Photography Club

The group will depart from the Riverfront Park Amphitheater and head to the Fort St. Joseph dig site. Highlights will include early industry along the river, leisure activities, transportation and a special tour of the Fort St. Joseph dig site, said staff.

• 6 p.m. — STEM Stars

For ages 6 to 12, staff will teach participants a STEM topic. This program includes a read-aloud and a science, technology, engineering or math project to work on.

• 6:30 p.m. — Potawatomi

Star Knowledge

This event is presented by Blaire Topash Caldwell, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi tribal archivist for the Department of Language and Culture. She will teach the science and stories behind Potawatomi constellations.

Wednesday, July 17

• 9 a.m. — Drip-In Book Club, Atomic Bean

Wondering what to read next? Looking for friends who always have great book recommendations? Join staff and community members each month as members discuss and recommend books in this new style of book club, said club members. Each month, a different genre of literature is chosen and each book club member reads a different book in that genre. A drop-in book club means that a participant can come when able.

• 9:30 a.m. —

Squealers

For babies newborn to 18 months, this lap sit program features a fingerplay, song, board book and 10 minutes of baby play and bubbles.

• 10 a.m. —

Squeakers

For children ages 18 months to 3 years, this transitional storytime is for children who are in the between the baby and toddler stages. This will be a short storytime with one book, a fingerplay and a song. The event will end with bubbles. Staff will work on skills like sitting quietly, listening to a story independently and following directions.

• 10:30 a.m. —

Squigglers

For children ages 18 months to five years, this storytime program is structured like the beginning of a preschool class. The event will feature calendar, letter of the day and a color song, with two books and music and movement.

• 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — Storytime

For children ages three and up, this storytime features three books, a color song, and music and movement. The program will end with a hand stamp, coloring sheet and a craft.

• Noon — Teen book club

The library will have treats, book discussion and games based on the book the club read. Stop by the youth services desk for a copy of the book. The progam is for children ages 12 to 18. 

• 2 p.m. — Lava rock bracelets

Attendees will meet in the SkillShare area to create lava rock bracelets. Lava rocks can be infused with essential oils for a scent that lasts the whole day, said staff. The program is intended for adults and families. Children under 13 will need an adult present at this event.

• 6:30 p.m. — Readers Circle Book Group

Readers Circle members have enlightening and thought provoking conversations about books from a wide variety of genres, said group members. It was created for serious book lovers and new members are welcome. Books are available at the Information Desk. 

• 7 p.m. — Happy Destiny Support Group

Open Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are available to anyone interested in the program or recovery.

• 7 p.m. — The Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project Presents Conservation, Curation, and Collections Management

This event is presented by Kelly Rectenwald, associate objects conservator of the Cincinnati Art Museum. 

Thursday, July 18

• 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m — Storytime

For children ages three and up, this 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 p.m. — American Mahjong

Volunteers are available weekly to teach people how to play Mahjong.

• 1 p.m. — GoNoodle

This online program is a 20-minute exercise program for children.

• 2 p.m. — Eleanor and Mowitt Drew Gallery Reception: Berrien County Cancer Service Art Play Art Show

On display in the Eleanor and Mowitt Drew Gallery through the last week in August is work done during The Berrien County Cancer Service’s Art Play Workshop.

The Berrien County Cancer Service is hosting an opening reception and encourages the public to come see all the wonderful art project children from our community have created. Art Play Workshops is a supportive service for children and families in Berrien County who are impacted by cancer.

•. 2:30 p.m. — 4-H ag literacy

Open to youth ages 5 to 12.  In this summer program, children will read various books about agriculture and make a craft that goes along with their reading. Children will be able to connect agriculture to their own interests and daily life, said staff. Prospective attendees can email leeand16@msu.edu or call (269) 927-5674 for more information. Pre-registration is requested. 

• 6 p.m. — Teen time

Games, books and a place to study will be available in the teen department. Children ages 12 to 19 can come anytime, but during teen time, there are snacks.

• 6 p.m. — Chips and Chapters

This is a fun, new, read-aloud storytime. Every Thursday, Ms. Tara will read aloud from a chapter book while you eat chips and follow along.

Friday, July 19

• 10 a.m. — TOPS

Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a non-profit, noncommercial weight-loss support group and wellness education organization. 

• 11 a.m. — Mr. Jim Cup Stacking

Mr. Jim will be at the library to host a fun space-themed cup stacking program for attendees.

• 1 p.m. — Twisted Stitches

Participants can bring yarn or a sewing project and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while chatting and working. Newcomers are welcome. Staff will help, and a few loaner tools are available.

• 1 p.m. — Tween art class

Each week tweens will learn how to make an art project.

• 2 p.m. — Teen art class

No crafty talents are required for these fun arts and crafts creations, staff said. A free lunch and a possibly messy arts and crafts project is provided to those ages 13 to 19.

Saturday, July 20

• 10 a.m. — Chess Club

The event is meant for both chess veterans and newcomers of all ages and abilities.

• 11 a.m. — 4-H workshop: Advanced SOLD!

The event is meant to teach people ages 8 to 19 how to make the most of a market animal project. It is for those who have already completed the SOLD! Beginners Workshop.

• 1 p.m. — STEM Stars

For ages 6 to 12. Staff will teach attendees a science, technology, engineering and math topic. This program includes a read- aloud book and a project to work on.