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, July 29

• Noon — Messy Monday, teens

The event will have messy experiments, crafts and projects that are not allowed to do inside the building, so meet participants will meet outside by the picnic table. 

• 1 p.m. — Messy Monday, kids

This is sensory and messy fun, said staff. Crafts, sensory experiences and experiments to exercise brains will be available.

• 6 p.m. — Tween game night

All children ages 9 to 12 can take part in this game night. An Xbox and board games will be out, as well as art and crafts supplies. Snacks provided. 

• 7 p.m. — Happy Destiny Support Group

The purpose of A.A. group meetings is for 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 interested in the program or recovery.

Tuesday, July 30

• 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 provid-ed.

• Noon — Teen cooking class

Fun, easy and tasty dishes will be made, staff said. This weekly event during the sum-mer 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. 

• 2:30 p.m. — 4-H Ag Literacy

Open to youth ages 5 to 12 years old. Children will read various books about agricul-ture and make a craft that goes along with their reading.

For additional information, staff said to email leeand16@msu.edu or call (269) 927-5674. Staff request pre-registration. 

• 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.

Wednesday, July 31

• 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 chil-dren ages 12 to 18. 

• 7 p.m. — The Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project Presents Curation Lessons Learned from Four Decades at the Illinois State Museum

The presentation will be given by Terry Martin, curator emeritus of anthropology at the Illinois State Museum. 

• 7 p.m. — Happy Destiny Support Group

The purpose of A.A. group meetings is for 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 interested in the program or recovery.

Thursday, Aug. 1

• 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m — Storytime

For children ages three and up, this story time 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.

• 2:30 — 4-H Ag Literacy

Open to youth ages 5 to 12 years old. Children will read various books about agricul-ture and make a craft that goes along with their reading.

For additional information, staff said to email leeand16@msu.edu or call (269) 927-5674. Staff request pre-registration. 

• 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 story time. Every Thursday, Ms. Tara will read aloud from a chapter book while you eat chips and follow along.

Friday, Aug. 2

• 10 a.m. — TOPS

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

• 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, Aug. 3

• 10:30 a.m. — TreeClimbers Genealogy Group

An event meant to uncover family history. No experience is required to participate in the

• 2 p.m. — Lava Rock Bracelets

Lava rocks can be infused with essential oils for a scent that lasts the whole day.