The Niles District Library will offer the following free events and activities this week.

A library card isn’t needed to participate in any library programs. For more information, call (269) 683-8545 ext. 116, email communityengagement@nileslibrary.net, visit facebook/nileslibrary, or browse nileslibrary.net.

 

Tuesday, March 17

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — The Connection (Emergency Shelter Services)

Apply for assistance when housing is threatened, or just stop in for referrals and information on the second and third Monday of every month.

• 2 p.m. — Special Edition: Fun with Food

Lakeland Health teachers will show us how to make fun and healthy snacks. All ages and abilities are welcome in this very family-friendly and accessible group.

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

Members of the community are welcome to attend.

• 4:30 to 8 p.m. — VITA (tax prep assistance) program

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a service available to households that made $52,000 or less in 2014. Call 211 to schedule your appointment.

 

Wednesday, March 18

• Multiple times — Storytime day

Squealers (birth-18 months) at 9:30 a.m., Squigglers (18 months-3 years) at 10 a.m., Storytime at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and Squigglers (3-5 years) at 11 a.m.

• 5 p.m. — Writing Group

The Writing Group is a place to come and write surrounded by other passionate writers. And drink coffee. It meets the first and third Wednesday of every month at 5 p.m. Writing techniques will be featured during the next few meetings in preparation for the Spring Writing Contest.

• 2 p.m. — Learning Wednesdays

This month’s topic is Who’s Got Your Back by Keith Ferazzi. The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce and Gazelles Growth Institute are making limited viewings of their most influential courses available free of charge. Join us monthly in the boardroom to watch and discuss the seminar.

• 6:30 p.m. — Reader’s Circle book club

Books are available at the info desk. New members always welcome.

 

Thursday March 19

• Library is closed for staff development.

 

Friday, March 20

• 10:30 a.m. — Southwest Michigan Symphony String Ensemble

Orchestra musicians will be here at the library for a hands-on learning experience. The musicians will talk about the music and the instruments they play and answer questions from the audience. All ages and abilities welcome.

• 1 to 3 p.m. — Twisted Stitches (drop-in knitting group)

• 5 to 7 p.m. — Prom Readiness Program

This is for teens ages 13-19. Learn how to put the best face forward. A professional from Lakeland will show people how to give their skin a healthy glow. Also, learn how to make a garter. People will have the option to choose a dress as sizes and quantities last. Registration is required, so call 683-8545 ext. 106.

• 6 to 8 p.m. — Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA)

The SCA is a practical history society, recreating the arts and skills of pre-17th Century Europe. This particular weekly gathering is a “practice” and everyone is welcome.

 

Saturday, March 21

• 10 a.m. — Chess Club

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Pop-up Library at Rural King

The library is trying out something new. Every other Saturday through April, the library will be at Rural King offering books that can be borrowed without a card, issuing library cards, delivering books placed on hold via the library website, accepting book returns and receiving donations of recent books in excellent condition.