Rochester Hills Public Library: News and Views, Winter 2024 Refreshed Spaces, A new look for the next chapter Winter Wonder Library, Warm up with RHPL Preschool Fair, Find the perfect fit Juliane Morian, Library Director juliane.morian@rhpl.org General 248-656-2900 Adult 650-7130 Youth 650-7140 Outreach/Bookmobile 650-7150 TDD 650-7153 Hours 650-7170 Item Renewals 650-7174 Friends Membership 650-7160 Friends Events 650-7176 Friends Book Sales 650-7178 Friends Gift Shop 650-7179 Registration & Library Card Information Many programs require registration with an active RHPL card unless otherwise noted. To apply for an RHPL card, visit rhpl.org/get-a-library-card. Library Board Melinda Deel, President Bob Bonam, Vice President Anne Kucher, Secretary Madge Lawson, Treasurer Julianne Reyes, Trustee Harper West,Trustee Oakland Township Liaison: Michael Tyler City of Rochester Liaison: Lauren Coleman The library board meets monthly on the second Tuesday. Meetings are open to the public. Reasonable auxiliary aids & services are available. News & Views Staff Betsy Raczkowski, Editor Michele Dimond, Layout Design Contributors: Brittany Christofel, Mary Davis, Rebecca LaFave, Wendy Lehman, Allison Sartwell, Amalia Weber Cover photo: New fireplace on the second floor of the library A Letter from the Library Director I recently read a book called The Connection Cure by Julia Hotz based on a teaser that said "this book explores a new trend of doctors across the globe writing prescriptions for people to find opportunities for social connection." The idea that social connections might provide healing benefits seemed both novel and yet natural to me. I witness what social connections can do on a daily basis at the library, and encourage you to read through our winter newsletter to find out how you can forge new connections at RHPL. After winning a competitive grant made possible by the City of Rochester Hills, the library was able to match grant dollars and expand the Youth Storyroom. The Storyroom is the primary space in the library where children learn the building blocks of reading from a librarian. Our early literacy groups help to make reading a hobby and habit for the youngest of patrons, and offer socialization, a foundation of school-readiness, and teach parents and caregivers how to model good reading practices at home. In a space that formerly accommodated 15 children, the room will now hold up to 20 children plus their caregivers, which is a capacity increase of 25%. Additionally, we are grateful to the Friends of Rochester Hills Public Library for purchasing new furniture and technology to enhance the space. The second floor of the library also received a refresh and renovation this fall, with a changed layout in order to maximize natural light from the beautiful windows that overlook the Riverwalk. To finish off the refresh, a new fireplace has been added to cozy up the magazine and newspaper area just in time for winter. Socializing at the library allows you to meet and mingle with people that are both similar to you and different, thus expanding your worldview. Connections can come in the form of attending a lecture, participating in a book discussion, completing a hands-on craft in the makerspace, or cozying up near the new fireplace in our magazine reading room. The public library provides ways for you to find answers about the world and opportunities to find yourself here this winter season. Congratulations, Friends of RHPL! The Friends of Rochester Hills Public Library were named Rochester Regional Chamber’s Community Collaborator of the year! The well-deserved award was presented on October 10 at the Sunrise Pinnacle Breakfast. A steadfast support for RHPL since the 1960s, the Friends have provided funds to build programming, collections, and even the original Youth Room on Pine Street. As the library continues to grow, the Friends have once again played a key role in supporting RHPL’s Youth Services. Their $10,000 centennial gift contributed to the Storyroom renovation, helping to fund new furniture, technology, and art. As we close out our centennial year, we are reminded that the library’s story is about more than books, it’s about the partnerships that make service possible. Thank you to the Friends for being an essential part of the story of RHPL. Winter Style at the Friends Store If there’s a chill in the air, you can count on the Friends Store to help you stay cozy and warm. Among all the holiday décor you’ll find toasty and colorful mittens, hats, gloves, scarves, and throws. Come on in for a cold weather happiness boost! Friends Quality Sale Thursday, December 5, 3-8 p.m.; Friday, December 6, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, December 7, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Multipurpose Room This is your chance to shop for wonderful gifts at wonderfully low prices, just in time for the holidays. Browse items in like-new condition, often in their original wrap. There will be books, puzzles, games, DVDs, and CDs as well as unique items that make great gifts. All proceeds benefit the library. Friends of Rochester Hills Public Library Winter Used Book Sale Thursday, January 30, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, January 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, February 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, February 2, 1:30-4:30 p.m. (Bag Day: all you can fit in a standard grocery bag goes for $5) The shelves are full of gently used books and DVDs for adults, teens, and children! Presale opportunities for Friends members will be Wednesday, January 29 from 5:30-8 p.m. (Memberships are available at the door. See rhpl.org/friends for details.) All proceeds benefit the library. Holiday Home Tour Sunday, December 15, 12-5 p.m. Purchase tickets at rhpl.org/friends Visit six great Rochester-area homes dolled up more than ever for this Yule season. The Friends pulled out all the stops to make the 2024 array of homes the can’t miss event of the season. Homes feature spectacularly decorated trees, one-of-a-kind ornaments, and memorable family traditions. Stop by the boutique at the Van Hoosen Farm to find gifts for everyone on your list and take in the model train exhibit at the Rochester Hills Museum. Tickets are $35 per person and include a map to featured homes and entry to the model train exhibit. Pick up your tickets in advance at the circulation desk or on the day of the event in the MPR from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find Yourself Here As the temperature drops and the snow flurries begin to collect on the Camperdown elm on our front lawn, we’re putting the final touches on our Centennial celebrations. We’re winding down from a year of reminiscing about our roots and how the last one hundred years have allowed RHPL to branch out and grow along with the community. It has been wonderful to watch our community share library love in many ways throughout the seasons. A unifying message that has been shared is that people come to the library for more than the books — they visit for comfort and connection. As a welcoming, free space with ample resources, RHPL is often the first place that new residents visit. “Moving from area to area, I’ve always found comfort in a public library. RHPL exceeds every expectation I’ve had for such a necessary pillar of a community,” Mags R. shared. With the addition of the soft glow of our new fireplace and cozy furniture, we hope patrons feel welcome to take refuge from the blustery winter and sit around the hearth to read, work, or simply relax in the quiet company. For those who grew up in the area, the library has been a great way to meet lifelong friends, often starting in the Storyroom of Youth Services. The newly expanded space opens up a world for young patrons to learn and explore with their peers. One young patron excitedly told us, “I like the library programs because you can make friends there. For example when I was 3 years old I met my best friend there!!!” On January 17, step into Winter Wonder Library to see our Frost Fest ice sculpture, warm up with a cup of cocoa, and participate in wintery activities with family and friends, both new and old. Of course, the library fills the traditional roles for those looking for a bit of quiet while they work. We’ve added updated computer spaces and printing in Outreach services to provide more areas to focus. On the second floor, new tables, laptop stations, and comfy seating have grabbed attention from study groups and remote workers alike. A note left in our Centennial Journal reads, “Some of my most memorable moments of my late high school experiences we[re] the long study nights me and my friends have had. The environment felt safe and secluded. Couldn’t have asked for a better spot to destress.” And, if you’re someone who prefers to hibernate during the colder months, stay connected with the library through the RHPL mobile app, officially launching in January. The app will allow you to access your account details, check the status of your items, and browse materials and events–all from the comfort of your home and the convenience of your phone. No matter the reason for your visit, we hope you’ll stop by RHPL in the new year to help us make the beginning of our next 100 years that much more special. Outreach Services For a complete listing of all of our programs, detailed descriptions, and to register, visit calendar.rhpl.org or scan the QR code. Registration opens one month in advance of the program. Questions? Call 248-650-7150 or email help@rhpl.org. New Bookmobile Lobby Stops We are excited to welcome two new lobby stops! Beginning Thursday, January 9, 2025 we will be visiting Grace Senior Living from 9:30–10:15 a.m. and the Flourish Collection at Oakland Township from 10:45–11:30 a.m. For the full schedule, visit rhpl.org/bookmobiles. Pronunciator 101 Thursday, December 12, 2 p.m. Multipurpose Room Looking to learn a new language in the new year? Learn how to use the Pronunciator app to discover a new language! Registration is required. Libby 101 Wednesday, February 5, 2 p.m. Multipurpose Room Interested in accessing our eBooks and e-Audiobooks on Libby but aren’t sure where to start? Learn how to use the Libby app on your phone, tablet, or computer to access some of our digital services. Please bring your personal device with you. Registration is required. ELL Book Clubs: Beginner ELL Book Club: Frankly in Love by David Yoon Wednesdays, December 4–March 5, 2-3:30 p.m. Conference Room A Meet with Kari and other English language learners to read and discuss a book in a friendly setting. This group will read easier books— if you have tried the book club before and it was too hard, this group is for you. Copies of the book will be available at the first meeting. Contact Kari.Bryson@rhpl.org with questions. Registration is required. ELL Book Club: The Waters by Bonnie Campbell Thursdays, December 5–March 6, 10-11:30 a.m. Conference Room A Meet with Kari and other English language learners to read and discuss a book in a friendly setting. Copies of the book will be available at the first meeting. Contact Kari.Bryson@rhpl.org with questions. Registration is required. Conversation Groups: English Matters: ELL Conversation Group Tuesdays, January 7–February 25, 10–11:30 a.m.; Thursdays, January 9–February 27,7 –8:30 p.m.; Saturdays, January 11–March 1, 10–11:30 a.m. Conference Room A Come together and discuss hometowns, food, hobbies, jobs, and other informal topics. Joining a group will introduce you to new friends and a great time! For further information, contact Mariano.Cadiz@rhpl.org. Registration is required. American Culture Mondays, February 3–24, 10–11:30 a.m. Conference Room A Join Mariano for an informal group discussion. This group is open to all ELL students and newcomers. We will discuss and share our own experiences and observations regarding the customs and manners of American culture. For further information, contact Mariano.Cadiz@rhpl.org. Registration is required. Adult Programs For a complete listing of all of our programs, detailed descriptions, and to register, visit calendar.rhpl.org or scan the QR code. Registration opens one month in advance of the program. Questions? Call 248-650-7130 or email help@rhpl.org. Spice Club Monday, December 2, Thursday, January 2, Sunday, February 2. 9 a.m. Take & Make Expand your culinary horizons and learn recipes from all over the world! Registrants will receive a small amount of a spice and accompanying recipe(s) to take home. Pick up will begin on the 2nd of each month at either the 2nd floor Adult Reference Desk or the Drive-Up Window. Separate registration is required for each date. The History of the Willow Run B-24 Bomber Plant and the Legacy of Rosie the Riveter Tuesday, December 3, 7 p.m. Multipurpose Room Claire Kitchin Dahl will share the inspiring story of Rosie the Riveter and the dedicated women that provided the teamwork that won the war and changed the American labor force forever. Registration is required. Easy Crafts to Decorate Your Holiday Table Thursdays, December 5, 12, 6 p.m. Conference Room B Create holiday table decor that combines creativity, sustainability, and personalized touches. Register for one or both sessions. Registration is required. December 5: Place Card Holders Using Upcycled Wine Corks December 12: Fabric Peppermint Craft Know-It-All Trivia Smackdown! Mondays, December 9, February 10, 7 p.m. Main Street Billiards, Solarium area Know a little bit about everything? Meet up with us at Main Street Billiards (215 S. Main St.) with your team of up to 6 people and see if you have what it takes to be crowned champions! The top team will win a prize. Food and drinks available for purchase. Registration is required. The Conversation Project: Wishes for End of Life Care Tuesday, December 10, 7 p.m. Multipurpose Room Learn how The Conversation Project can help every person's wish for end-of-life care be expressed and respected. This program provides tools, guidance and resources to begin "the conversation" with people you love. Registration is required. Drop-In Genealogy Help Saturdays, December 14, January 11, February 8, 2 p.m. Conference Room B or Virtual Need a little help jump-starting your family research? Stop by and get tips and tricks from our volunteer genealogist, Heather! No registration required. Open Fiber Crafting Wednesdays, December 18, January 15,February 19, 6 p.m. Conference Room A. Ages 16 and up. Tired of crafting in front of the TV by yourself? Bring your current fiber craft project (knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross stitch, etc.) to the library and craft in a laid back environment with casual discussion. Separate registration is required for each date. Brick Book Saturday, December 21, 10 a.m.Conference Room A Decorate a brick to look like a book for home or garden decor, or a great gift. Registration is required. Brick Book Take & Make Pick up starting Saturday, December 21. Take & Make Each kit comes with directions, a brick, and supplies to decorate it to look like a book for home or garden decor, or a great gift. Pick up at the Adult Reference Desk or Drive-Up Window, December 21–28. Registration is required. Warm Your Heart Food Drive January 13-20. All ages. Honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy by providing service to your community. Donate to Neighborhood House’s Warm Your Heart drive. Donate cans of soup and keep your neighbors warm and fed this winter. No registration required. Do Art Monday, January 13, 6 p.m. Multipurpose Room RHPL will provide a calming space to create, as well as quality paper, canvas, blank cards and envelopes, and various mediums to experiment with. Patrons are welcome to bring their own supplies. Come with an idea or be inspired when you arrive! Registration is required. Resources & Guidance for the 2025 Tax Filing Season Thursday, January 16, 7 p.m. Multipurpose Room Learn everything you need to know about taxes, changes for 2025, and how to navigate the IRS website. The presentation includes resources, processes for tax preparation, and tips on how to avoid identity theft and tax scams. Presented in partnership with the IRS. Registration is required. Winter Feeder Birds with Dinosaur Hill Tuesday, January 28, 7 p.m. Multipurpose Room Learn to identify common Michigan backyard feeder birds that you can see throughout the winter season by sight and sound. Discover which foods attract which birds and mix up a batch of Miracle Meal to use on your woodpecker feeder. Registration is required. DIA Behind the Scenes - In Our Own Voice Tuesday, February 4, 7 p.m. Multipurpose Room Enhance your awareness of the creative contributions of African Americans from the 19th century through the present day. This talk provides a lens to examine issues of race, gender, politics and culture. Registration is required. Speed Friending Event Thursday, February 6, 6-8 p.m. Multipurpose Room This event offers a relaxed atmosphere with a speed dating-like setup with no dating or romance involved. Engage in guided one-on-one conversations followed by opportunities to socialize and create crafts. Registration is required. Severe Weather Recognition and Stop the Bleed Thursday, February 20, 7 p.m. Multipurpose Room Learn how to recognize the warning signs of severe weather and how to help another person in a potentially life-threatening situation. Learn how you can prevent loss and stay safe in a natural emergency. Registration is required. Murder Mystery Friday, February 21, 6:30 p.m. Multipurpose Room An interactive Murder Mystery evening. Wedding bells aren’t ringing for this not-so-happy couple when a member of the wedding party is murdered. Work with fellow guests to discover whodunit! Wedding attire is encouraged, but not required. Registration is required. SS Eastland: Titanic of the Great Lakes Thursday, February 27, 7 p.m. Multipurpose Room Historian and lecturer Andrew Kercher presents the story of the SS Eastland, which experienced the worst maritime disaster on the Great Lakes when it capsized in the Chicago River in 1915. Registration is required. Open Board Gaming Sundays, December 8, January 12, February 9, 2-5 p.m. Conference Room A Calling all tabletop board gamers! Looking to play a new game or maybe meet fellow board gaming friends? We will have different games available but feel free to bring one of your favorites from home! Sign up to be reminded the day before the event. No registration required. Merry Made-for-TV Marathon Saturday, December 21, 11 a.m-4 p.m. Multipurpose Room If you’re feeling frazzled, drop in for some warm fuzzy watching! Hot chocolate will be provided. Sign up to be reminded the day before the event. No registration required. Scribes Writers Workshop Wednesdays, December 11, January 22, February 26, 1-4 p.m. Conference Room B This drop-in workshop is for those who love to write, want to learn from experienced writers, or who want to let their writing ideas flow. Members will write on a given topic or thought-starter and give and take positive feedback. No registration required. Sap to Syrup with Dinosaur Hill Tuesday, February 25, 7 p.m. Multipurpose Room It all starts with a maple tree! Discover how to identify a maple from other trees through leaves and branches, when and how to tap your tree, the process through which we make maple syrup from sap at Dinosaur Hill, and taste a few grades of maple syrup for yourself! Registration is required. Concerts 2 p.m. Multipurpose Room Registration is required The Luddites Sunday, December 1. Eight-time Detroit Music Award winners, The Luddites mix American styles of music with European and Caribbean folk. Boston Edison Band Sunday, January 19. Boston Edison Band plays a mix of old and new rock, some modern country, and a little R&B. Double Play Flute and Tuba Sunday, February 16. "Love and Music" features selections from opera, Broadway and film. Winter Wonder Library Friday, January 17. 6-8 p.m. All Ages. Join us for seasonal fun at our Winter Wonder Library event. Come together as our garden becomes a magically brighter place. Warm up with some hot cocoa, and enjoy other various activities throughout the library. Visit calendar.rhpl.org for details. Book Clubs RHPL Booked: An online book club Join RHPL Booked, a relaxed online book club. Buddy Read: Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa What’s a Buddy Read? Buddy Read is an invitation-only, online book club from StoryGraph that allows you to read with others, separately. After joining the group, participants read a book at their own pace and can leave a comment during the Buddy Read. Their fellow readers can see and respond to their comments when they reach the same page. Don’t have a StoryGraph account? Go to thestorygraph.com to sign up for free. Directions for accessing the Buddy Read via StoryGraph will be emailed after registration. Find a copy of the book at the Library or download it using the Libby app. Registration is required. Books on Tap Monday, January 13, 7 p.m. Main Street Billiards, VIP room Meet at Main Street Billiards (215 S. Main St) for a casual book club in a relaxed setting. We’ll talk about books and enjoy Main Street Billiards’ delicious food and drinks. Copies of the book are available at the Adult Reference Desk upon registration. Registration is required. January 13: Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa Between the Lines Tuesdays, January 21, February 18, 2 p.m. Conference Room A Join RHPL’s lively monthly book discussion! Pick up a copy of the book at the Adult Reference Desk or download an audiobook edition using the Libby app. Space is limited. Registration is required. January 21: The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson February 18: The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession by Michael Finkel Reading Rainbow Mondays, January 27, February 24, 7-8:30 p.m. Conference Room B A book group for people interested in reading and discussing fiction, memoirs, and graphic novels that reflect the diversity of the queer experience. Titles will be selected with participant input; see online calendar for more information. Copies of the books are available at the Adult Reference Desk upon registration. Registration is required. Makerspace Programs For a complete listing of all of our programs, detailed descriptions, and to register, visit calendar.rhpl.org or scan the QR code. Registration opens one month in advance of the program. Questions? Call 248-650-7131 or email help@rhpl.org. Intro to Electrical Soldering Wednesdays, December 4, February 5, 6-8 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Makerspace Learn some basic skills in soldering electronics as we assemble a small circuit board. This event will require a lot of dexterity as we will be manipulating small pieces. Please note, this session will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Registration is required. Laser Cut 3D Puzzle Wednesday, December 18, 6-8 p.m. Ages 8 and up. Makerspace Join us in the makerspace to learn a little about the laser cutter and assemble a 3D cardboard puzzle. Bring your thinking caps! Please note, this session will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Registration is required. Intro to Dungeons & Dragons for Adults Wednesdays, December 11, January 15, February 12, 6-8 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Makerspace Discover the magic of Dungeons & Dragons in this fun introductory event! Join us for a brief overview of character creation, storytelling, and gameplay, followed by a mini-adventure led by an experienced Dungeon Master. No prior experience needed—all materials provided. Registration is required. Makerspace Sessions Please register for only one session for each program. Duplicate registrations will be canceled. Winter Origami Session 1: Wednesday, January 8, 6-7 p.m. Ages 8 and up. Makerspace Session 2: Wednesday, January 8, 7-8 p.m. Ages 8 and up. Makerspace Join us in the makerspace to make a few different origami winter crafts. Please note, the session will begin promptly at 6 or 7 p.m. Registration is required. Diamond Painting Session 1: Wednesday, January 22, 6-7 p.m. Ages 8 and up. Makerspace Session 2: Wednesday, January 22, 7-8 p.m. Ages 8 and up. Makerspace Join us in the makerspace to create some diamond painting stickers. These are paint-by-numbers stickers but instead of paint, we’ll use bedazzling gems. Please note, the session will begin promptly at 6 or 7 p.m. Registration is required. Coloring for Adults Session 1: Wednesday, February 26, 6-7 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Makerspace Session 2: Wednesday, February 26, 7-8 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Makerspace Need to just sit and color? Join us for an adults-only stress relieving coloring event. Please note, the session will begin promptly at 6 or 7 p.m. Registration is required. Teen Programs For a complete listing of all of our programs, detailed descriptions, and to register, visit calendar.rhpl.org or scan the QR code. Registration opens one month in advance of the program. Questions? Call 248-650-7130 or email help@rhpl.org. Monthly Programming Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m.Registration not required. Video Game Evening December 4, January 8, February 5. Visit calendar.rhpl.org for location. Show your skills in one of our monthly video game tournaments! New! Teen Board Game Evening January 22, February 19. Conference Room A Come try out or play some familiar board games with like-minded people. RHPL Players Guild (RPG) December 18, January 29, February 26. Conference Room A Join other teens for tabletop games, including board games, card games, role-playing games, and more! If you are interested in becoming a dungeon master for D&D or leading a specific board game, email teen@rhpl.org for more information. Comic Book Workshop with Do Art Productions Saturday December 7, 1-2:30 p.m. Conference Room A Explore the different languages of comics, from eyes, to body posture, to the actual language within speech bubbles. Participate in a dynamic pose drawing exercise where you may see juggling axolotls, flying giraffes, or dancing pandas. After seeing how easy cartooning and creative expression can be, we will generate a comic together out of the characters and creativity of the first half! Registration is required. Nightmare Before Christmas Movie and Cupcakes Saturday, December 14, 2 p.m. Grades 6-12. Multipurpose Room Come and watch everyone’s favorite skeleton, Jack Skellington in Nightmare Before Christmas while decorating and eating your own spooky holiday cupcakes. Registration is required. Teen Volunteer Opportunities Teen Advisory Board (TAB) December 11, January 15, February 12, 7:30 p.m. Conference Room A Share your opinions on teen programs, prizes, displays and other library matters at these fun-filled meetings, now holding hybrid online/in-person meetings. Please fill out the RHPL TAB Application under the Teen Volunteer tab of Teen Services. Basic Technology Help for Seniors Saturdays, December 14, January 11, February 8,12-1 p.m. Conference Room A Meet one-on-one with seniors to offer tech help in a patient and friendly environment. Contact the teen librarian at teen@rhpl.org to volunteer. Youth Programs For a complete listing of all of our programs, detailed descriptions, and to register, visit calendar.rhpl.org. Registration opens one week in advance of the program. Questions? Call 248-650-7140 or email help@rhpl.org. Storybook Trail December 1-31. All Ages. Downtown Rochester Visit Downtown Rochester’s Big Bright Light Show to take a walk on our storybook trail. We’ll provide a map to guide your journey to each page. Enjoy the story at your own pace and make sure to stop in at each participating business! No registration required. Baby (Ugly) Holiday Sweater Party Saturday, December 7, 10:30 a.m. Ages Birth-2. Storyroom Get ready to jingle all the way to our Baby Ugly Sweater Holiday Party! Dress your little one in the funniest, most over-the-top ugly sweater you can find or make. While siblings are welcome to join the fun, the activities are just for the babies. Registration is required. Evening Family Storytime Mondays, December 9, January 13, February 10, 7 p.m. All ages. Storyroom Join Miss Kim for a special monthly themed storytime for the whole family. Separate registration is required for each date. PAWS for Reading Wednesdays, December 11, January 8, 22, February 12, 26, 6:30 p.m. Ages 4 and up. Youth Room Practice your reading with a therapy dog. See details online. Separate registration is required for each date. Battle of the Books Coach Meeting Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m. Adult coaches of Battle of the Books participants. Multipurpose Room Learn everything you need for a successful battle. The coach meeting will be recorded if you are unable to attend. No registration required. Nightmare Before Christmas Movie and Cupcakes Saturday, December 14, 2 p.m. Grades 6-12. Multipurpose Room Come and watch everyone’s favorite skeleton, Jack Skellington in Nightmare Before Christmas while decorating and eating your own spooky holiday cupcakes. Registration is required. LEGO™ Club Tuesdays, December 17, January 14, February 11, 6 p.m. Ages 4-12. Multipurpose Room Welcome to LEGO™ Club, where imagination takes center stage! Whether you're a master builder or just getting started, everyone is welcome to join the fun. We’ve got all the bricks you’ll need, so leave yours at home. Separate registration is required for each date. Mad Libs at the Library Wednesday, December 18, 6 p.m. Grades 1-3. Multipurpose Room If you love to do Mad Libs, then join us for ______ at the _____! We’ll fill in some Mad Libs and make our own for your friends and loved ones to fill in. We’ll provide the snacks and drinks, just bring your imagination! Registration is required. Tween Book Club Wednesdays, December 18, January 22, February 26, 6 p.m. Grades 4-7. Storyroom Join our new Tween Book Club. Talk about books, eat snacks, and play a game. Pick up books at the Youth Services Desk one month in advance. Separate registration is required for each date. December 18: Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon; January 22: Wish Tree by Katherine Applegate; February 26: Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas Noon Year Masquerade Party Saturday, December 28, 11 a.m. All ages. Multipurpose Room Create your very own masquerade mask and make your wishes for the New Year. We will ring it in with a balloon drop and count down to the “noon” year together. Registration is required. Warm Up with Kindness January 2-31. All Ages. Youth Room Warm someone’s heart with words of kindness! Write a note to someone who’s special to you or drop off your note at the youth reference desk to brighten the day of a community member. No registration required. Open Spot Theater Friday, January 3, 11 a.m. Ages 5-12. Multipurpose Room A theater class for all abilities. Learn singing, acting, and dancing from the professionals at Open Spot Theater and put on a showcase at the end of the program. Registration is required. Winter Storytime Registration for the Winter Storytime session will begin on Monday January 6 at 9 a.m., with storytimes beginning the following week and continuing for 5 weeks. There are many different storytimes offered during this session; detailed descriptions can be found online at calendar.rhpl.org. Registration is required. Ceiling Tile Picassos Take & Make Mondays, January 13-20, all day. Ages 6-14. Take & Make Become a Ceiling Tile Picasso! ‘Canvases’ can be picked up at the Youth Services Desk. Returned ‘book covers’ will be displayed overhead in the Youth Room. Detailed instructions will be emailed to artists. Registration is required. Find Peppe the Penguin Monday, January 13–Saturday January 18. All Ages. Youth Room Peppe the Penguin likes to hide and have fun, he moves around the library every night. If you find him, secretly tell the librarian where you found him but make sure to not tell anyone else. No registration required. CatStronauts Book Club Thursdays, January 16, February 20, 6 p.m. Grades 2-3. Storyroom Explore space with fantastic felines and Miss Lisa while you prepare for the upcoming visit of author/illustrator Drew Brockington, one of the 2025 Authors in April. Separate registration is required for each date. January 16: CatStronauts Book 2: Race to Mars; February 20: CatStronauts Book 5: Slapdash Science Preschool Fair Saturday, February 8, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Adults. Multipurpose Room Parents are welcome to stop by and chat with representatives from local preschools and child care centers who will share information about their programs and answer any questions you have. This event is for adults only. No registration required. Valentine Take & Make February 5-12, All Day. Ages 5-12. Take & Make Create the perfect Valentine for your loved one. Pick up your kit at the Youth Services Desk. Registration is required. Valentines Craft: Upcycled Artwork Friday, February 7, 11 a.m. Ages 7-14. Storyroom Make your own original decorative heart wall-hanging using upcycled puzzle pieces discarded from the library’s puzzle collection. Registration is required. Valloween Love Monsters Tuesday, February 11, 6 p.m. Ages 6-11. Storyroom Join Ms. Lucia in creating your own little love monster. Registration is required. Parent Tween Crafternoon Monday, February 17, 2 p.m. Ages 9-12. Storyroom Tweens and their parents are invited to join us for a special crafternoon at the library! Enjoy quality time together while creating some beautiful crafts and memories. Registration is required. Afternoon Sing-Along Movie at the Library Tuesday, February 18, 2 p.m. All Ages. Multipurpose Room Join us for a movie on your day off from school! Wear your coziest clothes, pack your blankies, pillows, and stuffies and sing along to Disney’s Frozen on the big screen. No registration required. Toddler Drum Circle Tuesday, February 25, 10 a.m. Ages 2-4. Storyroom Join us for the cutest drum circle! We’ll have toy percussion instruments, shakers, singing, clapping, and other musical fun. Registration is required. Playdough Playtime: Jungle Jamboree Friday, February 28, 2 p.m. Ages 4-10. Storyroom Have fun rolling, squeezing, cutting, and extruding playdough to recreate rainforest animals, birds, insects, and flowers – or invent your own! Registration is required. Fitness with Barre3 Mom & Tot Thursday, February 20, 10 a.m. Ages 2-5. Storyroom Join instructors from Barre3 studio for a simple and effective workout that combines strength, cardio, and mindfulness. Please bring a yoga mat and water. Registration is required. Mom & Baby Thursday, February 27, 10 a.m. Ages Birth-2. Storyroom Join instructors from Barre3 studio for a simple and effective workout that combines strength, cardio, and mindfulness. Please bring a yoga mat and water. Registration is required.