February is for the birds and more at your library

Published 3:22 pm Wednesday, January 25, 2017

By FRANCES SMITH / Community Columnist

February is short but busy. There are various special observances and our library has books and programs to celebrate many of them. Presidents’ Day can inspire children to read new books like: Grover Cleveland, Again!: A Treasury of American Presidents by Burns; the Commander in Cheese series by Leavitt; and the 2017 World Book Encyclopedia that has articles on President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.

For adults we have: The President’s Book of Secrets: The Untold Story of Intelligence Briefings to America’s Presidents, from Kennedy to Obama by Priess and Man Enough?: Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and the Politics of Presidential Masculinity by Katz.

National Wild Bird Feeding Month is in February and a bird expert will share fun facts at the library.

It’s Black History Month and science educators will be on hand to combine science and black history. For Valentine’s Day kids will love having heart-shaped fun. Program details are below.

Youth Programs

-Tunes & Tales Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.; Toddler Tales Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

-Lego League Feb. 7, 6-6:45 p.m.

-Homeschool Happening: Birds of a Feather Feb. 13, 10-11 a.m. Learn about local birds, bird watching, and more when Dr. Ansel Payne of the Audubon Society visits. Kids in grades 1-12 can sign up.

-YA Throwback Thursday Feb. 9, 4:15 p.m. Tweens and teens can get ready for Valentine’s Day by making cards, making friends, and eating sweets. Kids 11 to 18 years old can sign up.

-Pete the Cat Book Club Feb. 14, 6 p.m. Kids age 5 and older can sign up for feline fun and Valentine’s Day activities. Kids age 6 and younger must be with an adult.

-You Be the Detective – Look into the Mystery of History Feb. 21, 6 p.m. With its science focus, this program presented by Winfield and Elinor Burks, will encourage map reading skills and making useful items from plant life. Youngsters will hear stories of high and low points in both African history and African-American history. Kids in grades 3 and above can sign up.

-American Girls Club Feb. 24, 4 p.m. Enter Addy’s world by taking part in “Friendship and Freedom: A Play about Addy.” No memorizing will be necessary. Girls who aren’t actors can be in the audience. Families can be in the audience, too, but all children in the audience under age 7 must be with an adult. Girls age 7 and older can sign up.

Adult Programs

-AARP Tax Help for Seniors – Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment. Call 664-6822 or come to the library to sign up.

-Computer Classes in the computer center at 10 a.m. – Feb. 7, Basic Internet and Email; Feb. 11, Introduction to PowerPoint; Feb. 21, Publisher Basics

-Tai Chi – Wednesdays, 10 a.m.

-ABCD’s of Medicare – Feb. 13, 1 p.m.

-Book Group – Feb. 16, 7 p.m. A Land More Kind than Home by Wiley Cash

Programs are in the meeting room unless otherwise noted.