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.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistancce (VITA) Program is available from 4:40 to 8 p.m. Thursdays to help with taxes. Please schedule an appointment by calling 2-1-1 from a Michigan to schedule your appointment. Walk-in appointments are not permitted. VITA dates are Thursdays through April 12.

Monday, March 26

• 1 to 5:30 p.m. — Michigan Blood-Blood Drive

The community is encouraged to come and donate blood for a good cause.  No appointment is necessary, but people may schedule an appointment if they wish. For more information, call 1-866-MIBLOOD (642-5663).

• 6 to 7 p.m. — Tween Game Night

This event is ideal for tweens. This activity is a new game night just for youth ages 9-12. There will be an X-Box, and board games out. As well as art and crafts supplies. Snacks provided.

• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Spectacular Sushi with Daysha Amster

Local chef, Daysha Amster, will tach people how to create spectacular sushi creations. Whether they would like to learn how to make great sushi from the comfort of their own home, or would like to try quality sushi for the first time, everyone is welcome to come. This event is limited to 12 participants. Please pre-register by calling 269-683-8545, ext. 112.

• 7 to 8 p.m. – CDA Niles

Chemically Dependent Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship for anyone seeking freedom from drug and alcohol addiction. The people of CDA do not make distinctions in the recovery process based on any particular substance. The basis of the program is abstinence from all mood-changing and mind-altering chemicals, including street-type drugs, alcohol and unnecessary medication.

Tuesday, March 27

• 10:30 to 11 a.m. — Passport Pals

The community is invited for a special story time tour of the world. Each week, there will be books, songs, a craft and other surprises relating to the special country of the month.

• 12:30 to 2 p.m. — Primary Care Triple P: For Parents or Caregivers

This class is for parents who wish to learn a variety of parenting skills that will promote their child’s development and potential. To RSVP, call 269-927-5622.

• 4 to 8 p.m. — Special Edition: Cooking Skills Classroom

This is a time for individual CLS workers to assist their clients with cooking skills goals. It is not staffed by NDL, but the library will make basic cooking equipment available. For more information call the front desk at extension 112.

• 6 to 6:30 p.m. — Chips and Chapters

This activity includes a read aloud story time. Every Tuesday, Ms. Tara will read aloud from a chapter book, while listeners eat chips and follow along. All ages are welcome.

• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Pajama Storytime

This evening Storytime is for the entire family. A story following a theme will read, there will also be musical numbers and a craft to end the time. Those participating are invited to wear their pajamas.

• 6:30 to 8 p.m. — Olive Branch Book Club

A book club at a bar? Why not? Adults are invited to have a drink, mingle, and talk about a book.  To register and pick up a book, come to the library’s Information Desk or call (269) 683-8545 extension 112. Olive Branch meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at The Brass Eye Cocktail Lounge, 205 N. Second St. in Niles.

Wednesday, March 28

• Multiple times — Storytime day

Squealers (birth-18 months) at 9:30 a.m., squeakers (18 months-3 years) at 10 a.m., squigglers (18 months-5 years) at 10:30 a.m., story time (children ages 3+) at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

• 1 to 4 p.m. — Michigan Works/ Kinexus

Talent Development Specialists can help those in need register for unemployment, evaluate their strengths and skills, edit or help update their resume, sharpen interview skills and more.

• 7 to 8 p.m. — CDA Niles

Chemically Dependent Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship for anyone seeking freedom from drug and alcohol addiction. The people of CDA do not make distinctions in the recovery process based on any particular substance. The basis of the program is abstinence from all mood-changing and mind-altering chemicals, including street-type drugs, alcohol and unnecessary medication.

Thursday, March 29

• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — The Connection

As Berrien County’s Housing Resource Center, The Connection provides a centralized intake that works together with the consumer to rapidly re-house those who are homeless.

• 10:30 and 1:30 p.m. — Storytime

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 to 4:30 p.m. — Mahjong

Volunteers are available weekly to teach people how to Mahjong.

• 2 to 4 p.m. — All Ages Hangout

Bring a table game, craft project, coloring pages, or just a mug for coffee. All ages and abilities are welcome to come hang out Thursday afternoons. There will be coffee and tea provided. Anyone is welcome to bring snacks to share.

• 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. —  iLive Free

iLive Free is a group that wants to be free from substance restraints and meets every Thursday evening to inspire each other to enjoy living free. The core team leaders are: someone who is free from substance control, a counselor and a pastor. You are welcome to join this group and enjoy living free. For more info contact or text (269) 605-7895.

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Teen Time

Come and hang out. There will be games, books, and a great place to study here in the Teen Department. Snacks are provided.

• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Music at the Library: Harpist Anna Hagen

Local harpist Anna Hagen will perform music.  In her performance, there will be a variety of songs from Bach to the Beetles, favorite local hymns, folk tunes, and jazz favorites- all presented on a solo harp with Anna’s signature enthusiasm. Since she began playing harp at age nine, Anna has been performing and educating people in this community and beyond about the harp; playing professionally in a wide range of venues. She will also share how this unique instrument works and talk about her years as a harp struck youth who grew up to own five harps and make three solo CDs. Sit back and enjoy elegant music with an engaging harpist.

Friday, March 30

• 9:30 a.m. to noon — TOPS

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss support group and wellness education organization. TOPS offers tools and programs for healthy living and weight management, with the opportunity for group fellowship and recognition. New members are welcome.

• 1 to 3 p.m. — Twisted Stitches

People may enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and chat while they work on their yarn or sewing project. Rookies are welcome. The teacher and a few loaner tools will help to get newcomers started.