By NICOLE MARTIN
Niles District Library

This week’s read

Seth Grahame-Smith’s “Unholy Night” is a wicked new take on a classic biblical tale.

In the Bible’s nativity story, not much is known about those three strangers who come bearing gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh, only that they were called “The Three Wise Men.” So Grahame-Smith gives those men a past and a present. The three wise men are thieves who have escaped from King Herod’s prison, led by the ruthless, murderous Balthazar. The three thieves happen upon a manger while they are on the run and encounter a young couple — Mary and Joseph — and their newborn baby boy.

The last thing Balthazar and his comrades want is to be burdened with them, but when the king mandates that all baby boys be murdered, he feels he has no choice but to help them escape to Egypt.

For the most part, “Unholy Night” is filled with action, adventure and many near-death experiences for the characters; it can be slow in some parts. But readers who muddle through those parts will appreciate the new ending Grahame-Smith has given to an oft-told tale.

Youth activities

• “Stars & Moons” is a special program for children ages 8 through 12 at 3 p.m. Tuesday. Sign-up is required and space is limited. Call (269) 683-8545 ext. 106.

• Thursday is children’s and teen movie nights This week’s children’s movie is “Zathura” at 3:30 p.m. and the teen movie is “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” at 5 p.m.

• A Batman event for teens is at 3 p.m. July 17 in the rotunda. Make a Batman T-shirt and duct tape utility belt. Draw comics; enjoy a riddle, joke fest and scavenger hunt.

Adult activities

• The Video Book Club will be viewing “One for the Money” July 16.

• The library has several miniature (dollhouse) rooms on display.  “An Introduction to Miniatures” will be offered at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Sally Hanson will discuss her experience with miniatures, with emphasis on scale and, one of the more challenging aspects of miniatures — translating fabrics.

• The Niles District Library will host a series of technology classes called “Kindlegarten.”

Each class will focus on a different piece of technology. Classes start July 18 and run until Sept. 19. Registration is required. All classes are free. Call the information desk at 683-8545 ext. 112. Class times are 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. No class July 25.

• “How to use the Kindle” — July 18 and Aug. 1

• “How to use the Nook and other E-readers” – Aug. 8 and 15

• “How to use Apple Devices (includes iPad)” — Aug. 22 and 29

• “How to use Android Devices” — Sept. 5 and 12

• “Facebook for Seniors” — Sept. 19