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

A library card is not needed to participate in any program.

For more information, call (269) 683-8545 ext. 116, email communityengagement@nileslibrary.net, or marketing@nileslibrary.net, visit facebook/nileslibrary, or browse www.nileslibrary.net.

 

Introducing “Niles Reads! Top 100 Books”

Help the Niles District Library create a list of its first ever “Niles Reads! Top 100 books” list.

The library will collect votes from patrons and community members all summer long and publish the list in September. There will be a list for adult books and another list for kids/young adults books.

To vote, ask a staff member at the library for a ballot, email

marketing@nileslibrary.net or vote online at www.nileslibrary.com.

 

Monday, July 6

• 10 a.m. — Special Edition: Zumba Dance Party

• 1 p.m. — Super Cupcakes

All superheroes need a great looking logo. Come to Patti’s Place at 1 p.m. to decorate a cupcake in honor of your favorite superhero. Register for this event to ensure there are enough materials for all of the library’s super friends. Call the Youth Services Department at 683-8545 ext. 106 or stop by the desk.

• 2 to 5 p.m. — Gaming Underground

 

Tuesday, July 7

• 2 p.m. — Mighty Movies showing “Thor”

Every Tuesday at 2 p.m. this summer, the library will be showing a “Mighty Movie” for all children and teens. Meet in Patti’s Place for popcorn and a feature film.

• 4 p.m. — The Writing Group

The Writing Group is a place for passionate writers to share their ideas and experiences with writing of all types with other passionate writers. All participants will have a chance to share their work and receive constructive criticism and tips for their writing.

• 6:30 p.m. — Fiction for Foodies

Fiction for Foodies, the tastiest book club you’ll ever join, meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. And the best part… it’s a potluck. Read, cook, eat and discuss.

In July the libraries moved Foodies up a week and will be discussing “The Homecoming of Samuel Lake,” by Jenny Wingfield. Sign up at the information desk and receive a copy of the book.

• 6:30 p.m. — Foster Care Q&A

Approximately 13,000 Michigan children are in foster care at any given time. Help is needed to provide a safe, nurturing home for these children until they can be returned to their families. When children cannot be returned to their homes, foster parents are often asked to provide permanent homes. This session is for anyone who has ever considered becoming a foster or anyone with questions about it.

 

Wednesday, July 8

• Multiple times — Storytime day

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

• 2 to 5 p.m. — Gaming Underground

• 2 p.m. — Niles Art Association

Alan Larkin will be speaking at the July meeting of the Niles Art Association. He is a recently retired professor of drawing and printmaking from Indiana University South Bend where he taught for almost 40 years.

His program will include discussing the trap that Impressionism seems to set for artists and how he has reacted to them. He will show a survey of his work, including paintings and etchings spanning the last 30 years. Show and tell is always welcome. Meetings are free and open to the public.

• 6:30 p.m. — Pax Christi: Information and Conversation about the Iran nuclear deal.

 

Thursday, July 9

• 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — Storytime

• 10:30 a.m. — How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Efficiency United, SEMCO Energy and I&M Electricity will present tips on how to save money on utility bills. They will also have information available on free resources that may be available.

• 1 to 5 p.m. — Mahjong

Volunteers are available to teach newbies how to play. Other board games are also available.

• 4 p.m. — Teen Book Club (ages 13-19) reading “Smile” by Raina Telgemeier

• 4 p.m. — Tween Book Club (ages 8-12) reading “Cassie and the Woolf” by Olivia Snowe

• 6 p.m. — Behavior Communication

The library has partnered with Michigan Alliance for Families to offer a series of parenting classes this summer on a variety of topics. This week’s topic, “Behavior Communication,” will feature a webinar and a session with the Michigan Alliance for Families.

• 6 to 8 p.m. — Choose Your Own Adventure Thursdays: Summer Fling

Join the library for an evening of flinging fun for the whole family. The library will have different stations for activities such as making paper ninja stars, building popsicle-stick siege engines, Nerf target practice, and more.

 

Friday, July 10

• 10 a.m. to noon — Calligraphy 101: Why You Shouldn’t be Afraid of Calligraphy

David Roland is a student and teacher of medieval calligraphy. He began his path into historical calligraphy in 2005 in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) a worldwide not-for-profit-educational organization. In the SCA he goes by the name Ian the Green.

Ian has received awards and placed highly in several competitions not only for his calligraphy but also for his medieval ink-making skills including several first places. The first class is split into two 45-minute sessions.

In the first section, guests will explore the terminology as well as the tools and materials of a calligrapher. Series registration is required. Email communityengagement@nileslibrary.net or call (269) 683-8545 ext. 123 if planning to attend.

• 1 p.m. — Twisted Stitches

Bring yarn or sewing project and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while chatting and working. All skill levels welcome.

• 2 to 5 p.m. — Gaming Underground

 

Saturday, July 11

• 10 a.m. to noon — Stitch by Stitch, Learn to Knit: Intarsia and Fair Isle

• 10 a.m. — My Plate 101 by Lakeland Health

This class will help participants understand the importance of proper nutrition. Attendees will learn how to read labels and how to avoid portion distortion. They will also walk away with tips for making a great plate and eating better on a budget. It is presented by the Lakeland Health Department of Community Health and Wellness.

• 10:30 a.m. — Toddler Dance Party

• 1 to 5 p.m. — Game Day for Adults

• 1 p.m. — Jr. Garden Club

• 1:30 p.m. — Treeclimbers Genealogy Group

Most genealogists find the most valuable research tool is other genealogists. Join the group to share findings and support others in their own family quest. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience. Treeclimbers meets the first Saturday of each month but will be a week later in July due to the holiday. The topic for July is “Genealogical Abstracts of Revolutionary War Pension Files.”

• 6 to 8 p.m. — Sandbox Afterhours

Come play Minecraft or Starmade on a dedicated server. Light snacks will be provided. Registration is not required, but appreciated. Those who register get first dibs on computers. To guarantee a seat, call 683-8545 ext. 117. Children under 12 need to have an adult in the building. Everyone else, pick is up no later than 8 p.m. Special needs teens and adults are also encouraged to attend.