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.

Tuesday, Aug. 14

• 10:30 a.m. — Passport Pals

People are invited to a storytime tour of the world.  Each week, there will be books, songs, a craft, and other super surprises relating to the special country of the month.

• 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. — Triple P: Parenting Class

Primary Care Triple P: This class is for parents who wish to learn a variety of parenting skills that will promote their child’s development and potential.

• 11 a.m. to noon — Cheri Hallwood- Author Talk

Local author Cheri Hallwood, will visit to inform and entertain as she teaches new and aspiring writers how to write, publish, and promote children’s literature. At the end of her talk, she will also allow time for a question and answer session.

• Noon to 1 p.m. — Teen Lunchtime Hangout

Teens are invited to hang out, play some video games, and have a free lunch.

• Noon to 1:30 p.m. — Summer Lunch Program

Children ages infant to 18 and disabled individuals up to age 26 eat for free. Adults ages 19 and up pay for their lunches. Lunches begin Monday, June 18 and end Friday, Aug. 17.

• 1 to 3 p.m. — Lunchtime Sing Along

This week, the library is showing “The Greatest Showman.”  Feel free to sing along, or just to watch and enjoy a delicious bag of popcorn.

• 6 to 6:30 p.m. — Chips and Chapters

This is a fun read aloud storytime. Every Tuesday, Ms. Tara will read aloud from a chapter book, while people eat chips and follow along. This activity is for all ages.

• 6:30 to 7 p.m. — Pajama Storytime

A fun evening of three stories, music and movement, and a craft. Those who attend can feel free to wear their pajamas.

• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Fiction for Foodies

Read, cook, eat, discuss.   

Wednesday, Aug. 15

• 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.

• Noon to 1:30 p.m. — Summer Lunch Program

• Children ages infant to 18 and disabled individuals up to age 26 eat for free. Adults ages 19 and up pay for their lunches. Lunches begin Monday, June 18 and end Friday, Aug. 17.

• Noon to 1 p.m. — Teen Cooking

This is a cooking class for teens. 

• 1 to 2 p.m. — Tween Cooking

This cooking class is for children ages 8 to 12.

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

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

• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Vegan Basics, Part I

This class is for those interested in becoming a vegan or who are newly vegan or want to learn more.  Library staff will provide people with resources and talk about identifying ingredients in food so that participants can know why it is or is not vegan. There will also be a quick food demo so that people can learn how to vegan-ize some of their favorite foods.

This program is open to teens, adults, and supervised children ages 9 and up. Part II will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 19.

• 6:30 to 8 p.m. — Readers Circle Book Group

This group is led by Sally Ginter. Readers Circle members will seek to have thought provoking conversations about books from a wide variety of genres.  Books are available at the Information Desk

• 7 to 8 p.m. — Happy Destiny Group

The purpose of A.A. group meetings is for A.A. members to share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and to help others recover from alcoholism. Open meetings are available to anyone interest in the program or recovery.

Thursday, Aug.  16

• 10 a.m. to noon — Special Edition: Movie Day

This week’s feature is “Despicable Me 2.” All ages and abilities are welcome .

• 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.

• Noon to 1:30 p.m. — Summer Lunch Program

Looking for a nutritious meal this summer? Come on down to the library! Kids ages infant to 18 and disabled individuals up to age 26 will receive a free sack lunch to eat in the buildin. Adults ages 19+ pay for their lunches. Lunches end Friday, Aug. 17.

• Noon to 1 p.m. — Teen Art

Teens can join for a free lunch, and possibly messy, arts and crafts projects.

• 1 to 2 p.m. — Tween Art

Each week tweens will learn all how to make a crafty art project.

• 1 to 4:30 p.m. — Mahjong

Volunteers are available weekly to teach people how to play Mahjong.

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Teen Time

There will be games, books and a place to study in the Teen Department. Snacks will be provided.

Friday, Aug. 17

• 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 exceptional group fellowship and recognition. Established in 1948 to champion weight-loss support and success, TOPS has helped millions of people live healthier lives. New members are welcome.

• 10:30 to 11 a.m. — Picture Book Club

This book club features a read aloud, music and movement activity, and a craft all related to the book.  Stop by the Youth Services Desk for the latest copy of the book. This activity is for children ages infant to 7.

• Noon to 1 p.m.  — Teen Sign Language Club

This is a club for teens to learn sign language. 

• Noon to 1:30 PM – Summer Lunch Program (LAST DAY)

• 1 to 2 p.m. — Sign Language Club

This is a club for tweens to learn sign language.

• 1 to 3 p.m. — Twisted Stitches

People are welcome to bring a yarn or sewing project and enjoy a hot beverage while they chat and work. Rookies are welcome. David, the teacher, will provide help and instructions, and a few loaner tools are available to beginners. 

Saturday, Aug. 18

• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. —  SkillShare: Open Shop

SkillShare is a workshop space downstairs for community members to share skills like patching drywall, fixing a leaky faucet, repairing small appliances, sewing, crafts and hobbies. This is also when things can be checked out or returned.

• 10 a.m. to noon — Chess Free Play

All ages and abilities are welcome.  Lessons available to beginners.

• Noon to 1:30 p.m. — Senior Academy: Recognizing Signs of Elder Abuse

This information is especially helpful to those who have a loved one who is not able to verbally communicate about abuse that they may be enduring. The presenter will be Jerry Stevens from the State of Michigan Ombudsman office. Lunch will be provided by Meals on Wheels of SW Michigan for a donation of any size. Lunch will be served at noon and class begins at 12:30 p.m.

• 1 to 2 p.m. — Lunch and Literature

This month’s read is Karen McManus’ New York Times bestseller: “One of Us is Lying.”