Hello!

 

After playing the calliope, I had the privilege last Friday night (October 8) to hang out with library Outreach staff Mark and Vicki and One Tiger Inc. board members at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium as they passed out free children’s books for “Ready to Read = Ready to Succeed” Week. We appreciate One Tiger’s relentless focus on early childhood literacy as the way to a child’s school (and life) success, and of course align ourselves with that organization at all opportunities. One of the highlights for us was finally meeting One Tiger co-founder and retired NFL player Charlie Brown, someone I only knew from ten years of phone calls from Chicago. Talk about someone who doesn’t forget his home town, and its children!

 

As I was talking with Charlie, we both witnessed something very powerful that I want to share with you. A young boy, probably 6-years-old, picked the book he wanted from the table, and it was obviously much too advanced for a child that age. It was a chapter book for older readers, and had a picture on the front of teens playing basketball. We tried to steer him to something more age-appropriate, but he was not dissuaded. Then his father told us that it was OK for him to select that book because…and here comes five words that can change a child’s life…“I’ll read it TO him.” What a gift. What a role model. To see a parent who is a reader and actively encourages a child to do the same, especially a dad, means more than any encouragement from schools or libraries. If someone did that for you, thank them. And if you have any influence on a child as a family member or caregiver, make sure you give them that same gift!

 

Sherie Brown
Director

 

P.S. -- It’s funny sometimes how things you read years before come back around in another format and tie to current reading. I’ve always recommended the memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive by Stephanie Land, a beautiful and gritty exploration of poverty in America through the eye of a domestic worker. Maid just happens to be a limited series now on Netflix and is getting a lot of positive buzz, so I’ve started watching it. At the same time, I picked up a novel set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where a young single mom tries to keep herself and her young daughter in housing and food while cleaning motel rooms. Tin Camp Road is a deep dive into the trials of rural poverty and finding the community you need in order to survive, proving again that reading fiction builds empathy.

 

 

Researching Your House
November 3
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Main Library Auditorium

What is the genealogy of your house? When was it built? Who lived there before? If you have always wondered how to solve these mysteries, join us as we break down the process! If you've already discovered the secrets of your house, share your findings with the group.

How to Do a Holiday Job Search
November 3
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Zoom

Ohio Means Jobs and the Massillon Public Library are teaming up for a live, virtual workshop series via Zoom to help job-seekers hone their Interviewing skills, learn where to look for jobs, and more!

 

 

VAXMobile Clinics
November 4, 11, 18, 26
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Main Library and Belloni Branch 

The Massillon Public Library and the Belloni Branch of the Massillon Public Library are hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics presented and staffed by Aultman Hospital. Clinics are held at the Main library location every Thursday from 12 Noon until 2:00pm. from now until December 2. The Belloni Branch, located at Fairless Elementary School, will host a clinic on Friday, November 26, from 12:00 Noon until 2:30pm.

Teddy Bear Clinic
November 6
10:30am – 11:00am
Main Library Auditorium

Children in preschool through Grade 4 are invited to bring their favorite adult and a favorite teddy bear or doll to explore medical play with Certified Child Life Specialist Holly Bryan-Huth as she leads them in working through worries and concerns about doctor visits and healthcare experiences. Children will engage in hands-on medical play, plus learn fun and creative coping skills.

 

Computer Essentials: The Internet
November 9
2:00pm – 3:30pm
Main Library Auditorium 

 

The internet is one of the main reasons people use computers. In this hands-on workshop for beginners, learn how to browse the web and use the search engines to find content.

 

 

A History of Arlington National Cemetery
November 10
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Main Library Auditorium

Celebrate Veterans’ Day Eve with guest speaker Bryan Bowman as he presents “A History of Arlington National Cemetery.” This event is co-sponsored by the Massillon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

Book Sale
November 13
10:00am – 2:00pm
MPL Book Garage

 

For sale at bargain prices will be gently used/new hardbacks, paperbacks, CDs, DVDs, video games, and more for all ages. The MPL Book Garage is located diagonally across the street from the Library on the southwest corner of Lincoln Way and 2nd Street.

Local Author Fair
November 13
11:00am – 2:00pm
Main Library Auditorium and Duncan Room 

Join us as local authors read from their latest works, answer questions, and sign books. Browse each author's table where various books will be available for purchase. Enjoy a pop-up "short-story generator" and free refreshments.

Askren Trivia Challenge
November 17
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Barry Askren Memorial Branch Library 

Join us at the Askren branch for an afternoon of book-themed trivia! Grab a friend and test your knowledge. This program is open to those 18 years and older.

Stay Safe from Malware
November 18
7:00pm – 8:00pm
YouTube Live

 

Viruses, ransomware, and other types of malware are an ever-present threat. Discover how to avoid infecting your computer, as well as how to choose the best security software.

Winter Wonderland Open House

November 20, 12:00pm – 4:00pm

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, all MPL locations will close by 5:00pm on Wednesday, November 24 and will remain closed on Thursday, November 25.

 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!