Hello Readers,

Turning the calendar to another year marks the start of my 42nd year at the Massillon Public Library—unbelievable. Like each of the previous 41, it fills me with excitement and enthusiasm for what is ahead. Change is refreshing, and I view all the ways the library has adapted as a real strength of libraries. Every January, we can’t help but think about the passage of time, which can inspire us to make positive adjustments to our lives. Experts agree that making a list of resolutions seldom works, or works for very long, and I can attest to that! If resolutions worked, I’d be thinner, my house would always be company-ready, I’d manage my time/filing/emails/correspondence/phone messages better, I would exercise and practice the piano every day, boxes of photos would be labeled…you get the picture. (Speaking of pictures, could this be the year I put our 1980 wedding photos in an album? Stay tuned…but given my previous track record, I wouldn’t bet on it!)

However, if resolutions don’t work, experts say that it IS healthy and effective to reframe the practice as goal-setting (dreams with a timeline), or self-growth. Just be gentle with yourself and realistic, but do spend some time reflecting on how you want to be different by the end of 2022. Then, remember to use your library to help follow through! Whether you need information, tools, or encouragement, we are here to help. Maybe you want to update your computer skills, or learn a new language, or research your genealogy, or improve your finances. We have resources to support all of your goals. One that has become recognized as imperative during the pandemic is social interaction, and you can find that in the library’s classes, book clubs, and volunteer opportunities. encourage you to make those positive connections, which will enrich your life.

You knew I would say this as well: TRY to set a goal to READ fifteen minutes a day. Yes, listening to audiobooks counts. Stretch yourself to read a bit of nonfiction on a new topic—no matter our age, we can grow our brains. And, research shows that readers of fiction are more empathetic because of living vicariously through the book’s characters. Who of us can’t use a little extra empathy in these times? Let’s all together set this as our intention for 2022. The impact on our lives and community will be huge.

I wish you all the happiest of New Years!

Sherie Brown
Director

P.S.: Next on my TBR pile? Pulitzer Prize-winner Louise Erdrich’s The Sentence. Flora, an independent bookstore’s most burdensome customer, is even more exasperating in death, deciding to haunt her favorite haunt, Birchbark Books. Reviews say that “it’s no ordinary ghost story, as the motley crew of characters, who effortlessly endear themselves to you despite their shortcomings (and maybe because of them), reckons with profound wounds, both self-inflicted and societal. Readers, this novel just might compel you to confront some of your own, as well. That’s what the best books do.” I can’t wait!

 

In observance of the New Year holiday, all MPL locations will close by 1:00pm on Friday, December 31, and remain closed on Saturday, January 1.

 

 

All MPL locations will also be closed on Monday, January 17, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 

Adventures in Family History
January 5 --- 1:00pm
Main Library Auditorium

Kick off the new year with a good old-fashioned "show and tell" session. Share your greatest family history research stories! This is a free program is presented in partnership with the Massillon Local History and Genealogy Society (MLHGS).

 

 

Poetry Writing Group
January 5 --- 6:00pm
Main Library Auditorium

The Poetry Writing Group is led by local author Cat Russell. All poets are welcome, from beginners to seasoned writers!. Bring several copies of your favorite poems and plan to share them with the group. Participants will exchange poems, give feedback, and share tips on crafting poetry. This group is for writers 18 years and older.

Kahoot! Trivia
January 7 --- 3:30pm
Main Library Auditorium

The Young Adult Department will host Kahoot! Trivia. This game is geared toward teens, but anyone is welcome to play! Players will need to download the Kahoot! app to participate. The topic for January’s Kahoot! Trivia is “Live-Action Disney Movies” and the first-place winner will win a prize! Registration required. 

Intro to Diamond Painting
January 8 --- 12:00pm
Barry Askren Memorial Branch Library

Join us at the Askren branch for an introduction to Diamond Painting. Learn about the newest craze to have a huge impact on the crafting world! We will discuss the many benefits this easy-to-learn craft has to offer, and then make a bookmark to take home. Registration required.

 

Anie Afternoon
January 15 --- 2:30pm
Main Library Auditorium

Kids in Grades 7 through 12 are invited to join other teens in the Main Library Auditorium to watch a new anime on the third Saturday of each month on Funimation.  

Virtual Meditation
January 18 --- 7:00pm
Online Via Zoom

Join us for a relaxing virtual Jyoti meditation session presented online via Zoom by Gwen Miller. Registration required.

 

 

Dealing with Stress and Anxiety
January 19 --- 12:00pm
Main Library Auditorium

Everyone has stress and anxiety in their lives. Whether it is work-related issues or matters at home, we could all use a little help from time to time. Come listen to guest presenter Amy Foltz, RN, of Community Hospice as she explains ways to help us all cope just a little bit better. Bring your own lunch to enjoy during the talk and the Massillon Chapter of the DAR will provide dessert!

YA CRAFTernoon
January 19 --- 4:00pm
Main Library Auditorium

Teens in Grades 7 through 12 are invited to a “YA CRAFTernoon” with the Massillon Public Library Young Adult Department to make a Duct Tape Zipper Pouch! No registration required. All supplies will be provided.

 

 

 

 

Online Privacy:
Cookies and Browsing Data
January 20 --- 7:00pm
YouTube

The Massillon Public Library Technology Department will host an online YouTube Live class on “Online Privacy: Cookies and Browsing Data.” When it comes to browsing the web, privacy is a big concern. In this live online class, you'll learn how to clear your cookies and browsing data.

Page Turners Book Club
January 24 --- 1:00pm
Main Library Auditorium

 

The "Page Turners" meet on the fourth Monday of the month in the Main Library Auditorium. Join us to talk about books that you just can't put down! In January we're reading The Personal Librarian by Heather Terrell and Victoria Christopher Murray. No registration required.

Managing Files and Folders
January 25 --- 6:00pm
Main Library Auditorium

 

The Massillon Public Library Technology Department will host a class on “Managing Files and Folders” in the Main library Auditorium. Learn how to use File Explorer to store and organize your documents, pictures, and other files.

 

 

 

Dr. Seuss Family Escape Room
January 29
Time slots begin at 12:00pm
Main Library Auditorium

Sign up for a time slot to try your luck at solving puzzles to help the Cat in the Hat get his hat back! Time slots begin at 12:00 Noon. Registration is required and begins on Monday, January 10 at 10:00 a.m. To register for your time slot, call 330-832-9831, x317or stop by the Children’s Department. Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.