 Hi Readers,
I’m feeling a bit philosophical today. Have you ever felt as if the world has started to spin faster? We are well into a new year, but my fresh calendar is still sitting on the kitchen counter waiting for me to add birthday and anniversary dates — if you expect a card from me, family and friends, you’d best not have an occasion in January…and February is iffy!
As I fill up my “dance card” with appointments and meetings for the remainder of 2022, I’m reminded of how VERY little we actually know about what will happen in days to come. The proof is in my jam-packed 2020 and 2021 calendars, and we know how that turned out. Further proof comes by looking at our current five-year strategic plan. In reviewing all the fabulous ideas we originally included (based in large part on community input), you can see us moving right along, crossing items off our list…and then *screech*, a global pandemic!
The easiest thing to do, and it’s very tempting, is just to slide all our unfinished plans and objectives over to upcoming years. But, just like the pandemic changed you and your family, it has changed the library and what you need from us. Never in a million years would I have predicted us being a distribution point for COVID test kits. Our Technology Manager Jeff Kreger just reminded me that five years ago we also never thought we would need a recording studio for online classes, but that became a necessity.
But like every other organization, we MUST lay out objectives for coming years. I’m just thinking that without a crystal ball, five years is now impossible to predict. I’ll talk more and more about the planning process continues. We will need and value your input!
Sherie Brown,
Director
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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.
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The Young Adult Department will host a trivia session in the Main Library Auditorium. 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 February is “Harry Potter” and the first-place winner will win a prize! Registration required.
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The Technology Department will host a two-part class on “Excel Basics” in the Main library Auditorium. Part One of the class series will take place on Wednesday, February 9, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and Part Two will take place on Wednesday, February 16, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Registration required.
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Join us at the Askren Branch to learn how to make a beginner macramé project of beautiful feathers that are perfect for a wall hanging!
Registration required.
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On the third Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m., the Askren Branch of MPL hosts an in-person book club. This book club is free and open to the public. No registration required. The book to be discussed during the February meeting is The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.
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Anyone who stitches – knitting, crocheting, quilting, and more – is invited to bring their current project with them to “Stitch Therapy” in the Massillon Public Library Auditorium. Meet new people, chit chat, and stitch!
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Join us on the third Tuesday of each month for a relaxing virtual Jyoti meditation session presented via Zoom by Gwen Miller.
Registration required.
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The Technology Department will host an online YouTube Live class on “Intro to Linux.” When it comes to computers, Windows and Mac are not the only options. In this live online class, we’ll learn about Linux, a free and open-source operating system.
Registration required.
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Join us in the Main library Auditorium for another fun-filled night with people who like vinyl records! Steve Malich will present on “Early Elvis” and Don Specht will have music trivia. Bring a selection from YOUR vinyl collection to share! We can do 33, 45, AND 78 rpm! Everyone is welcome to participate or just sit back and listen.
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Tea Party Open House for Kids
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Join us for a Tea Party Open House with crafts, activities, and tea party refreshments! You can even come dressed in your finest tea party finery! This event is held in conjunction with Last Saturday Massillon.
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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 February we're reading Atonement by Ian McEwan.
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All local bards are invited to submit their original poems to be entered into our Fifteenth Annual Poetry Contest!
The contest is open to those in Grades 3 through 12 and adults (over age 18). Writings submitted to the contest must be original work. There is a limit of three poems per entrant.
Deadline is March 31.
For more information, visit our website:
www.massillonlibrary.org/poetry-contest
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