Often I see social media posts with the familiar theme that “there’s nothing for kids to do in Massillon,” as people bemoan the lack of free activities for teens. Whether you agree about that being a reality, I know you'll be excited to hear that the library is adding one more option. We already have VERY fun programming that not enough kids take advantage of—trivia events, movies, anime—and also some that are hugely successful every time they are offered, like Cake Wars.
But now teens can add their own space to the mix, with a fresh hang-out location. The former computer center has been transformed into the Teen Lounge, with comfy teen-only seating with lots of outlets and charging slots for their devices, space for gaming and other programs, teen-only computers, and “makerspace” technology like 3-D printers and button makers. Your beverages (with lids) and snacks are welcome—just clean up after yourselves. More than just a physical space, the Lounge will also be staffed with teen-friendly staff like our Young Adult Specialist Susan Baker, along with a familiar face to many teens, WHS librarian Sarah-Jayne Studer. Homework help? Kids will definitely find it!
We were so honored to be chosen for a competitive federal COVID-relief grant from the State Library of Ohio earmarked toward “serving the underserved.” We easily made a case for our teens being underserved, with decades of their only allotted space a few ranges of shelving in the adult department. When I started working here in 1979 (I know, “when dinosaurs roamed”) the teen section consisted of one half of the new book shelf, because that’s all the publishers put out for teens. But in 2022, there are so many more options for young readers, and serving them is core to our mission. The national library organization Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) states plainly that, “teens experience rapid physical, emotional and social changes while developing their intellectual capabilities and personal values, understanding and accepting their sexuality, and identifying their educational and occupational options. Libraries are vital to today’s teens in order for them to achieve a successful transition from childhood to adulthood. They offer the resources and the environment that foster positive intellectual, emotional and social development of tomorrow’s adults. All of these factors contribute to the need for distinct teen spaces.”
We completely agree. We hope you will join us on Monday August 8, 2022 at noon for the ribbon-cutting of the new Teen Lounge. There will be giveaways for the first 50 teens who visit in following days. 3-D printing will be done by appointment. In other news, tables and chairs and additional computers are available again with study rooms reopening with the Teen Lounge.
Join us in the celebration!
My summer reading is all over the place, with The Good Son by Jacquelyn Mitchard (a contemporary social-issues novel about a mother whose son killed his girlfriend) and Ashton Hall by Lauren Belfer at the top of my pile. I’m especially excited about Belfer’s, because I loved several of her previous books, particularly City of Light about Niagara Falls. This one is supposed to be a brooding gothic ala Jane Eyre or Rebecca—can’t go wrong!
Happy reading,
Sherie
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Meet Author Bob Lung
August 2 --- 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Pam S. Belloni Branch Library
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Fantasy football enthusiasts are invited to meet Bob Lung, author of the annual Fantasy Football Consistency Guide, which has been nominated 5 (five) straight years as one of the "Best Fantasy Football Publications" by the Fantasy Sports Writers of America (FSWA). Lung will help you understand the importance of the consistency of your Fantasy Football players and how it will help you improve your fantasy team. Registration required.
For more information or to register, contact the Belloni branch at 330-767-9939.
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Identifying Historic Photos
August 3 --- 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Main Library Auditorium
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Ever wonder what year that family photo was taken? Join us and our guest speaker Mandy Altimus Stahl, Archivist at the Massillon Museum, in the Main Library Auditorium for a discussion on how to identify and use old photos in your research. This free program is presented in partnership with the Massillon Local History and Genealogy Society (MLHGS). The program will take place from 1:00-2:00 p.m.; a MLHGS meeting will take place from 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Registration required.
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Learn To Code: Python
August 3 and August 10 --- 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Main Library Auditorium
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The Technology Department will host a two-part “Learn to Code: Python" class series on August 3 and August 10.Learn how to code with Python, a beginner-friendly programming language. This two-part series will teach you the fundamentals of Python in a hands-on, project-based manner.
Registration is required.
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Teen Lounge Grand Opening
August 8 --- 12:00pm – 12:30pm
Main Library Teen Lounge
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The public is invited to join the Massillon Public Library at the grand opening of the NEW Teen Lounge! This new space, made possible by an American Rescue Plan grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and awarded by the State Library of Ohio, is for teens in Grades 7 through 12 and is located on the second floor of the Main Library in the area formerly known as the Computer Center. Check out the 3Dprinters, button maker, Cricut machine, and more! Free gift bags to the first 50 teens!
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Floral Luminaria
August 13 --- 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Barry Askren Memorial Branch Library
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Join us at the Askren branch to make Floral Luminaria. Transform waxed paper, pressed flowers, and Washi Tape into a beautiful and glowing creation! All supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own pressed flowers. Registration is required. For more information or the register, contact the Askren branch at 330-879-2113. .
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Massillon Then and Now: Spring Hill and the Rotch-Wales Families
August 23 --- 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Main Library Auditorium
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Guest presenter Kayla Metzger, Site Manager of the Spring Hill Historic Home and Underground Railroad Site, will share the interesting history of Massillon’s beginnings. Learn about the village of Kendal, Quaker settlers Thomas and Charity Rotch, and much more! This free program is co-sponsored by the Massillon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Registration is required and will begin on August 8.
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Create Spreadsheets with LibreOffice Calc
August 24 --- 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Main Library Auditorium
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Spreadsheets are useful both at work and home, but they can be intimidating for beginners. Discover how to use LibreOffice Calc, a free alternative to Microsoft Excel, to create and use spreadsheets. Registration is required.
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Monday Night Gaming Extravaganza
August 29 --- 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Main Library Auditorium
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Join other adults 18 and over in the Main Library Auditorium for a fun evening of learning new board games or playing old favorites! For more information, contact the Reference Desk at 330-832-9831, x312.
Registration is required and will begin on August 1.
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Local History & Genealogy
Not sure where to start? Hit a brick wall? Let us help!
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Book A Genealogist
90 minute one-on-one appointments with our Local History & Genealogy Specialist are available on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Free printing is included during your session.
Workday Wednesdays
You are also invited to join us every 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Local History & Genealogy Department to socialize and research with others that share an interest in area history and family research. No registration is required. Just stop by anytime between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Contact Christine Bowman at bowmanch@massillonlibrary.org or 330-832-9831 x350 for more information about these services!
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Massillon Public Library card holders now have access to over 30,000 free videos from Kanopy, an on-demand service committed to streaming high-quality films that inspire, educate and entertain. Kanopy’s unique selection offers something for everyone, from award winning indie films to important and timely documentaries, to foreign films, popular cinema, children’s shows, the Great Courses and more!
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For more information about library programs, check out our Events calendar or follow us on social media!
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