Friends, 

We love all of our library users, and have happily adapted to the community’s need for audiovisual formats and entertainment. That’s a large part of our mission. But I want to address those of you who say that you’re “not much of a reader.” Let me challenge you to start, no matter what your age. Evidence strongly proves that reading books benefits your health, and I don’t want you to miss out.  

I was flipping through the September issue of Reader’s Digest and came upon an article that summarized research that confirms that “when it comes to your brain, there’s no better superfood than a book.” 

A massive Yale study of more than 20,000 retirees over 12 years found that people who read for as little as 30 minutes a day lived an average of two years longer than nonreaders. Book readers were 23% less likely to die than their peers who read only newspapers or magazines (or web content.) A study by Rush University Medical Center published in Neurology found that keeping up with mentally stimulating activities throughout your life, like reading, can mean a 32 percent slower rate of cognitive decline. Sign me up!

We all know that physical exercise is a magic pill for healthy aging. But the neural connections made in reading actually build up a reserve of vocabulary which is resistant to aging. I’ve seen that in many of our regular library patrons who read books and chat with me about them.

A second study published in Science shows that reading books, especially fiction, has been shown to increase empathy and emotional intelligence. That makes sense, because reading allows you to live the experience of another person in another time and place. Sussex University researchers showed that reading may reduce stress by as much as 68 percent. Other studies find that reading helps with depression, creates better concentration and focus, helps us sleep better, improves attention span, and makes us feel more connected to others. How many habits can benefit you in so many ways?

But how do you get started? You are busy, and reading seems boring. To quote JK Rowling…”you just haven’t found the right book.” Our reference staff would love to suggest a reading list for you. You might want to start with something full of action rather than description, like the novels of James Patterson. Read just 15 minutes a day to start, maybe right before bed. Put the time on your calendar. Give yourself a small manageable goal, like ten or twenty pages per day. At that rate, you’ll get through a large book or two short ones in a month. 

Forget the kale and pick up a book. Trust me, you’ll feel great!

I’m reading Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly. My book club decided that this *might* be one of the few books that was better as a movie. The book was a fascinating look at civil rights and the dawn of NASA, but was less effective at getting to the core personality of the women profiled. Coming next is Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance, a memoir of a small Ohio town, but also a controversial sociological look at the dysfunction in the white working class. I guess I’m on another nonfiction roll! But I see about ten fiction titles coming out this fall I want to reserve, including a new title from my favorite Alice Hoffman!   

Director, Massillon Public Library

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SEPTEMBER STORY TIMES

Family Story Time
Mondays: September 11, 18, 25
7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
For all ages, accompanied by an adult.
No registration required.

Little Listeners Story Time
Wednesdays: September 6, 13, 20, 27
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
For children ages 2-5, accompanied by an adult.
No registration required.

Tyke Tales
Thursdays: September 7, 14, 21, 28
10:15 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.
For children ages 0-2 ½, accompanied by an adult.
No registration required.

Shake-It-Up Story Time
Thursdays: September 7, 14, 21, 28
1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
For children ages 2-5, accompanied by an adult.
No registration required.

Simply Stories
Fridays: September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
For all ages, accompanied by an adult.
No registration required.

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Junior Friends Meeting
Saturday, September 2 --- 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Membership is open to students in grades 7 through 12.
330-832-9831, ext. 321

CLOSED - Labor Day
Monday, September 4
All locations.

Historical Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, September 5 --- 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
"Suite Francaise" by Irene Nemirovsky
For more information or to reserve your copy of the book, contact the Reference Department. 330-832-9831, ext. 312

Meditation: Humility
Tuesday, September 5 --- 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Featuring guest presenter Gwen Miller. A beginners’ introduction will be provided at 6:30 p.m. At 6:45, the group will meditate together and then move into that night's topic. Registration required. 330-832-9831, ext. 312

Massillon Genealogical Society Meeting
"Deciphering Foreign Documents"
Wednesday, September 6 --- 6:30 p.m.
Guest speaker Barb Amburgey will share some user-friendly resources and valuable tips to assist you in more successfully decoding foreign records. 330-832-9831, ext. 337

Computer Basics Class
Thursday, September 7 --- 3:00 p.m - 4:30 p.m.
This program is for the beginner who has no experience and would like to learn to use a computer. In this class, you will practice using a computer mouse, and work with a standard QWERTY keyboard. In addition, a short lecture will be presented about the various hardware and software components of a computer system. Registration required. 330-832-9831, ext. 327

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Friday, September 8 --- 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their hearts to stories of Amish life. She is the author of nearly 90 books with more than 10 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, and USA Today.

During Brunstetter’s visit, she will be accompanied by her co-authors of The Beloved Christmas Quilt, her daughter Jean and granddaughter Richelle.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling the library’s Reference Desk 330-832-9831, ext. 312.

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“Huddle Up & Read!” Family Open House
A Massillon 2nd Saturday Event
Saturday, September 9 --- 2:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m.
Families are invited to come hear some local football tales, meet special guests, make “Game Face Cookies,” and take part in football and cheerleading themed activities during this open house event. Bring your camera to capture the moment with our surprise guests.

Friends Meeting
Monday, September 11 --- 6:30 p.m.
New members always welcome! 330-832-9831, ext. 301

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PAWS To Read, the program pairing young readers and friendly, well-behaved dogs returns Tuesday, September 12.

Children and their adults are invited to visit the library ground-level auditorium anytime between 6:00 p.m to 7:30 p.m. Children may pick books from those gathered and on display, and choose which dogs they would like to meet. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed. Light refreshments will be offered. Trading cards for the participating dogs will be available for the girls and boys to collect. No registration is necessary. For more information, contact the Children's Department at 330-832-5037.

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From Page to Screen Teen Movie Night
Wednesday, September 13 --- 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Kids in grades 7-12 are invited to a free showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Popcorn and drinks provided. (Donations welcome!) No registration required. 330-832-9831, ext. 321

Introduction to the Windows 10 Operating System
Thursday, September 14 --- 3:00 p.m - 4:30 p.m.
This is an introductory class demonstrating some of the features, locations, and naming conventions of various Windows 10 components. To get the most out of this class, some familiarity with computers is necessary. Registration required. 330-832-9831, ext. 327

Anime Night
Friday, September 15 --- 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to watch Anime and enjoy snacks! 330-832-9831, ext. 321

Super Saturday: Captain Underpants Party
Saturday, September 16
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Children in grades K-6 are invited to attend a "Captain Underpants Party." Guests will enjoy stories, games, refreshments and a craft. They will also get to find out what their Professor Poopypants name is! Registration required. 330-832-5037

Sensory-Sensitive Storytime & Movie
Saturday, September 16 ---- 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m
Sensory-sensitive children of all ages and their families are invited to an ocean-themed story time followed by a sensory-friendly showing of Moana in a safe, accepting environment. Participants are free to talk, sing, or move as needed during the movie, which features lower sounds and lighting. No registration required. Contact the Children's Department at 330-832-5037 for more information.

Askren Branch Book Club
Barry Askren Memorial Branch
Tuesday, September 19 --- 9:00 a.m.
Askren's September Book club meeting is a “choose your own” month. Read a book fo your choice and be prepared to tell the group a little bit about your book. No registration required. For more information, contact the Askren branch at 330-879-2113.

SARTA Travel Training
Tuesday, September 19 --- 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
A valid picture ID is required to receive a bus pass at the end of the training session. Registration required. 855-887-2782

Homeschool History Reads!
Tuesday, September 19 --- 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Homeschoolers and their parents are invited to come and discuss various eras of American history and specially chosen books on the third Tuesday of each month from September through April. Three books will be chosen each month: one book each for children, young adults, and adults.Space is limited and registration is required. For more information or to register, contact the Children’s Department at 330-832-5037.

Family Movie Night
Tuesday, September 19 --- 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Auditorium doors open at 5:15 p.m. Limited seating offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Free popcorn! 330-832-5037

Meditation: Ahimsa (Non-violence)
Tuesday, September 19 --- 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Featuring guest presenter Gwen Miller. A beginners’ introduction will be provided at 6:30 p.m. At 6:45, the group will meditate together and then move into that night's topic. Registration required. 330-832-9831, ext. 312

Pinterest Craft Series
Wednesday, September 20 -- 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join us as we try our hand at popular crafts being shared on Pinterest! Space is limited. Registration required. 330-832-9831, ext. 312

Microsoft Excel 2007 Basics
Thursday, September 21 --- 3:00 p.m - 4:30 p.m.
This is an introductory class demonstrating a spreadsheet layout and working with formulas. The basics learned in this class can be used in all the versions of Excel. To get the most out of this class, participants should be familiar with using a computer and mouse. Bring your own USB Flash Drive if you would like to save your spreadsheet at the end of the class. Registration required. 330-832-9831, ext. 327

Tween Time: India
Saturday, September 23 --- 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tweens in grades 4-8 are invited to come learn about India and its holiday of Diwali. Join us as we make and sample some Indian food and teas, and experience Bollywood dancing and Rangoli painting. Registration is recommended for this program. For more information, contact the Children's Department at 330-832-5037.

Monday Book Discussion
Monday, September 25
My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor
An afternoon book discussion will take place at 12:00 p.m. in the library auditorium. An evening discussion about the same book will be held in the Second Floor Meeting room at 6:00 p.m. No registration required.

The First Ladies
Barry Askren Memorial Branch
Tuesday, September 26 --- 4:00 p.m.
Join us at the Askren branch for a fun evening focusing on the First Ladies National Historical Site and its contents. We will learn interesting facts about the first ladies themselves and learn how each woman influenced our nation. Contact the Askren branch for more information. 330-879-2113

Spring Hill Speaker Series
“The Dreaded Snake Oil Salesmen”
Tuesday, September 26 --- 6:30 p.m. Guest Speaker Amanda Sedlak-Hevener will talk about the history of snake oil and the unusual, harmful, and just down right useless “medicines” being toted around the country to cure all sorts of ailments. No registration required. 330-832-9831, ext. 312

Jazz Tuesday
Massillon Senior Center, 39 Lincoln Way West
Tuesday, September 26 --- 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The first part of the evening will feature traditional New Orleans jazz presented by the Massillon Dixieland Jazz Band. The last part of the program will be open to musicians of all ages who want to sit in and jam with the band. Contact Jim Chatterton at 330-809-6377 for more information.

Backyard Composting for Adults and Children
Wednesday, September 27 --- 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Wendy Bullock of Stark-Tuscaraws-Wayne Joint Solid Waste Management District will provide an overview of the may reason to try composting. It's easier and less messy than you think! No registration required. 330-832-9831, ext. 319.

Board of Trustees Meeting
Thursday, September 28 --- 4:00 p.m.
The public is invited to attend board meetings.

Community Book Club
Saturday, September 30 --- 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
"All Grown Up" by Jami Attenberg
Join the Community Book Club at Panera in Massillon for a lively discussion of this month's title. Visit the club's Facebook page for more information: tinyurl.com/CommunityBookClub

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Marbling
works by Christine Zavislak
on display in the Computer Center
September 4 - October 30

Christine Zavislak was born in August, 1956 in Parkersburg, West Virginia. She came to Massillon, Ohio in 1970. She is a self taught artist who doodled in her youth and began experimenting with mixed organic mediums in her 20’s. She put art on hold to raise a family of three children and now has five granddaughters. Zavislak has rediscovered her passion for creating art in her 50s, while taking care of a loved one with terminal cancer. She mostly works with acrylics and currently with fluid acrylics. She is semi-retired from over 21 years of work in the healthcare industry and dreams of retiring and devoting time to work in her own studio creating art for joy. This is her first experience sharing her works of art.

Massillon Public Library 208 Lincoln Way East                     Massillon, OH 44646                    330-832-9831	Bookmobile See the bookmobile schedule online: http://www.massillonlibrary.org/node/48 330.832.9831 ext. 329
Barry Askren Memorial Branch 1200 Market Street NE Navarre, OH 44662 330-879-2113	Pam S. Belloni Branch 12000 Navarre Road SW Navarre, OH 44662-9486 330-767-9939