We've been waiting for it to return, and it's time! All summer, the kids had their turn and now it's our time. The Snow Time to Read program for adults starts on Monday. Patrons ages 16 and older can participate by logging all Young Adult and Adult books read between Jan. 1 and March 31. Those who complete the 15-book challenge win a prize and will have their name entered into a drawing for additional prizes! It's easy; Just go to https://wandooreader.com/bemidji/winter-reading-2018 to register and log books. Participation in this and all library programs is free. I'm sure I'm not the only one who collects the Snow Time to Read mugs each year. I use mine year-round as a proud library supporter! In addition to Snow Time to Read, the Bemidji Public Library offers several fun programs for all age groups.
The Adult Book Discussion will be noon, Monday, Jan. 8, at the library. This month the group will discuss "The Sympathizer" by Thanh Nguyen. "'The Sympathizer' is the winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction... 'The Sympathizer' is a blistering exploration of identity and America, a gripping espionage novel, and a powerful story of love and friendship," according to Goodreads.com.
The Library's Young Adult Book Discussion group (for anyone who enjoys reading YA books) meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16. The book for January is "Sabriel" by Garth Nix. ("Sabriel" is also one of my personal favorite fantasy novels.) "Sent to a boarding school in Ancelstierre as a young child, Sabriel has had little experience with the random power of Free Magic or the Dead who refuse to stay dead in the Old Kingdom. But during her final semester, her father, the Abhorsen, goes missing, and Sabriel knows she must enter the Old Kingdom to find him," according to Goodreads.com.
On Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Kids' Book Club meets for ages 10-13. This month the group will be discussing "Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane" by Suzanne Collins. "The action and adventure continue for Gregor in this stunning fantasy from Suzanne Collins, bestselling author of the Hunger Games...Gregor swears he will never return to the Underland, that strange world below New York City. But he is a key player in another prophecy, this one about an ominous white rat called the Bane," also from Goodreads.com.
The Bemidji Area Reading Canines (B.A.R.C.) are stopping by the Children's Area on Saturday, Jan. 20, 10:00 a.m. to noon. This program gives children the opportunity to enhance their reading skills by reading aloud to therapy dogs. Space is limited, so sign up is required as well as a signed permission form from a parent or legal guardian.
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Storytimes for pre-school aged children and their families is at 10:30 a.m. in the Children's Area on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The program consists of three to four stories, followed by a short craft. Themes for January include: "Frozen Noses" (Jan. 2-6), "The Mitten" (Jan. 9-13), "Millions of Snowflakes," (Jan. 16-20), "Where have all the Minnesotans Gone?" (Jan. 23-27), and "Mother Bruce" (Jan. 30-Feb. 3).
There will be an afternoon movie shown for kids and their families at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. In this feature, twin brothers team up for one last criminal heist with the help of small, yellow, one or two-eyed cylindrical creatures.
Finally, the Library Board is seeking two members! Please apply with the city of Bemidji to join our fabulous organization. New members must reside within Bemidji city limits at this time. What do you do if you're a Library Board member? We meet once a month (the second Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m.), help facilitate the annual book sale (usually in the summer) and introduce library events (throughout the year). We get the privilege of using our resources, time and talents to support the Bemidji Public Library in many important aspects. I can say from experience, the position is incredibly rewarding! The application can be found at: www.ci.bemidji.mn.us under the Government tab and the Commissions/Boards link. If you're looking for somewhere to volunteer your efforts in 2018, please consider becoming a Bemidji Public Library Board Member.
Cyndi L. Fenske is a Library Board Member.
