In addition to traditional storytimes, craft activities, speakers, and movies, the library hosts several large events each year. Mark your calendars for the following fun experiences.
- When: Early December through middle of February
- Where: Each library location or delivered to area schools, daycares, and other organizations
- For: All Ages
- What: Each year kids of all ages trace their hand then embellish it with everything from crayons to glitter; when done they can add an uplifting message. Staff then distribute these messages to area nursing homes, assisted living centers, and the VA hospital in Huntington. It’s a sweet way to say, “You are appreciated.”
- When: Month of February
- Where: Each library location
- For: Adults
- What: Play the reading field by selecting a mysteriously wrapped book with enticing clues to its theme. Each brown paper wrapped book and clue is a fun way to discover something new or read outside your comfort zone. Spend February dating a new book, or several. Like real blind dates, some work out unexpectedly well, others not so much but at least you’ve put yourself out there into the reading pool!
- When: Last Friday evening of April
- Where: Central Park Library Commons
- For: All Ages
- What: It’s all about being healthy. Join over 250 runners and walkers in this annual 5K run/walk around the park and surrounding area. From the serious runners to the DFL (dead freakin’ last—which is not a bad thing!), from moms (and dads) pushing kids in strollers to kids running themselves, from the very young to the very old, this event is for everyone.
- For those who are not up to a full 5K, participate in the 1.25 mile walk around Central Park before the 5K begins.
- And show your library card for a discount on entry fees.
- When: Signup begins in May with the programming running June through July (starting/ending dates vary year-to-year)
- Where: Each Library location
- For: Kids, Teens, and Adults
- What: Annual event held to help kids maintain (and even increase) their reading skills over the summer by providing incentives and programs that make reading FUN!
- Three versions of the program theme are targeted for three age groups: birth through 12, 13 through high school, and everyone else. Each level has age appropriate kickoff and end parties, five levels of prizes, and weekly special events. During the 2019 program, kids had so much fun that they read 1.9 million minutes (up 67% from the year before)!
- When: First Saturday in November
- Where: Midland Branch Library
- For: All inspiring and self-published authors and writers
- What: Learn from other successful self-published and independent authors how they did it. Hear about tips and tricks, what not to do, and some great resources for the budding novelist. Provided in partnership with Biblioboard, this annual event provides networking, education, mingling, and panels designed to support local writers.
- When: Last Friday before Halloween in October
- Where: Midland Branch
- For: All Ages
- What: Each year this annual event gets bigger and better. Wear your costume and join the costume parade, followed by best costumes awards. Shop at the vendors’ tables. And stay for the special guest (there’s always a special guest).
- When: December 12th - 23rd
- Where: Ashland Branch & Midland Branch
- For: Kids and kids at heart
- What: Put your inner crafter to work by stepping up to a table full of colorful bits and pieces, odds and ends, and a multitude of crafting goodies. Use library examples, or your own creativity, to produce a personalized gift for someone special.
For more information along with additional events and programs, see the library’s Events Calendar.