Rudolph the Red-Nosed Ryan gave two performances Dec. 19 in Greenfield, and showcased rabbits, cockroaches, a reindeer and even an alligator named “Grinch.” In January, libraries are offering chances for children to read with dogs or an opossum.
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GREENFIELD – Local libraries celebrated the holidays with guest performers, art projects and more, but that’s just the beginning of winter reading activities coming to Hancock County communities.
The last four weeks libraries featured animal performers with reindeer; Grinch and pajama parties; jazz musicians; food presentations; ugly sweater decorating and even clay gnomes.
While December was a busy month, January and February will also include activities for all ages to try something new – or incentives to simply curl up with a good book.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Children can “Read to Cleo” Jan. 14. The “ambassador opossum” from Hancock Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation will be in the children’s room of the Hancock County Public Library in Greenfield Jan. 14.
Other children’s programs include “Silly Slime Time” Jan. 18 in Greenfield; “Hot Chocolate Extravaganza” Jan. 19 in Greenfield; “Winter Fun” snowy crafts Jan. 23 in New Palestine; “I Spy Extravaganza” Jan. 30 in New Palestine; and “Pals and PJs” Jan. 31 in New Palestine. The Greenfield library is located at 900 W. McKenzie Road; the New Palestine library is at 5731 W. U.S. 52, New Palestine. There are also a few time slots available for storytimes for children in preschool and younger; to register or learn more about events, visit hcplibrary.org.
Children in the Fortville area can join the Play & Learn Storytime every Wednesday morning at the Vernon Township Public Library, 625 E. Broadway St., Fortville. The VTPL also offers a STEAM club for first- through fifth-graders Jan. 26 and a middle grades book club Jan. 22. Learn more or register for events at vtpl.lib.in.us.
Bentley’s Buddies & Friends reading dogs will be at local libraries in January. Therapy dogs are available to help reluctant or struggling readers; no need to sign up in advance. The dogs will be at the Vernon Township Public Library Jan. 20; and at the Greenfield and New Palestine libraries Jan. 21.
Teens and “tweens” might consider snowflake weaving in Greenfield or New Palestine Jan. 8. A chess club will be in New Palestine Jan. 8, 22 and 29; a homeschool writing club will be in New Palestine Jan. 12 and 26. Or students can simply “Chill After School” in Greenfield Jan. 25.
A Tween/Teen English Country Dance event for ages 9 to 18 and their families is Jan. 3 in New Palestine. Participants can learn English country dance, the style seen in favorite Jane Austen movies.
Programs for adults coming up include regular Greenfield meetings such as the Ladies in READ book Club Jan. 3; Brown Bag book club Jan. 9; Adult Crafternoon Club Jan. 16; Writers Helping Writers Jan. 18. Pat Robinson will speak in the Local Author Series Jan. 11 in Greenfield, and a budgeting and debt management workshop is set for Jan. 31 in Greenfield.
All ages are welcome to attend a performance by Traveler’s Dream. Set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Greenfield library, the event will feature music collaborators Michael Lewis and Denise Wilson with Celtic jigs and reels, spirit songs of French Canada, old-time American favorites and more. Register at hcplibrary.org.
Adult programs in Fortville include Tuesday Morning Club for seniors in January; the Adult Contemporary Book Club Jan. 4; and the Adult Horror Book Club Jan. 17.
Local libraries are also planning winter reading clubs, with prizes for simply curling up with a good book during the cold, dark months.
Adults and teens 12 and older can participate in Vernon Township Public Library’s Winter Reading Program starting Jan. 2. Readers will complete the log reading challenges on a Bingo card through Beanstack, an online tracking system. Readers have until Feb. 29 to complete their cards; drawings for gift card raffles will be pulled March 1.
The libraries in Greenfield and New Palestine will open their winter reading program Feb. 1-29. Participants will be rewarded for logging the books they read or listen to and earn tickets for prize drawings. Everyone who reads at least five hours will earn a mystery prize. For updates, visit hcplibrary.org.
