Winter is a time we always look forward to here at the Scott County Public Library! Between decorating for Christmas, hosting a holiday silent auction, running charity drives, and creating new programs, we’ve certainly got our hands full in the best way! With so much going on, we decided to make a Top 10 (in no particular order) list of things happening at SCPL between December and February. This month’s blog is your guide to upcoming programs and events here at the library! Make sure to read all the way through and mark your calendars so you don’t miss out on these wonderful winter programs!

1. Adult Craft Programs: Are you feeling artsy? How about trying your hand at Beginner Jewelry Making? Or Card Making? Or maybe you want a creative way to keep yourself organized for the new year. Come to our Dot Journaling class in December, perfect for both teens and adults. This is a great bonding opportunity for you and the teen in your life!
2. Youth Craft Programs: Of course we had to include our beloved children’s craft programs! In December you can attend Tween Holiday Crafternoon for ages 8 to 12, Train Storytime and Crafts for ages 2 to 7, or our teen craft programs: Perler Bead Ornaments and Vision Boards. Plus make sure to catch the return of Creative Kids on January 25^th! This program is great for encouraging afterschool creativity and happens each Wednesday starting at 3:30 pm!
3. Black History Month Poster Exhibit: Black History Month was created in 1976 to bring attention to the enormous contributions of Black Americans to the United States. In honor of this month, we will be hosting a special poster exhibit that celebrates the contributions that Black authors have made to our shelves here at Scott County Public Library and beyond! The poster exhibit will feature both award winning and lesser-known works for all ages. From picture books to adult fiction, visitors will discover fantastic stories of perseverance and hope, as well as learn about the people who wrote them. Whether you’re looking for your new favorite book or just want to learn more about Black authors, come visit this vibrant display of literature during the month of February!
4. Adult Wellness Programs: Around this time of year, most of us are thinking about New Year’s resolutions. If taking care of yourself is on your list this year, be sure to keep an eye on our calendar. We have Chair Yoga, Energizing Yoga, and Tai Chi classes all for free here at the library! Each of these classes is hosted by a certified instructor who will guide you through the exercises at a beginner friendly pace. Plus if you’re looking to eat better this year, sign up for our Cooking Through the Calendar class. Join Alivia Faris, Scott County Cooperative Extension FCA Agent, as she prepares recipes from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Nutrition Calendar. Demonstrations and tastings are included!
5. AARP Tax Aide: The new year brings the frustration of tax season, but this year let the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program help you! Appointments will begin February 2^nd and last through April 2^nd. At your appointment, a volunteer will help you prepare your taxes and answer your questions. There are limited spaces and high demand for this program so don’t wait! Beginning January 16^th you can call the library and ask to be added to the Tax-Aide contact list. AARP will contact you with an appointment time.
6. Children’s Storytimes: In the month of December we take a break from our regular programing to celebrate the holidays. But don’t worry, regular storytimes for babies to preschoolers will return on January 23^rd. These storytimes are a great way to encourage early literacy, creativity, and social skill development.
7. We CAN Do It Food Drive: Every February SCPL hosts a food drive for the Amen House. This program used to be called Food For Fines, however now that SCPL is fine free, we’ve had to rename it! This year, to encourage donations, we are raffling a Kindle! To receive a ticket bring your donation of canned goods or peanut butter to the Circulation Desk! Begins February 1^st.
8. Local Artist Gallery Exhibit: In the month of February come see the various landscapes of local artist Gary Bertram in the library Gallery. Included within this exhibition will be a selection of his mini landscapes. The exhibit will be available for viewing throughout the month of February, but we encourage you to attend the official opening on Friday, February 10^th at 5:00 PM. There will be live music and light refreshments to enjoy as you admire the artwork.
9. Family Programs: Looking for an event that the whole family can enjoy? In January come to DIY Cat Castles! Please keep in mind that scissors, knives, and box cutters will be used in this program. Feel free to bring boxes, tubes, clean carpet remnants, or other items to share or use to make your kitty a dream cat castle! Or if cats are not your thing, join us in February for our Valentine’s Party! We will have crafts, games, dancing, and chocolate bingo! You can drop in any time between 2:00 and 4:00 pm, and stay as long as you like!
10. Historical Programs: If you, or someone you know, is a history buff, make sure to send them our way! Starting in December we will have I Was There- Pearl Harbor. Bruce Gordon was in Honolulu on December 7, 1941 when Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japanese forces, and he remembers the events clearly. Join us as we recall the day that shall live in infamy, with a historical overview of the event. Then join us in February for two more historical programs: George Washington Carver and His Gardening Innovations as well as African Americans in the Civil War.

Whatever your interests, we’ve got a program for you here at the library this winter. Mark those calendars so you can register for these events as soon as they open! We’ll see you at the library!