Orrville Public Library announces full slate of February programs

Orrville Public Library will offer a range of programs and activities for all ages throughout February including children’s events tied to the Winter Olympics, crafts, book clubs, teen cooking, nature programs and special events.

Italy will host this year’s Winter Olympics throughout February, and the library’s children’s department will celebrate with weekly activities and opportunities to learn more about the games. During the week of Feb. 2, children can participate in a scavenger hunt, followed by a make-and-take craft the week of Feb. 9, library Olympic games the week of Feb. 16 and a world flags matching game the week of Feb. 23. No registration is required, and families may stop by the children’s department any time the library is open.

Crafternoon at Orrville Public Library is held monthly for children in third grade through sixth grade to explore various creative techniques and media. The February Crafternoon will focus on agamograph art Friday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. Named after artist Yaacov Agam, this type of artwork interweaves two different images to create the illusion of changing pictures. Registration is required and may be completed by clicking the event on the library’s website calendar at www.orrville.lib.oh.us or by calling the children’s department at 330-683-1065.

All ages are invited to participate in Bestie Buttons, a free activity offering one 2 1/4-inch button per patron featuring a photo of a best friend or pet. Participants may bring a picture to the library or email it to askus@orrville.lib.oh.us to be printed and made into a button. The buttons will be offered the week of Feb. 9. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information call the information desk.

Orrville Public Library’s February Book Club selection is “The Horse” by Willy Vlautin. The novel follows Al, a traveling musician whose struggles with alcoholism and tragedy lead him to isolation in Central Nevada, where his life begins to change after a blind horse appears at his doorstep. Readers may check out a copy of the book and attend the discussion Thursday, Feb. 12, choosing between meetings at 10 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. No registration is required.

Teens in sixth grade through 12th grade are invited to participate in Teens Cook: Mug Cakes Friday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. Participants should bring a microwave-safe mug and will be provided with all ingredients to make a sweet treat including gluten- and dairy-free options. Registration is required and may be completed through the library’s website calendar. By registering, parents and caregivers acknowledge Orrville Public Library is not responsible for any food-related reactions during the program.

The library also will take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, sponsored each February by the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Participants spend as little as 15 minutes during the four-day period watching and counting birds they see and hear. This year’s bird count will run Feb. 13-16. Checklists of common local birds are available at the information desk. Participants may use the Merlin Bird ID or eBird apps to identify birds and submit observations through the apps or return completed checklists to the library. Those who submit a checklist to the information desk by Feb. 24 will be entered for a bird-themed prize.

A Bird Walk will be held Saturday, Feb. 14 at 9 a.m., weather permitting, at Johnson Woods. Library staff and a guide from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will lead the informal nature walk to look for winter birds and identify them using the eBird or Merlin apps. Participants are encouraged to download the apps in advance, dress for the weather and use caution, as the boardwalk may be slippery. No registration is required.

Middle school readers are invited to the February Youth Book Club, featuring “I Am Rebel” by Ross Montgomery. Told from the perspective of a loyal dog named Rebel, the story follows his journey across war-torn Britain to save his human, Tom, from joining the rebellion. Books will be available at the children’s desk. The discussion will be held Thursday, Feb. 19 at 4 p.m. Registration will begin Feb. 5 and may be completed through the library’s website calendar or by calling the children’s department.

The library will host an author visit Monday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. featuring Kim Mager, author of “A Hunger to Kill.” Mager, a retired detective with the Ashland City Police Department, played a key role in investigating the crimes of serial killer Shawn Grate. No registration is required.

Children in kindergarten through sixth grade are invited to participate in Brick Builders, a three-part LEGO-building series encouraging creativity and themed building. Sessions will be held Thursdays, Feb. 26 and March 5 and 12 at 4 p.m. Registration is required and will begin Feb. 12. One registration covers all three sessions and may be completed online or through the children’s department.

Adults are invited to take part in a Speed Puzzle Challenge Saturday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. Teams of two to four people will race to complete identical 500-piece puzzles donated by Ravensburger, with a small prize awarded to the winning team. The event is limited to five teams of four people. Registration will begin Feb. 14, and one person should register for each team. Individuals without a team may register and will be matched with others if possible. Registration may be completed online or by calling the information desk.