Orrville Public Library launches spring programs

Orrville Public Library is offering a variety of programs for youth, adults and families this spring including book clubs, story times and hands-on activities for young children.

Registration will begin March 5 for the library’s next Youth Book Club for middle school readers. The group will discuss “Carter Avery’s Tricky Fourth-Grade Year” by Rob Buyea. In the book Carter learns about courage, friendship, the ups and downs of school life, and how to deal with his focus and impulse control issues. Books will be available at the children’s desk. Participants can register for the 4 p.m. meeting on the library’s website calendar at www.orrville.lib.oh.us or call the children’s department at 330-683-1065. Looking ahead, the April selection will be “Blood in the Water” by Tiffany D. Jackson.

Home cooks of all experience levels are invited to participate in the Cookbook Club at 6 p.m. March 2. Whether relatively new to cooking and looking for basic recipes like cinnamon buns or an experienced cook interested in crème brûlée, participants will find a range of recipes in Christina Tosi’s “Bake Club: 101 Must-Have Moves for Your Kitchen.” The cookbook requires no fancy ingredients or equipment. Participants are asked to bring one or two dishes to share, potluck style. No registration is necessary.

The library also offers a Book Club for adults of all ages. February attendees had a virtual visit from author Willy Vlautin, who shared the inspiration behind his book “The Horse.” Following the discussion, Vlautin said, “I love libraries. They've always been my personal church. They're a place where everyone is welcome, where everyone can work on a resume, find a book or a movie, or research something online. They are needed now more than ever. So remember to always thank your librarian and support your local library.”

The next Book Club meeting will be March 12, featuring “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig. The novel follows Nora, who is unhappy with her life and the choices she has made over the years and reaches the point of attempting suicide. Instead of dying, she finds herself in the Midnight Library, a limbo world managed by her school librarian. There, she discovers books filled with stories of how her life might have unfolded had she made different decisions. She eventually wakes up in her original life with a new understanding and a chance to make things right.

Copies of the book are available at the library. Participants may attend either the 10 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. session. No registration is required.

The library will host Preschool Play Lab for children age 2-5. Several stations featuring hands-on activities will encourage development. Families may stop by the children’s department any time from 1:30-4:30 p.m. March 4 and March 18. Older and younger siblings are welcome. No registration is required. For more information about Preschool Play Lab, call the children’s department.

Registration has begun for the library’s spring Story Time series for children from birth to age 5. The programs introduce children to the world of books through fingerplays, songs, games and age-appropriate crafts, helping build early language skills and encourage social interaction with peers.

Story Time sessions will begin the week of March 2 and conclude the week of April 6. If Orrville City Schools are canceled or delayed due to weather conditions, Story Time also will be canceled. Registration may be completed on the library’s website calendar or by calling the children’s department.

Several age-specific sessions are available. Lapsit for babies not yet walking and their caregivers will meet from 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. The baby session for walkers up to 24 months and their caregivers will be offered from 6-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays or 11-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Two-year-olds accompanied by a caregiver may attend from 10-10:30 a.m. Mondays or Tuesdays. Three- and 4-year-olds may attend from 11-11:30 a.m. Mondays or Tuesdays. Pre-K sessions for 4- and 5-year-olds who have not attended kindergarten will be held from 2-2:45 p.m. Mondays or Tuesdays.

A Family Story Time for all ages with a caregiver will be offered from 6-6:30 p.m. Mondays or 7-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. No registration is required for Family Story Time.