Author: Leslie Sutherlin
“Crossroads” Volunteers Needed!
The Dillsboro Public Library is looking for friendly people to volunteer as “Docents” to help groups, classes and individuals tour the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street exhibit, entitled 
Crossroads: Change in Rural America, during the exhibition period of September 7 – October 20. The Crossroads exhibit, made possible through the generous support of Indiana Humanities, can certainly be viewed without assistance. However, a docent helps visitors appreciate and enjoy the exhibit more fully. The docent can encourage visitors to think about the subject matter and invite them to share memories and personal connections to the exhibit.
You do not need to be an expert on any subject to be a docent, just a have a friendly and patient nature to help with the expected crowds. To make sure you are well prepared, there will be an orientation/training session on Wednesday, August 28 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. You may email cathy@eAPLD.org or call the library at 812-954-4151 to volunteer.
Made by Me! Crafternoon at Dillsboro Library
I know the weather is sweltering right now, but it is NOT too early to start thinking about Christmas. I truly enjoy making gifts for people, especially those that appreciate handmade gifts. My list is long, so it is never too early to get started with the process of discovering cute ideas and getting them completed in plenty of time for the holidays.
When I first saw the hand-stitched felt pouch, I began to think of all the possibilities. Could it be a coin purse? Business card holder? Earring holder for travel? What if I learned the technique and then decided to change the shape and size? The possibilities are unlimited!
Adults and teens are invited to join me at the Dillsboro Library for a “crafternoon” on Tuesday, August 20, from 4-5:30. We will make a rounded felt pouch to learn the technique, plus embellish it with buttons and other fun things to make your pouch unique. You will also get ideas for using the technique to make other useful and fun holders. These will be great for gift-giving, without emptying your wallet.
To register, stop by or call the Dillsboro Public Library at 812-954-4151.
Craft Time @ the Library
Making cool “stuff” is a great way to pass the time, express your creativity — and for some, even make a living. But I found a study cited by CNN that confirms another huge benefit to crafting: Mental health!
From CNN: “Crafting can help those who suffer from anxiety, depression or chronic pain, experts say. It may also ease stress, increase happiness and protect the brain from damage caused by aging.”
The Aurora Public Library District is trying to do its part in helping adults and teens feel a little better with a craft program this month. We will be making a decorative mini-photo album, just right for carrying in your purse or to give as a gift. You may bring photos to put in the album that day or make an album for future use. These will be fun to decorate for any occasion.
Adults and Teens are invited to join us at Dillsboro Library on Tuesday, February 19 from 4-5:30 p.m. or Aurora Library on Thursday, February 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. to make this mini-photo album, eat some snacks and have fun. If anyone asks, you can always tell them you are going to the library for your health!
Register by visiting either library location or by calling 812-926-0646.
VAL-UN-TINE’S DAY FUN
As February 14 is fast approaching, many of you may be wondering how you’ll be spending Valentine’s Day, a holiday enjoyed by few and suffered through by many.
If you are a Tween (someone we’re saying is between the ages of 8 – 12), then you should plan on joining us at the Aurora Public Library on Thursday, February 14 for a Val-UN-tine’s Day celebration. We will be showing our love for books and fun—nothing gushy here (except the slime)! From 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., there will be book talks & poetry breaks, games, cookie decorating, and slime fun, all rolled into one fun evening. It’ll be the most fun you’ve had this winter (unless you’ve been kissed by your dog!).
Register by stopping by the library or by call (812) 926-0646.
Smithsonian Exhibit Coming to Dillsboro Branch Library
The Aurora Public Library District received exciting news recently—we have been selected to host a Smithsonian Institution Museum on Main Street exhibit at our Dillsboro Branch location. The exhibit will be open for viewing whenever the Dillsboro Library is open, between September 7, 2019 and October 20, 2019. It is particularly exciting to us, as we are one of only six locations in the state of Indiana to be hosting the exhibit and the only public library among the six.
The mission of Museum on Main Street is to provide access to the Smithsonian for small-town America. This exhibit, entitled Crossroads: Change in Rural America, will include interactive displays exploring the themes of community, identity, land use, and managing change. The Library District will be adding local content and will be hosting programs of local interest during the six-week period. There will be lots of work to do before we will be ready for the exhibit, but we will share the progress over the next several months. As the time grows nearer, we will also share more information about the exciting programs that will be offered in conjunction with the exhibit.
A Not-So-Merry GRINCHmas!!
There’s a new movie release of The Grinch this month, but I can’t help it if I still love the original version, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This 1966 animated TV film was the first adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ book of the same name, and starred Boris Karloff as both the narrator and the wonderfully wicked voice of the Grinch.
The Grinch has certainly become an icon of Christmas since the book was released in 1957, despite the character’s hatred of the season. We know that the Grinch, annoyed by the noisy Christmas festivities that take place in Whoville, decides to devise a wicked scheme to steal the Who’s presents, trees, and food for their Christmas feast. When the Grinch hears the residents of Whoville singing a joyous song, rather than lamenting over the loss of their Christmas goodies, he realizes that “maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
Who can resist watching the original version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas just one more time, enjoying Grinch treats, playing games and making a Grinch ornament to take home? Tweens and Teens (ages 11-18) are invited to spend an evening at the Aurora Branch Library, on Thursday, December 13, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, for A Not-So-Merry GRINCHmas, to 
celebrate all things Grinch-y.
Register now by calling 812-926-0646 to save your spot in Aurora Branch Library’s own Whoville.
Painting is “Snow” Much Fun!!
How would you rate your painting skills? Basic? Intermediate? Advanced? Doesn’t matter, I just want to have fun?? No matter your skill level, this workshop at the Aurora Library is for YOU! Join us on Thursday, December 6, from 6 – 8 pm, as we spend an evening of painting fun. We will transform a wine glass into an adorable snowman candle holder. You can pick the wine glass style and the pattern you want to tackle. While it is drying, enjoy some refreshments and a little holiday music. When you are finished, we’ll add a battery-operated tea light to top off the candle holder. Doesn’t the evening sound like snow much fun? Registration is required and space is limited, so stop in the Aurora Library or call 812-926-0646 to register.
Celebrate the Season!
We’ve got the Christmas spirit here at the library and we are ready to Celebrate the Season! Join us at Aurora or Dillsboro to kick off the holiday season on Saturday, December 1, from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm, to make ornaments, listen to stories and enjoy refreshments. There will be plenty of holiday cheer to get you in the mood. No reservations are necessary—just bring your holiday spirit!
Gifts to Melt Your Heart
Aurora Public Library District is kicking off the holidays in late November with a fun make it-take it workshop at the Dillsboro Branch. Join us on Tuesday, November 27, from 4 pm – 6 pm for an afternoon of fun as we make a decorated gift jar of Christmas-themed soy wax melts. We’ll make mini wax melts in fun shapes and wonderful scents. While they are setting up, we will decorate a jar to hold the melts and make a gift tag. You’ll have one adorable gift checked off your gift-giving list by the end of the workshop! Space is limited, so reserve your spot today by calling the Dillsboro Branch Library at 812-954-4151.