Athens Reporter

Happy New Program Year! The calendar year may have begun on January 1, 2023, but January 26th, 2023 heralded new programs for all ages at the Bogart Library. “Our first Chapter Chat Tween Book Club had fourteen avid mid-grade readers.” Branch Manager Donna Butler said.  “We had great fun discussing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, munching magically delicious snacks, playing charades and creating art.” Chapter Chat will meet on the fourth Thursday of each month, September through April, at 4:30 pm. Following each meeting, Chapter Chat participants will vote on the title for the next meeting. Participants chose The One and Only Ivan for their next fabulous read on Thursday, February 23rd. In addition to Chapter Chat, the Bogart Library has added Meet & Play on Fridays from 10:30 am – noon. Meet & Play is a facilitated open play session for caregivers and young children to help families meet, make friends and learn about the area. Conversations with Friends, a family program of books, crafts, and conversation has also been added on alternate Friday afternoons to assist in English vocabulary building, conversation and FUN! Participants will have opportunities to make friends and learn about new cultures, while practicing English through role play, songs and storytelling. This bi-weekly program will open with a children’s book and include songs, role play and discussion about the book and its topic. STEAMSDAY, another new family program, will alternate on Wednesdays with the library’s popular LEGO Club. On the second and fourth Wednesdays, September through April, young  participants will learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math (or music) through children’s literature, experiments and art projects. “We’ve tapped into our marvelous and diverse collection of picture book biographies of scientists, artists, architects, mathematicians and musicians to inspire young STEAM enthusiasts of all ages.” Donna Butler said.  “And speaking of artists, we’re partnering with, or have been inspired by the National Gallery of Art, to host two programs per month. Sketchbook Club, a virtual beginning drawing  class for families, will be streamed in our Creative Space. Sketchbook Club is always at 5 pm, but the dates  vary so watch our website, drop by for a paper calendar or call the library for more information. For our adult patrons, we’ll alternate Your New Favorite Artist, a short informational program that includes simple hands-on art projects, with our monthly Crafting @ Midday at 1 pm on the third Tuesday of each month. As always, all materials are provided.” In addition to the previous arts programs, our  weekly Thursday KnitLits and our monthly Sewing Club, Staff Member Kathryn Kirkham will offer Help! I Yarned, a “meet, greet, learn, laugh and share” program for tweens, teens and adults who enjoy or wish to learn crochet or knitting. All skill levels are welcome. Help! I Yarned will happen on the third Friday of each month in the Creative Space. “Community is important to us.” Donna Butler said. “Drop in and become a part of ours!” 

Original source can be found here.