Not-So-Tiny Art Show: Poetry Edition

During the month of March, patrons sixth grade and up may pick up an art canvas at the circ desk and create their own work of art inspired by a poem in one of the books in the Bryan-Bennett Library collection. The completed canvases must be returned by April 1.

In phase two, canvases will be displayed on the columns near the Children’s area from April 4 through April 17. Patrons may view the collection and guess which poem is the inspiration for each work. A poetry book display (containing the inspiration poems) will be on the Armory table for reference. Whichever patron created the most often recognized work wins a $10 Walmart gift card. The patron that correctly guesses the most inspiration poems also wins a $10 Walmart gift card. The top two canvases will be displayed through April 30 (the rest of National Poetry Month).

There is no fee to participate in creation or guessing. There is a limit of one canvas per person. When patrons pick up a canvas they will need to leave their name and phone number on a registration list with the title of their inspiration poem. Only canvases that are approved will be displayed for guessing. Canvases will be available for pick up through April 30 for those patrons that would like to take their works home.

Blue Light Filter Glasses and Giveaway

Those who show an e-book checked out on their device may receive a free pair of blue light filtering glasses or stylus pen while they last during Read an Ebook Week, March 2-8.

Home School Curriculum Swap (no sales)

coming to the Davenport Room at Bryan-Bennett for one day only on March 6. Bring curriculum for preschool through high school in to the swap between 11:30 and 12:30. All material must be picked up at the end of the swap day.  Bring a dozen eggs per child and experiment with our egg coloring stations during the swap.

The Leather Apron Club  is a book club for readers in Kindergarten through fourth grades and their caregivers. The club will meet for reading, discussion, and activities from 10:30 to 11:30 on the first Thursday of the month.

The March focus will be browsable nonfiction (Owen Davey…)

Families can pick from a selection of books in the junior non-fiction section. Children will leave with a bag of cookies and a reading challenge for the next month.

Paul Bessert Artshow

The May Davenport Room will be the venue for a local artist to share approximately 200 pieces from his collage collection as well as other works he has created including but not limited to paintings and drawings. The

Paul Bessert Artshow

will be from March 15 through April 19 during normal library hours. Those that would like to view the collection need to check in at the circ desk prior to entry to the Davenport Room.

There will be a viewer survey to complete for the artist as well as two drawings to enter. The collection is appropriate for all viewers; families are encouraged to share the experience. Library staff had a sneak peak and already have their favorites.

There will be magazines and cardstock available after viewing the artist’s collection for those that would like to create their own Bessert style artwork. 

A BINGO style scavenger hunt will be available for young viewers (and those young at heart). Those that complete the scavenger hunt through the Bessert collection may enter a drawing for one of three art caddies filled with art supplies.

The artist has offered to donate a piece of his choice to be given away in a drawing at the end of the show. Those that view the collection may enter this drawing by returning their survey to the circ desk before leaving the building.

Jam Session

Those who play the guitar, fiddle, banjo, or other acoustic instrument are invited to come for a jam session in the Bryan-Bennett Library’s Davenport Room on Thursday, March 20 from 5 to 6:45. Music lovers of all ages are encouraged to come play, listen, and/or sing along.

Registration is not required. There is no fee to attend. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate will be available.

Spring Wreath and Swag Crafting Sessions

April 8 and April 17 from 5:00 to 6:30

Patrons are invited to create their own spring wreath, bouquet, or swag using library materials. Registration is required but there is no fee to attend. Space is limited to twelve participants per session. 

Level-Up Your Planetarium Experience

There will be a Star Lab DIGITAL Planetarium Dome Presentation by the STEM Center from SIUE on Saturday, April 12. Two sessions will be available;

• 11:00-noon     Stargazing Introduction: We guide students through common constellations and navigating through the night’s sky. This program, tailored to the time of year, will give participants immediately useful skills to start looking at the stars in their own backyard!
• 12:30-1:30       Exploring the Solar System: Through animated orbits, flying through space, and looking at planets from all angles we take a look at our planetary neighborhood, including what makes a planet and just how many worlds are out there!

 This program is free for all ages to attend.  However, space is limited so registration is absolutely required by calling or stopping by the circulation desk.

A Jigsaw Puzzle Competition is planned for April 24 from 5:30 to 6:45. Doors open at 5:30. Piecing begins at 5:45. Teams of one to four people have one hour to complete as much of a 500 piece puzzle as possible. The team with the fewest unattached pieces after one hour will receive a $10 Walmart gift card & bragging rights. Registration is required including names of participants and a contact number for the team. All teams will have the same puzzle to work this time. Additional lighting and ambient music is allowed. There is no fee to participate.

Stick Together: Penworthy Reading Challenge

All patrons who check out an item beginning February 1 are invited to add a sticker to a Stick Together Penworthy Poster above the Children’s Audio section, one sticker per item. Patrons work together to complete the poster to reveal the image. The finished project will be given away in a drawing when complete.

All ages are welcome to attempt the

Star Wars Escape Room.

Time slots are available on either Thursday, May 1, or Saturday, May 3. There is no fee to attend. There are no age limits. Groups of up to eight may participate.

Registration is required by phone or at the main desk including names of participants and a group phone number.

 Chess Tournament

The date for the next Chess Tournament is May 15. Doors open at 5:00 and the first round of play begins at 5:15. Every player MUST register for the tournament by calling or dropping by the circulation desk. There are no fees or age requirements for this friendly competition. The prize will be a $10 gift card for Walmart. Chess and Checkers Practice continues on the third Thursday of each month at the YA table between the non-fiction shelves (registration is requested).

Ongoing Programs and Events

One-on-One Assistance Available with Basic Computer Tasks and Smart Phones

Want to set up an email account or create a word processing document? Need help with learning how to save contacts to your new smart phone? See a circulation clerk or call the circulation desk to schedule a one-on-one session. Help topics as well as dates and times available will vary, call for more information.

Chess and Checkers Practice