Bryan-Bennett Library

News & Events

News & Updates on Events

Tax Time Information

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

Want to set up an email account? 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.

The next Friends of the Library Book Sale will be March 25 and March 27.

Book donations are accepted. Call ahead to arrange for books to be received by Director Keller. Any books left in the book drop or outside the building will be taken to the dumpster. (618-548-3006 ext. 2)

Upcoming Programs and Events

The Apollo Experience through end of March...

This display is brought to the library by Jim and Debra Jones and features a spacesuit as well as moon artifacts. Visitors can come learn about the first men to walk on the moon during regular library hours beginning on February 27.         The exhibit will be available for viewing until March 30.

Those with their own memorabilia are invited to share artifacts and stories at a reception from 3:30 to 5:30 on Thursday, March 23. Light refreshments will be served.

Living History Presentation During Library Week

In honor of our county’s bicentennial, Frank Brinkerhoff will share about the founding of Marion County on April 25 at 6 PM in the May Davenport Room. This living history presentation will be from the point of view of Frank’s great-grandfather, JHG Brinkerhoff, author of “Brinkerhoff’s History of Marion County” and school superintendent for many years.

Spring Craft Swap April 1st 10-noon

Materials may be brought to the main desk at the Library during open hours March 20-31.
Tickets will be issued for use at the swap based on resale value of materials brought in not original purchase price.

 Ongoing Programs and Events

Dominos Thursdays from 1 to 3

All adults are welcome to participate in the weekly dominos game.  The group meets in the Glass Office/Reference Room just inside the East entrance of the Library.

There is no fee or library card required to join the game. The group supplies their own prize for the winner. The group also brings snacks to share after the game.

Fiber Arts Circle

The Needles, Hooks, and Books Fiber Arts Circle for all skill levels will meet on Thursday, April 13. This group is for all who enjoy or want to learn knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, or any fiber art. Bring a finished or current project or book to show off, or start a new project with the library’s supplies. Join us in the glass office for conversation and begin or continue a microwavable bowl cozy. The group will meet from 3:30 to 5:30. There is no registration, charge, or library card required.

Maker Stations

Ask at the circulation desk for one of four projects to create: paper airplanes, a DNA model, a sturdy bridge, or cell phone speakers. In the tub the circulation clerk provides is step by step instructions and everything needed to complete the project. Keep the project but turn in the tub and contents to a circulation clerk when finished. No fee or library card is required to participate. These are available during normal business hours for all ages. Ask at the circulation desk. Soon the choices will change to: rubber band planets, dazzling kaleidoscope, balloon rocket car, and a dancing snake.

Lego and Locos at the Library for All

Third Thursday afternoon of the month from 3:30 to 6:30 

During this STEM activity children and their favorite caregiver are welcome to create with the library's collection of Lego blocks as well as bring their own creations from home to show to fellow builders. Children will also be able to work together to create a layout with a wooden train set and run locomotives on their railroad. Build, share, and have a snack. Registration is requested for snack preparation (phone 618-548-3006). There is no charge for this program.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

The goal is to read 1000 books to a child before they enter Kindergarten. Children who have not yet entered Kindergarten are eligible to participate in this program with their caregiver. Caregivers may stop by the circulation desk to register and receive a program folder to record books. Children will receive incentives at each 100 book milestone (stickers, tote bags, buttons).

The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless.

Story Time Choices

In March there will be 2 additional story time options:

Evening Family Story Time (for all ages) 6-6:30 on April 20

Monthly Saturday Preschool Story Time 10:30-10:50 TBA

Bryan-Bennett Library in-person story time is usually each Friday at 10:00 in the morning.  This hour long literacy rich program is designed for young people and their caregivers. Play with friends, listen to some stories, take home a treat. 

Children will also help with the calendar and be read a stanza of a poem each week (and share shaker eggs to hear the rhythm) and have opportunity to create with a rotating collection of toys: foam alphabet letter squares, a wooden train set, floor puzzles, alphabet blocks, Duplo blocks, lacing cards, dinosaurs, and more.

At the end of the program children leave with a take-home sack containing a snack and craft or activity that may be related to the stories of the day.

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