The Boyle County Public Library is continuing with virtual programs this fall, adapting them in new ways to meet the needs and interests of the community. 

“Libraries are a center of community learning and activity for all ages,” said Public Services Librarian Caleb Conover. “I think it’s especially important, as we operate under pandemic conditions, to continue offering services that create a means for socializing, entertainment, and learning.”

Virtual programs follow a regular weekly schedule. Social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are the main platforms for sharing these virtual events on the library’s accounts. All upcoming event information can be found on the library’s website. 

Families can enjoy some time outdoors by participating in the library’s first Outdoor Scavenger Hunt during September. The form can be downloaded from the library’s website at BoylePubLib.org/Outdoor-Scavenger-Hunt. 

Once participants find all the items, they can submit the form on the website or bring it in on their next visit to the library. All entries will be entered in a prize drawing for a new book, and photos will be shared on the library’s Facebook page. 

Storytime with Ms. Libby is returning virtually on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. with a live stream on Facebook. Children’s Librarian Libby McWhorter will read two picture books, sing songs, and show a craft. 

McWhorter and Circulation Manager Kathy Phillips are also returning to host the popular KidStir program this fall on Tuesday afternoons at 4 p.m. Kids ages 5-8 can follow along with the videos on how to make sweet treats. Participants can call the library to register and pick up a free bag the Monday before each video premieres, while supplies last.

Youth Services Librarian Kinsey Hisle is offering virtual programs to provide book recommendations and a book club for tweens ages 9-13. 

Book Bites videos will premiere on Mondays starting Sept. 14 at 4 p.m. to share great books for tweens to read in popular genres and new books. Email Hisle at khisle@boylepublib.org with recommendation requests and your question could be answered in an upcoming video. 

Tween Libcrates are a new way of hosting a book club, with a new book, craft, snack, prize, and discussion questions in every crate. Each month has a unique theme, with “Ocean” being the theme in September. 

Tweens can enjoy the LibCrate items and book during the month, then Hisle will host an unboxing and discussion video on Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. to share responses and what went into that month’s LibCrate. 

Hisle and Youth Services Assistant Amber Wesley are teaming up to offer Tween DIY, a weekly program with video premieres on Fridays at 4 p.m. Tweens can use their skills to make fun and useful projects. 

In September, Hisle and Wesley will lead tweens on how to make Pokémon terrariums, stress balls, bubble wands, and triangle collage notebooks.

 

Minecraft Club continues this fall as a special weekend event on Sept. 26 and 27 from 4-8 p.m. on the library’s Minecraft server at minecraft.boylepublib.org. The server has been updated to also be accessible on mobile devices to increase availability for participants. 

New teen programs this fall start this week and feature 3D printer creations, book recommendations, and a book club. Teens can pick up a LibCrate to enjoy a free book with prizes and activities. 

Nerd Herd on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. will discuss that month’s LibCrate book. Teens interested in 3D printers can watch the live stream of the 3D printer on Thursdays at 4 p.m. 

First 4 Fridays will be held on Fridays at 4 p.m. to give an exclusive sneak peek at new young adult books that are coming out. “Recent virtual programming for teens has become more suited to the level of energy young folks have after completing school work all day,” said Young Adult Services Librarian Brittany Smith. “These programs are opportunities to virtually hang out with other teens, helping to instill a sense of community among their peers.”

Adults interested in playing Dungeons and Dragons can join the virtual Adult D&D group that meets on Sundays at noon and 4:30 p.m., hosted on the platform Discord. 

Adults interested in other digital games can join ‘Grown-up Game Night’ on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. on Discord to play Jackbox party games. “We all need a chance to just kick back and have some fun — and this offers it in a safe way,” said Conover. 

“Even though we can’t provide in-person programs, virtual programs still allow us to make connections and enjoy some time spent together.” 

Those who enjoy playing trivia games can join Adult Trivia Night on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. on Discord. Register using the link on the event page on the library’s website to then receive the links to the chat channel as well as instructions on joining the games.

Adult Book Club is returning virtually this fall with discussion on Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m., hosted on the library’s Discord platform. This month’s book is Book of the Little Axe by Lauren Francis-Sharma, chosen by The American Library Association, through a program called the Libraries Transform Book Pick. It will be available from Sept. 14 through 28 via the Overdrive or Libby App. Register using the link on the event page on the library’s website.

The library is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. In addition, free WiFi is available in the library parking lot 24/7. Chat with library staff using the live chat service on the library’s website or by texting (859)-545-8398.

The Boyle County Public Library serves the city of Danville and the surrounding communities, and is actively committed to enriching the lives of its patrons. The library is located at 307 West Broadway in Danville.