Library hosts children’s author, xylophone for kids, workshops on horror writing

Published 6:15 am Friday, September 29, 2023

The Boyle County Public Library offers free activities, special events, online resources, and numerous services for the community. Programs often include storytimes, author visits, crafting, gaming, and art exhibits.

In addition to the many events offered, the library is hosting the SPARK! Places of Innovation traveling exhibit through October 14. This interactive exhibit explores the unique combination of places, people, and circumstances that sparks innovation and invention in small, rural communities. Panels featuring photographs, interactive stations, games and videos bring a multi-layered experience to reveal the leaders, successes, and innovation in each town. Stop by the library to explore the exhibit panels, the Innovation Station, and the Wayne Daugherty 3D art exhibit in the Georgia de Araujo Gallery. Field trips with transportation grants are available. More information about the exhibit can be found at BoylePubLib.org/SPARK.

Here is a closer look at some of the upcoming events at the library:

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Musical Exploration with Xylophones

During the week of fall break, kids can learn to play xylophones and other percussion instruments in a group setting. This four-day workshop will be held on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday beginning Monday, October 2 at 2:00 PM. Registration is required to participate. Space is limited, and attendance at all four sessions is required as the lessons to learn the instruments build on one another. To register, stop by the library to sign up, or call the library at 859-238-7323 and ask for the youth department to register. This event is offered in partnership with Danville Children’s Choir. (Grades 3-5)

Baby Storytime

Join us on Tuesdays at 10:00 AM for a storytime just for babies. Each week, Ms. Rachael will read themed stories and have a sensory activity for babies from birth to 18 months and their caregivers to enjoy. Baby Storytime will be held in the Community Room with the books & theme changing each week. (Ages 0-18 months)

YA Creative Club: Poetry & Prose

Calling all artists, writers, crafters, and creatives! Join us each week for YA (Young Adult) Creative Club, where tweens and teens can try out fun creative projects, learn new writing skills and artistic techniques, share their work, and meet new creatively-minded friends. On Tuesday, October 3 from 4:00-5:30 PM, the library will offer “Poetry & Prose – Worldbuilding for Stories.” In this creative writing session, we’ll learn how to build a world that feels real, complex, and alive. Then we’ll collaborate to design an original story world together. This event will be held in the Conference Room. (Ages 11-18)

Flash-Fiction Horror Writing Workshop

In this four-part workshop, writers can learn to write a fiction short story centered on the genre of horror and suspense under the guidance of local author Paul Stansbury. These stories will be even shorter than normal; made to be presented in 10 minutes or less, and will be shared with the community. The first session will be held on Tuesday, October 3 from 6:00-8:00 PM. Remaining sessions will be held on October 5, 12, and 17. Stories will be shared at the library’s fall bonfire on October 21. This workshop will be held in the Conference Room (Ages 18+)

Library Game Night

Join us for Library Game Night on Tuesday, October 3 from 6:00-8:00 PM. This is a social event for all-ages where you, your family, and your peers can come and enjoy a fun night of pizza, competition, and cooperation. The library will provide the food and a full collection of board games. Staff will be available to help you learn the games. This event will be held in the Community Room. (All ages)

Morning & Afternoon Storytime

Join us for storytime at the library! Each week we will read stories and have a themed sensory activity for young children to enjoy. Morning Storytime will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 AM. Afternoon Storytime will be held on Wednesdays at 12:30 PM in the youth department. Toddlers and preschoolers are all welcome to attend with their caregivers. (Ages 2-5)

Children’s Author Visit with Juliana Gaddis

From debut talent Juliana Gaddis and New York Times bestselling illustrator John Joseph comes the story of two families with identical minivans (save for one tiny bumper sticker) who unknowingly switch vehicles for the day when their respective toddlers swap key fobs at the grocery store. With sparse text and bright, cinematic art, Minivan Mix-Up weaves a silly (and relatable) story about two different families celebrating their commonality and ultimately finding friendship. Join us at the library on Wednesday, October 4 at 11:00 AM for a reading by the author, followed by a book signing provided by Plaid Elephant Books. This event will be held in the Youth Department. (Families and Kids)

Kids Fall Fun: Pumpkin Painting

Join us on Wednesdays for some fall fun this month! On Wednesday, October 4 from 4:00-5:00 PM, we’ll be painting pumpkins. Get creative with a fun pattern, wacky color combinations, or create a spooky face for your pumpkin. Plan on leaving your pumpkin here for our pumpkin patch display, then pick it up at Library Trick-or-Treat at the end of the month. This event will be held in the Youth Department. (Ages 6-10)

YA Gaming Guild: Player’s Pick

Calling all gamers! Join us at the library on Thursdays from 4:00-5:30 PM for YA Gaming Guild, where tweens and teens can relax, play games, have some snacks, and hang out with other gamers. This week, you and your fellow gamers will get to pick what you play from the library’s huge collection of board games, and multiplayer video games for the Nintendo Switch. New and returning gamers are always welcome. This event will be held in the Community Room. (Ages 11-18)

Adult D&D

Dungeons & Dragons is often called the greatest role-playing game of all time. The library offers a D&D club for adults that meets at the library on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Adults can join a session on Sunday, October 8 at noon or 4:30 PM. No experience is necessary, but registration is required. To register, sign up at the library or via the event listing on the library’s website, or email library@boylepublib.org. (Ages 18+)

Wayne Daugherty 3D Art Exhibit

In conjunction with the SPARK! Exhibit, the library is hosting a 3D Art Exhibit featuring artwork by local artist Wayne Daugherty. The exhibit features 3D sculptures made with EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) foam. These sculptures are constructed with foam, then painted with primer and acrylics. Box cutters, Dremel tools, and super glue are used in the creation of the 3D sculptures. Videos showing the artist’s process can be found online at Red Dog Props – YouTube. Visit the exhibit in the Georgia de Araujo Gallery, located on the main level of the library, during regular library hours through October 14. (All ages)

Information about library resources and all upcoming events can be found online at BoylePubLib.org. The library is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 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 W. Broadway in Danville.