March is certainly coming in like a lion, with all of the events, programs and activities that the Bradford Area Public Library (BAPL) have scheduled. And don’t be surprised if the month of March doesn’t also go out like a lamb at the BAPL. However in this case, drop the metaphor because we are talking literal lambs.
Adults and children alike will enjoy witnessing Michael Morton’s Sun-Dance-Kids-Farm baby lambs as they prance, jump and bounce around the library at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 12.
“These little critters are adorable and are a sure sign of spring,” said BAPL Marketing and Adult Program Coordinator Janelle Norton.
Come enjoy the little lambs’ antics and work on a craft too. No registration is necessary.
At 11 a.m. every Monday and Friday at the BAPL the Story Seekers program is held for children aged 0 to 5 years old. During the bi-weekly Story Seekers program library staff will read stories, sing some songs and also do some crafting with the children in attendance. Registration is required to participate in the Story Seekers sessions.
Additional children’s programs for the month of March include Copy Cat, Messy Bunny, when Nolan will demonstrate how to make a cute Spring-themed craft at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9. Participation for this free program is limited to twelve individuals, so register early.
Then at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16 the Juice Box Heroes program will feature a morning of fun with singing and dancing while Jim Ronan plays the guitar.
Tracy Burgess will be returning with her miniature pony, Percy, at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23 for evening storytime with a craft project. No registration will be necessary to attend this program.
“Percy is a crowd favorite with local children. He’s the little pony with a big heart,” said Nolan
The BAPL programs are not solely limited to children, there are quite a few events in March that are family friendly — and even a few for the adults only.
Bring the entire family down to the library at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16 for Movie Bingo night or 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22 for Pixar Movies Trivia Night. Registration is necessary for Trivia Night, with teams no larger than 4.
“Our Trivia Night, fortunately, is growing in popularity. We currently have several teams who faithfully compete. I get some of my inspiration [for event themes] from the calendar for some of our Trivia games. For example, in December we featured Christmas Movie Trivia. In February, we did a combination of U.S. Presidents trivia and famous couples (RE: Valentine’s Day). This month we are paying homage to the kid in all of us and will test our knowledge of Pixar movies,” said Nolan. “National Library Week is celebrated in April, so this may influence our next Trivia Night. All are welcome to join in the fun. We have enjoyed the involvement of several Pitt-Bradford students during our most recent games. The teams are fun, yet competitive; so bring those ‘thinking caps’ if you intend to play.”
For adult individuals looking for a fun alternative to dinner and a movie, try one of the BAPL programs for adults only while the kids are home with the sitter.
Adult Camp Week will be held at the library between Friday, March 25 and March 31 (excluding Sunday) featuring Camp Calamity. Camp Calamity is an immersive murder-mystery game that individuals can play solo or cooperatively in a four person team.
“Individuals and/or teams will be presented with an all-in-one box full of puzzles and clues that they are to use in an effort to identify the killer and solve the case,” according to Nolan.
Teams or individuals, aged 18 or older, can schedule a two-hour time block to review the clues, discuss the crime and solve the case weekday evenings between 5 and 7 p.m. and Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon or noon and 2 p.m.
Returning to the BAPL for a second time this year Isaiah Rashad, author of Homicide of a Rat, will be at the library at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 24 for the second edition of his book talk.
“Isaiah Rashad, a former gang member, U.S. Army veteran, and police officer; delivered a powerful program on February 10. He candidly shared his personal stories, as well as his take/opinion on events/issues currently making the headlines,” recalled Nolan. “Part II was not originally planned, Isaiah offered it as a vehicle to continue ‘the conversation.’ He actively engages the audience and poses many difficult questions. This facilitates an honest look at facts, events, etc. and provides individuals with a new perspective and a new understanding.”
Nolan continued, “I highly recommend Isaiah’s program. It would be great to see our high school and Pitt-Bradford students in attendance, as Isaiah’s message is moving and powerful yet relatable!”
The library also hosts an Adult Book Club that meets at 10:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of every month in the Community Room to which all are welcome. During the March meeting, the club will be discussing ‘Beneath A Scarlet Sky’ by Mark Sullivan. Based on the true story of a forgotten hero, Beneath a Scarlet Sky is the triumphant and epic tale of one young man’s incredible courage and resilience during one of history’s darkest hours.
For those who can’t make it into the library, the website is worth a visit.
“Our website, bradfordlibrary.org, is loaded with information and resources,” explained Nolan. “We update the New York Times Best Sellers list weekly, as well as our library’s New Books feature. People can also see the library’s calendar of events, subscribe to our newsletter, enroll in Udemy online courses and borrow a plethora of digital books, audio-books, magazines and even some movies too!”
To register for March programs at the library, check the website for details and then call (814) 362-6527 or email marketing@bradfordlibrary.org or the Youth Librarian, Debbie Deane at youth@bradfordlibrary.org for children’s programs.
