During the week of April 3 — 9, the Bradford Area Public Library will be hosting a variety of programs and contests in celebration of National Library Week.
The library encourages all community members to visit in person or online to explore a wide array of programs and resources that are available in person or from the comfort of home.
“This week is set aside to highlight the role that libraries play in transforming lives and enriching communities,” explained Janelle Nolan, marketing and adult program coordinator for the library. “There are so many opportunities to connect with the Bradford Library, whether it’s utilizing our computers and wi-fi to access the internet, or participating in our in-person and virtual programming.”
In order to recognize National Library Week, take advantage of one of the following activities the library is offering next week:
Library staff would like to challenge area residents and their children to a scavenger hunt. Visit the library anytime during National Library Week, between Sunday and next Saturday and see what discoveries can be made. There are specially designed hunts for every age, including individualized hunts for children, teens and adults. Obtain a copy of the scavenger hunt at the library and check off discoveries as they are made. Successfully completed hunts will be entered into a drawing to win one of several Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce gift certificates.
Area youth who have a desire to learn cooking skills can register for the Teen Cuisine program at 5 p.m. on Monday, April 4 or the Kulinary Kids program at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6. Both programs will be led by Penn State Extension nutritionist, Laurie Maletto. Participants will gain basic cooking skills and nutrition information, while creating great, delicious dishes. Registration for either program is required, to ensure adequate supplies are available to all participants. Interested parties in these free programs can register by calling the library at (814) 362-6527 or emailing youth@bradfordlibrary.org.
Creativity with food not of interest, try to tap into that creative side during the library’s next Copy Cat program where Nolan will demonstrate how to create stylized dandelions with acrylic paints and a few “unusual” household items. This fun, in-person program will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6. Participation for this free program is limited to twelve individuals, so register early, by calling the library or email marketing@bradfordlibrary.org.
For individuals looking for a unique and fun program to participate in from the comfort of their own home should give the Upcycle This! Program a try at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 7 and 21. Join staff of the Bradford Area Public Library for this biweekly, virtual program as they repurpose thrifted items during this entertaining crafting program. The program is a prerecorded video that premiers on the library’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/bradfordareapubliclibrary/.
Lastly, in honor of National Library Week, library staff would like to encourage area patrons to get the most from their library cards by taking a “field trip” to the library at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 7. Patrons in attendance will learn about the resources and services that are available at the Bradford Area Public Library. Additionally, attendees will get a primer course on the variety of digital resources that can be accessed through the library’s website and the OverDrive platform.
“The library is a place to share ideas, have experiences and make discoveries,” said Nolan.
Discoveries and unique experiences through programming are awaiting individuals at the library all of the time, not just in celebration and recognition of National Library Week. Later this month at the library a variety of programs for all age ranges will continue.
Patrick Gorman, a member of the Titanic International Society will present a program in observance of the 110th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12. The mission of the Titanic International Society is to keep the memory of the Titanic and its story alive. In 2005, Patrick began construction on a scale model of the Titanic that he fashioned by hand. And he will have this eleven foot, eighty pound exact replica of the Titanic on display during his program.
In recognition of the Easter holiday, come to the library at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13 to decorate Easter cupcakes with staff. All area youth are invited to attend this free, festive program. The supplies for the cupcakes, frosting and embellishments will be supplied by the library — while participants supply the creativity.
Then at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 15 Michael Morton, proprietor of the SunDance Kids Farm will return to the library with his Petting Zoo. Bring the children to see all the adorable baby animals. Parents and caregivers are sure to enjoy the overload of “cuteness” too. This is a free, in-person program and no registration is necessary for participation.
Author, William Robertson, a prolific writer of novels, short stories, autobiographical sketches and poetry, will speak at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20 in regards to his newest novel, More War. A recognized historian and speaker, Robertson excels in well-researched novels, according to Nolan. Join library staff as he shares excerpts from his newly published book. History lovers will enjoy stories from the American Revolution and the War of 1812. This free, in-person program will also include a book signing.
Join the library for their Earth Day Celebration at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 23 for some fun outdoors. Staff of the library will share an Earth Day story then get their hands dirty while planting some flowers with attendees.
“This program may be dependent on the weather. So please watch our social media posts for updates and more information,” requested Nolan.
At the close of April come enjoy a Spring Brunch with Chef Rob at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 30.
Registered participants will love to make and taste delicious spring blueberry scones with a sweet orange drizzle and Mascarpone strawberry preserve stuffed French toast. Is this dish sounding complicated? — It will not be. Chef Rob will demonstrate each recipe and attendees can make the dish simultaneously. Join Chef Rob and library staff via Zoom for this live event. According to Nolan, recipes for the event will be linked to the Bradford Area Public Library’s website later in April.
