What's Happening at the Library?
January 2026
Director's Desk
 
Winter reading season is here. The Winter Reading challenge goes through January, so don't forget to signup. Meanwhile, we have the Voices & Votes: Democracy in America Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit through January 31. Take advantage of this great exhibit while it's still here in Washington. The library is also starting its 2026 Flight Path bird awareness program. And when we get a little heavy weather in early 2026, remember the library's electronic resources - E-books, e-audiobooks, streaming movies, streaming classes and more. 
 
See you at the library!
 
Voices & Votes: Democracy in America
Traveling Smithsonian Exhibit available through January 30
Voices & Votes: Democracy in America will be upstairs at the library through January 30. Bring the family or come by yourself. There are interactive computers, audio, and much more celebrating Democracy in America. Local schools are welcome to come visit - we even have some Democracy-themed educational games to play with groups. 
 
 
Flight Path Library

Bird Awareness
Washington Public Library is a Flight Path Library in 2026. We will offer a variety of activities and educational resources to raise awareness about bird migration and offer suggestions for how communities can observe and protect birds during peak migration periods. The first program is Bird Feeder Crafternoon - Wednesday, January 14th from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Family Friendly!
 
Stephen King's Newest Available In the Library
The End Times, Issue 1
Available to Read In-Library

Stephen King and Benjamin Percy are collaborating on a serialized novel told in a newspaper format - it's called "The End Times."
 
This monthly novel-in-newspaper is available to read in the library. The first two issues have arrived. We will continue to add new issues to the folder as they arrive.
 
Due to the fragile nature of the material, it is not available for checkout. It is in-library use only.
Electronic Resources

What Do I Read Next?
Looking for a good book? A puzzling mystery, or an historical thriller? A sweet romance, or topical nonfiction? Now you can get recommended reads sent to your inbox. With almost 20 categories of recommendations, you can select whatever category you want to receive. You're in complete control. Make changes to your subscriptions whenever you want.
Craft & Hobby
Craft and Hobby provides on-demand access to more than 9 online learning libraries, 4,000+ hours of content, and 20 different creative disciplines. Classes to serve all interests from quilting and knitting to woodworking and fitness. All content is family safe and accessible for all ages.
Flipster
Flipster provides instant access to over 40 popular magazines, including Consumer Reports, People, and Sports Illustrated. Read current or back issues with a Web browser or mobile device using the free app.
Kanopy
Kanopy is an on-demand streaming service with a collection of more than 30,000 films, including feature films, documentaries, foreign language films, kids’ movies, kids’ TV shows, classes from the Great Courses, and training videos. Kanopy Kids includes the Sesame Street catalog and animated versions of popular storybooks.
Writer's Corner - Create - Share - Discover
Interested in getting your novel, memoir, poetry collection, children’s book and more in eBook and print-ready formats? Visit the Writer's Corner at Washington Public Library.
 
Volunteers Needed

.

Volunteer Training Starts Soon. 
 
A CASA Volunteer provides a judge with carefully researched background information of the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child’s future.
 
Through highly trained community Volunteer Advocates, the child’s needs are heard, researched and advocated for throughout the duration of the child’s time before the court, thus securing a safe and permanent home for all such children.
 
Fill out an application form. 
 
Friends of the Library
Friends of the Library Board Meeting
Wednesday, January 7, 4:00 p.m.
Library Meeting Room
Join the Friends of the Library! The Friends of the Library Board Meeting is an open meeting. The Friends meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m.
For Children & Families
K-Pop Demon Hunters Party!
Friday, January 2nd from 2:00-3:00 p.m. 
Huntr/x and Saja Boy fans unite! There will be, activity stations, bracelet making, making your own KPOP collector cards and games galore! Come dressed as your favorite character and dance the day away! Bonus! Big Blue Blocks will be out in the meeting room for you to practice your demon slaying abilities! All Ages.
 
Tot Time
Thursdays in January, 9am and 10am
Library Meeting Room

Stories, songs and finger-plays for children under age 3.
Preschool Storytimes
Fridays in January, 10:00 am
Library Meeting Room.

Join us on Fridays for stories and songs for ages 3-6. Take Home Crafts are provided.
 
Weird Pets
Fridays, January 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Weird Pets.
Do you live with a strange animal? Come meet exotic pets and learn how to care for them. If you attended the previous Weird Pets session, this session will feature all new animals. Family
 
Yellow Labrador Retriever on Transparent Background
Wagging Tales
Monday, January 12, 5:00 p.m.
Library Meeting Room
Join the Franklin County Humane Society dogs at the library. Reading to dogs is a great way for children to practice their reading skills, and make a furry friend at the same time.
 
Two People Playing the Chessboard
Chess Club
Tues, Jan 13 and Thurs Jan 29, 6:30 p.m.
Library Meeting Room
Do you want to learn how to play chess? Do you want to practice your skills, or play for fun? Chess Club meets the 2nd Tuesday and 4th Thursdays of each month, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Chess Club meets once in November due to Thanksgiving.) All ages and abilities welcome!
Bird Feeder Crafternoon
Wednesday, January 14th from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
The library has joined the “Flight Path Campaign” to help inspire a love of birds. We’ll provide supplies to make a bird seed ornament that birds will love to nibble on. Family
 
Colorful Toy Blocks On Yellow Background
Legos Club
Tuesday, January 20, 3:30 p.m.
Library Meeting Room
We supply the Legos; you supply the creativity. Legos Club meets the third Tuesdays of the Month.
For Teens & Adults
DIY Advice Cards
Tuesday, January 6th at 6:00 p.m.  
Start the year off by creating a set of your own cards to help guide you through the new year. Each deck will have its own unique theme, artwork, and rules set by its creator! We’ll provide all the supplies, you’ll provide the creativity! Ages 12 & Up
 
Crafting & Creativity 
January's Project - Dried Orange Winter Garland
2nd Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Crafting & Creativity Find delight in the act of creation. Each month we’ll have a theme for a craft or art project. All supplies provided. 12 & Up
 
For Adults
Woman Writing in a Notebook with Feather Pen
Saturday Wordsmiths Studio
Saturday, January 3, 10:00 a.m.
Library Meeting Room
Interested in writing but can't make the library's regular Wordsmiths meeting? Try the Wordsmiths Studio. This group will have a different focus than the Wednesday Wordsmiths group. Anyone can attend! They meet the 1st Saturday of the month @ 10:00 a.m.
No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister
Wednesday Morning Book Club
Wednesday, January 7, 10:00 am
Library Meeting Room
This month join us at the new date for a discussion of "No Two Persons" by Erica Bauermeister. Wednesday Morning Book Club meets the 1st Wednesday of each month @ 10:00 a.m.

You can find a reading list here: https://www.washmolib.org/book-clubs/.
 
Crossroads of a Nation
Thursday, January 8th at 6:30 p.m. 
Crossroads of a Nation: Missouri’s Rifts, Roads and Civil Rights explores Missouri’s journey from Civil War battleground to a hub of modernization and justice. Through archival footage and expert voices, the film traces how reconstruction, highways and the civil rights movement converged in Missouri, shaping the story of a divided yet evolving America. Join us in the library meeting room for a special viewing. Rated PG.
 
Public Libraries: A Brief History
Tuesday, January 20th at 6:30 p.m.  
Public libraries throughout the nation support the right to vote by serving as polling locations and providing information for voters. Missouri has an amazing library system. But libraries didn’t just happen. People chose to value knowledge and books. People chose to start and support libraries. We stand on the shoulders of all the libraries that came before us. Join Library Director Nelson Appell as he explores the epic story of The Library, from ancient Alexandria to the modern age.
 
The Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick by Ariel Lawhon
Wednesday Evening Book Club
Wednesday, January 21, 6:30 p.m.
Library Meeting Room

Join the Book Club for a discussion of "The Frozen River" by Ariel Lawhon. Library supplies all copies of the book. Wednesday Book club meets the 3rd Wednesdays of each month @ 6:30 p.m.




You can find a reading list here: https://www.washmolib.org/book-clubs/.
Movie Clapper Between a Book on a Canvas
Made Into Movies
 Monday, January 26, 10:00 a.m.
Library Meeting Room

A book/movie club for individuals interested in answering the question, "Was the book really better than the movie?" Ages 18 & up. This club meets the Last Monday of each month. Library supplies the popcorn!

Book Clubs/Book-to-Movie Club/Art Club
Washington Wordsmiths
Wednesday, January 28, 6:00 p.m.
Library Meeting Room

Writers submit a writing sample (short story, poem, novel chapter) to discuss at the meeting. Writers of all abilities are welcome. Please contact the library if you have questions or would like to be on the meeting submissions list. 
Washington Public Library
410 Lafayette St, Washington, Missouri 63090
636-390-1070
https://www.washmolib.org