Backgrounds - Back to School - Chalk
August Newsletter
New Bestsellers
Revolution
by Eric Metaxas

There’s never been a nation like the United States of America. It's impossible to imagine the world without it—but do you know the wild and true story of how it came into existence? On our 250th anniversary, the hunger for America’s story has never been greater. Who better to tell it than historian Eric Metaxas, author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including the ground-breaking, million-selling biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer? With the passion, erudition, and irrepressible wit that have become his signature, Metaxas’s REVOLUTION brings the epic of America’s birth to life so fully that you will feel you are a part of the story, which is precisely the point. By turns deeply moving, gripping, and spectacularly entertaining, these are the stories every American must know, including some of history’s noblest heroes — and some despicable villains.
Love You More
by Emily Giffin

Billie has built the perfect life. Her medical practice in New York City is thriving, and she’s finally found the right partner in Dean after years spent trying to move on from her high-school sweetheart, Mick. Their young love had been intense and true, but distance and ambition pulled them apart when she left Wisconsin for medical school. Then one morning, just after she’s accepted Dean’s romantic marriage proposal, Billie’s phone rings. It’s Mick—calling for the first time in nearly a decade. His news is urgent and in a moment, everything changes. As Billie boards a plane back to Wisconsin, her past comes rushing in—her hometown friendships, the love she and Mick shared, and the choices that shaped them all. What awaits her is a reckoning with what she’s lost, what she’s built, and what she still wants. Gripping and deeply moving, Love You More is a story about the plot twists life throws at us—and how love, in all its forms, has the power to change everything.
New DVD
The Devil Wears Prada 2

Almost twenty years after making their iconic turns as Miranda, Andy, Emily and Nigel—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the fashionable streets of New York City and the sleek offices of Runway Magazine in the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2006 phenomenon that defined a generation. The film reunites the original main cast with director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna, and introduces an all-new runway of characters including Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, Pauline Chalamet, B.J. Novak and Conrad Ricamora. Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman also reprise their roles as “Lily” and “Irv” from the first film. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” is produced by Wendy Finerman, and executive produced by Michael Bederman, Karen Rosenfelt and McKenna. 
New Fiction
Chasing the Clouds Away
by Debbie Macomber

Maisy Gallagher has her own dreams, but when her father passes away, she selflessly sets them aside to help her family. Despite knowing it was the right thing to do, she can’t help but wish for the road not taken. 
Chase Furst, the hardened heir to a financial empire, is on the other hand primarily focused on his own life and on his work as a bank executive. His childhood was marred by his mother’s struggle with addiction, and left him cynical and emotionally distant. But then Chase meets Maisy, a beautiful woman full of optimism and kindness who can see past his defenses. To his surprise and annoyance, she offers to help him during a time of need, and declines his offer of payment. Instead, she asks him to pay it forward—and not with money or a quick fix, but through an act of true selflessness. At a loss, Chase doesn’t know where to begin.
New Nonfiction
The Well-Educated Child
by Deborah Kenny

In The Well-Educated Child, Dr. Deborah Kenny offers an inspiring vision for education that cultivates intelligent, happy, morally grounded young people. This landmark book will change the way we think about what it means for our children to be well educated. Drawing on decades of experience with students from preschool through high school, Kenny presents education as soul craft. She reveals how to teach children the skills of self-management and the virtue of self-discipline, and what students must learn to become intellectually curious, knowledgeable, gracious, and motivated. With wit, wisdom, and warmth, Kenny describes how young people can become serious thinkers and avid readers who appreciate beauty, concentrate for long periods of time on challenging work, and lead meaningful lives. She takes us inside classrooms to understand the importance of deeper learning based on three concepts: quality thinking, ethical purpose, and a sense of agency. 
Magazine of the Month
Yankee

Yankee is a bimonthly magazine about lifestyle, travel, and culture om the New England region of the United States, based in Dublin, New Hampshire. Yankee is one of the few remaining family-owned and independent magazine publishers in the United States.  The first issue appeared in September 1935. 
New Youth
Ready to Roar! 
by Megan Roth

Ready to Roar! (PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie) is a part of the Step into Reading, Step 2 collection. Get ready for some PAW-some action! Join Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol in this Level 2-leveled reader in the Step into Reading program based on The Dino Movie—in theaters summer 2026.
Hello, Molly
by Sydney Hanson

 
Meet Molly, who is trying new things, like turnips from the Victory Garden, on the home front in 1944.
Featured Book
Linda Skeens Blue Ribbon Kitchen
by Linda Skeens

Appalachian grandmother Linda Skeens became an internet sensation after taking home dozens of blue ribbons in canning, baking, and crafting at the Virginia-Kentucky District Fair. The world soon learned that Linda had been entering county fairs for decades, frequently taking home the highest honors. Here, in her first-ever published cookbook, Linda shares over 100 of her prize-winning and family-favorite recipes along with helpful tips, unique crafts, cherished memories, and uplifting poems
Story Walk located at Goshen Park
Rosemary Long Ears
by Susie Ghahremani

In collaboration with PAWS in the Park. The Mechanicsburg Public Library StoryWalk® is a delightful, innovative way for children — and adults — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

Would you like to Sponsor-A-Story? Fill out this form and give it to the library in person or send through email at mpl@mechanicsburgohlibrary.org.

Join Rosemary on a walk through her neighborhood with her best friend. There are puddles to splash through and leaves to play in—OH NO! Before too long, Rosemary is a mess. But she knows that if you never get dirty, you may miss out on all the fun! This charming story from award-winning creator Susie Ghahremani introduces a lovable, joyful pup and celebrates the thrill of letting loose.
Memorial/Honor Book of the Month
Veterans Day
by Meredith Dash

This book is in memory of William Brown.
This title will familiarize readers with Veterans Day by explaining the "whos, whats, and whys" of it. Complete with a More Facts section and bolded glossary terms. Young readers will gather basic information about Veterans Day through easy-to-read text alongside compelling and historical photographs. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.

Memorial Book Donations
A memorial book makes a fitting tribute to the memory of a family member or friend. You can choose to donate any amount of money for the purchase of one or more books or designate the memorial donation be used at the discretion of the library. The average cost of an adult fiction or non-fiction book is around $30.00, so you may wish to plan your gift accordingly. You may also give an amount that can be used to purchase multiple books for our collection. Donors may specify a subject or genre for the donated book(s), such as cookbooks, photography, travel, juvenile, biography. The titles selected are subject to the library’s collection policy and will be chosen by librarians. Each donation is handled personally. Acknowledgements will be sent to both the donor and the person or family being remembered. A special bookplate inside the book will note the name of the person in whose memory the book has been given and the donor’s name.

Honor Book Donations
An Honor Book is a wonderful way to celebrate and honor friends and family on a special occasion, such as a birthday, anniversary, retirement or friendship. You can choose to donate any amount of money for the purchase of one or more books or designate the honor donation be used at the discretion of the library. the average cost of an adult fiction or non-fiction book is around $30.00, so you may wish to plan your gift accordingly. You may also give an amount that can be used to purchase multiple books for our collection. Donors may specify a subject or genre for the donated book(s), such as cookbooks, photography, travel, juvenile, biography. The titles selected are subject to the library’s collection policy and will be chosen by librarians. Each donation is handled personally. Acknowledgements will be sent to both the donor and the person or family being honored. A special bookplate inside the book will note the name of the person in whose honor the book has been given and the donor’s name.

Your gifts to Mechanicsburg Public Library in memory or in honor of a friend or a loved one, are a way to remember a special person that can be shared and enjoyed by all library patrons. Memorial/Honor Gift Donation forms are available at the library.
Service of the Month
Classroom Collections/Homework Help

Teachers and home educators are invited to request classroom collections. Make requests in person at the library, over the phone, by email with mpl@mechanicsburgohlibrary.org or fill out this website's contact form. You can also use this request form. Print this form out, fill in necessary information and return it to the library in person or fax it to us at 937 834-3396.
The Mechanicsburg Public Library will be offering FREE HOMEWORK HELP for all ages! After school tutoring will be in person or virtual. We offer: homework help, reading practice, flash cards review, help with using library resources, assistance with virtual learning, free WiFi, and public computers 
Online Resource of the Month
GCF Learn Free

From Microsoft Office and email, to reading, math, life skills, and more—GCFLearnFree.org offers more than 200 topics, including more than 7,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, all intended to help you learn the essential skills you need to live and work in the 21st century.
August Programs
Everything Must Go
Saturday, August 1, 10 AM - 3 PM
Ages 18 +
Come make a Fish Bowl Coastal Centerpiece , Painted Wooden Surfboards, #1 DAD Book Folding, 4th of July Clothespin Wreath, Beach Themed Blocks, Coasters, Craft stick “Home” Sign, or Painted Rock Cactus Arrangement. While supplies last.
Tractor Beaded Safety Pin
Saturdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 10 AM - 3 PM
Ages 13 +
With harvest starting soon, this pin will be great for any farmer!
Free Meals for Youth @ Mechanicsburg UMC
Mondays, August 3, 10, and 17, 11 AM - 12 PM
Ages 1 - 18
Pick up free meals for kids ages 1-18 at Mechanicsburg United Methodist Church! Each week you can receive 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches. All meals are shelf-stable. This is a partnership with the Children's Hunger Alliance. Registration is not required but the state requires us to keep a log of the children that come. There are no income or residency requirements. Children do not have to be present to get meals; parents can pick up for children. Children can also come without their parents. There is a form to fill out if the parent/legal guardian is not able to pick up. This would be for a grandparent, babysitter, other family member, neighbor, etc. We will have those forms at the library. Mechanicsburg United Methodist Church, 42 North Main Street in Mechanicsburg. The program runs from June 1 to August 17.
A Person Working at Charitable Foundation and Packing Donation Box
Explore the World from your Home Series
Monday, August 3, 1 - 2 PM
Ages 18 +
Join us every month for a free online lecture featuring Road Scholar instructors from around the world. You can attend this program at the library or the comfort of your home. August is Walking Political History in London’s Westminster District.
Blood Drive
Monday, August 3, 3 - 6 PM
Ages 17 + (age 16 with signed parental consent)
Be a hero for someone in need. Give blood today! Ages 17 and older (age 16 with signed parental consent) in good health and weighs a minimum of 110 pounds (possibly more depending on height). Click on the link to schedule your appointment!
https://donate.versitidayton.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/82099
How to Use Kanopy
Tuesday, August 4, 11 AM - 12 PM
Ages 18 +
Watch movies, documentaries, classic cinema, and more for free with your library card!
High School Coding Club
Tuesdays, August 4, 11, and 18, 3 - 4 PM
Ages 13 +
Want to build robots, video games, or websites? Join our coding club on Tuesdays at 3 PM! Bring your own computer and email mhenderson.trainer@gmail.com for more information. Note coding club will be moving to 4 PM on Tuesday, August 25!
Code Club E-Blast Header
Code Club E-Blast Header
Elementary & Middle School Coding Club
Tuesdays, August 4, 11, and 18, 4 - 5 PM
Ages 6 - 12
Want to build robots, video games, or websites? Join our coding club on Tuesdays at 4 PM! Bring your own computer and email mhenderson.trainer@gmail.com for more information.
Fairs Kahoot Trivia
Tuesday, August 4, 6 - 7 PM
Ages 18 +
What do you remember about fairs? Come find out at trivia! Please download the Kahoot app before coming!
Drugs narcotics opioids pills medicine medication healthcare
Age Well: Age-Friendly Efforts to Improve Medication Use & Safety
Thursday, August 6, 2 - 3 PM
Ages 18 +
We will explore age-friendly approaches to understanding your prescriptions and highlight trusted resources you can use to identify potentially high-risk medications. You’ll learn valuable, actionable strategies for having meaningful conversations with your healthcare team so your care plan always reflects what matters most to you. Whether you are managing your own health or supporting a loved one, you’ll leave with the knowledge you need to make confident, informed decisions about your medication. You can join from the comfort of your home or come to the library!
Netflix's "Little House on the Prairie" Showing
Thursday, August 6, 6 - 7 PM
All Ages
Come check out the first episode of Little House on the Prairie! The close-knit Ingalls family builds a new life on the Western frontier, where the joys of nature and the struggle for survival are deeply intertwined.
Icons - pokemon go
Pokémon Go Walks
Fridays, August 7 and 14, 10 - 11 AM
All Ages
Join us on Fridays @ 10 AM  as we walk around town battling in raids and searching for shinnies!  Will not happen on rainy days.
How to Use Kanopy
Friday, August 7, 11 AM - 12 PM
Ages 18 +
Watch movies, documentaries, classic cinema, and more for free with your library card!
Netflix's "Little House on the Prairie" Showing
Saturday, August 8, 2 - 3 PM
All Ages
Come check out the first episode of Little House on the Prairie! The close-knit Ingalls family builds a new life on the Western frontier, where the joys of nature and the struggle for survival are deeply intertwined.
Explorer's Club
Monday, August 10, 4 - 5 PM
Ages 6/Kindergarten-5th grade
Explorer's Club/STEAM Team meets on the second Monday of every month from 4-5 PM. In August we will explore puzzle games. 
Icons - Games Circles
Icons - Brain with Flowers - Pink Green
Age Well: The Power of Neuroplasticity & the Resilient Brain
Thursday, August 13, 11 AM - 12 PM
Ages 18 +
Did you know your brain never stops evolving? In this lecture, you’ll dive into the latest neuroimaging research and walk away with practical, evidence-based habits to foster new neural connections and stay sharp in your daily life. You can join from the comfort of your home or come to the library!
Lego Club
Thursday, August 13, 4 - 5 PM
Ages 5 - 12
Imagine it. Build it. Legos will be provided.
Close-up Shot of a Pile of Blocks
Book Club Members Discussing a Book at Home
Book Club
Thursday, August 13, 6 - 7 PM
Ages 18 +
This first meeting is to brainstorm book ideas for the rest of the meetings! Come with ideas! Book Club will meet on the second Thursday of every month at 6 PM. Come join other book lovers!
PAWS in the Park
Saturday, August 15, 11 AM - 1 PM
Ages 6 - 11
Join us at Goshen Park to enjoy our Story Walk and reading the story with a canine companion. The book is “Rosemary Long Ears" by Susie Ghahremani. Goshen Park address is 4150 South Parkview Road, Mechanicsburg, Ohio 43044.
Rosemary Long Ears by Susie Ghahremani
Apple Mason Jars
Monday, August 17 to Saturday, August 22, Open Hours
All Ages
These Apple Mason Jars are perfect for Teacher Appreciation Gifts. They are super cute for treats. These jars are really easy to put together and perfect for Back to School.
Facebook 101
Tuesday, August 18, 11 AM - 12 PM
Ages 18 +
Learn how to use Facebook to connect with friends and family!
Facebook Social Media Icon
Slime Society
Thursday, August 20, 4 - 5 PM
Ages 6 - 11
Slime Society meets the third Thursday of every month from 4 - 5 PM. Each month we will make a different slime recipe. In August we will make rubber band slime!
Netflix's "Little House on the Prairie" Showing
Thursday, August 20, 6 - 7 PM
All Ages
Come check out the second episode of Little House on the Prairie! The close-knit Ingalls family builds a new life on the Western frontier, where the joys of nature and the struggle for survival are deeply intertwined.
Facebook Social Media Icon
Facebook 101
Friday, August 21, 11 AM - 12 PM
Ages 18 +
Learn how to use Facebook to connect with friends and family!
Netflix's "Little House on the Prairie" Showing
Saturday, August 22, 2 - 3 PM
All Ages
Come check out the second episode of Little House on the Prairie! The close-knit Ingalls family builds a new life on the Western frontier, where the joys of nature and the struggle for survival are deeply intertwined.
Taste of Home Blue Ribbon Winners: More Than 275 Savory Bites and Sweet Delights That Bring Home the Flavors of the Fair
Cookbook Club
Monday, August 24, 6 - 7 PM
Ages 18 +
Each month we will highlight a cookbook and encourage everyone to prepare a dish to share and discuss from that cookbook. Come share your experience of both trials and successes with a new recipe. Plates, napkins, and silverware will be provided. We will meet on the fourth Monday @ 6 PM every month! August's book is “Blue Ribbon Winners” by Taste of Home Books 
Coding Club
Tuesday, August 25, 4 - 5 PM
Grades 4th -12th
Want to build robots, video games, or websites? Join our coding club on Tuesdays at 4 PM! Bring your own computer and email mhenderson.trainer@gmail.com for more information. 
Code Club E-Blast Header
Tailgate Party
Saturday, August 29, 11 AM - 1 PM
All Ages
Get ready for football season with food and a football chain craft and make a football fleece pillow!
Board of Trustees Meeting
The Board of Trustees' regular meeting time is 5:30 pm on the second Wednesday of the month at the Library. The Mechanicsburg Public Library Board of Trustees can be reached at the Library's mailing address of Mechanicsburg Public Library 60 S Main Street Mechanicsburg, Ohio 43044
 
Circulate for 7 days with up to 4 renewals. Current available pans include Buzz Lightyear, Spaceman, 3D Train, Tractor, Butterfly, Decorated Egg, Pirate Ship, Monkey, Cross, Hearts, Mini Stand-up Bear, Elmo, Pooh, Cupid’s Heart, Teddy Bear, Petal 2 Tier, Hello Kitty, Mini Teddy Bear, Soccer Ball, Jack-O-Lantern, Petite Doll, Tinker Bell, #1, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Cinderella, Scooby-Doo, and Bunny.
 
Culture Passes:
Columbus Clippers
  • Free passes for 2 adults and up to 4 children or seniors
  • Bleachers, lawn, or standing room only
  • Present your pass at the Center Field Ticket Window (Neil Ave. & Nationwide Blvd.)
  • Sundays, April 19; May 3 and 24; June 7 and 21; July 5 and 19; August 2, 16, and 23; and September 6 and 20 at 1:05 PM
  • Free admission to Columbus Museum of Art OR Pizzuti (one pass required per visit) for 2 adults/seniors and up to 4 children under 18 
  • $5 parking at Columbus Museum of Art (Broad St. only)
  • Includes entry to special exhibitions, plus 10% off purchases at the Museum Store and Schokko Cafe. (Broad St. only)
  • Use the pass anytime.
Dawes Arboretum
  • Free admission for up to 6 people (children under age 5 are free)
  • Pass expires one month after checkout
  • Valid only for general admission; excludes registered programs and events
  • Cannot be used for entry during the member-only hour from 8:00-9:00am
  • Free pass for every 4th grade student in Ohio to visit participating history-related museums and sites free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult
  • Passes may be printed from our public computers.
  • Free pass for all-day waterpark admission and pizza + drink voucher (expires December 20, 2026; blackout dates apply; children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult)
  • Ages 3-18
  • Elementary school: read 20 books
  • Middle school: 10 hours of reading
  • High school: 20 hours of reading
  • Pick up a Reading Tracker from the library. When you are done reading, come to the library and get a certificate.
 
Digitized Mechanicsburg High School Yearbooks
Select Mechanicsburg High School yearbooks have been digitized and are now available anywhere through a searchable website. Visit https://mechanicsburglibrary.wixsite.com/yearbooks to view and search select yearbooks from 1954 to 2021.
 
Disc Golf Kit
You can borrow discs to use for the Disc Golf Course at Goshen Park! Reserve your kit now: http://bit.ly/4duND9f. Kits include one driver disc for maximum distance, one mid-range disc for maximum control, and one putter disc for maximum precision in a drawstring backpack with a laminated instruction sheet/map.
 
Friends of the Library
Everyone is welcome to join the Friends at any of our meetings held every other month on the third Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. in the meeting room. For more information, visit our website or call (937) 834-2004.
 
Homework Help for All Ages
The Mechanicsburg Public Library offers homework help for all ages. This service is free!  Visit our website https://www.mechanicsburg.lib.oh.us/ or call 937-834-2004 for more information.
 
Hoopla Digital
Hoopla Digital is a service that includes instant access to over 500,000 eBooks, audiobooks, comics, streaming video (movies & television shows), and streaming music. Mechanicsburg patrons can borrow 10 items per month. Download the Hoopla Digital app or visit the Hoopla website to make an account with your library card! If you don't have a library card, you can get a digital card online. Hoopla is also compatible with Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, and Roku. Please call or stop by the library if you have questions about Hoopla.
 
Hotspots
Mechanicsburg Public Library lends Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots to help make information more accessible to community members. The Mobile Hotspot lending collection provides patrons greater access to the Internet away from the library. Hotspots may be checked out for two weeks (14 days) by patrons age 18 and older. To request a Hotspot, please call or stop by the library.
 
Kanopy
Using your Mechanicsburg Public Library card, you can access Kanopy. This streaming service has an extensive collection of narrative and documentary films, as well as TV series and kids content. Go to www.kanopy.com/mechanicsburg to get started today. Patrons will receive 15 tickets per month. Checking out items can range from 1-5 tickets, depending on length of running time. The viewing period is 3-21 days, depending on length of running time. Kids content does not require tickets; checking out a 30 day pass will let you access all kids content. Please contact the library if you have questions about using Kanopy.
 
Memory Kits
The Mechanicsburg Public Library purchased thirteen memory kits thanks to a generous grant from the Champaign County Memorial Foundation. These kits are able to be checked out and used for reminiscence therapy by people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The themed kits include a DVD and photo activity cards. According to MEternally, “connections can be made between those with dementia and those who love and care for them through pictures of things that they love and identify with. One picture in a video or a card can open a conversation and create a connection between people and the past.” Please call the library at 937-834-2004 if you have any questions or would like to request a kit.
 
Northstar Digital Literacy Training
Northstar Digital Literacy Training is available at Mechanicsburg Public Library! Training topics include Essential Computer Skills, Essential Software Skills, and Using Technology in Daily Life. Visit https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/launch-from/13401-KZZ2-mechanicsburg-public-library-oh0140 to make an account. Call the library at 937-834-2004 to register for a proctored assessment and earn a certificate you can show potential employers.
 
Rokus
Roku Express 4K+ devices are streaming dongles that connect to televisions via an HDMI port. They require a power source from a wall outlet. To stream, they also require a Wi-Fi network that is connected to the internet. Homes with internet service but without a Wi-Fi router cannot use these devices; however, Rokus may be able to be checked out along with a Wi-Fi mobile hotspot, pending availability. Through Roku Express 4K+ devices, patrons can access streaming content from both free and premium streaming services. Each Roku Express 4K+ device will have access to one of the following premium subscription services: Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+. Rokus are also equipped with several free apps, including Hoopla, YouTube, and apps with children’s content.
 
Technology Trainer
Need help using your laptop or iPad?  Want to create a Facebook profile but don’t know how to get started?  Did you get a new smartphone and don't know how to use it?  We can help! Our Technology Trainer will be available on Tuesdays 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, and Fridays, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM to help with your technology troubles.  At this time, you can just drop in during the times they are at the library. There may be times they are not available due to scheduled programs, vacation or other obligations, so you may want to call 937-834-2004 to confirm they are working before you make a trip to the library.  When possible, this will be indicated on the event calendar.  
 
Wireless Printing
The library offers a wireless document printing service called Princh. You can print from your phone, tablet, or laptop and pay through credit/debit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. Visit our website or call 937-834-2004 for more information.
 

Looking for more?
Visit yourpubliclibrary.org.