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The Orange City Public Library is CLOSED for New Year's Day.
We will reopen on Thurday, January 2 at 9 am.
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Dear Readers, Happy New Year!
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community for making 2024 an incredible year at the library. Your support and participation have been invaluable.
In 2024, our library readers saved over $3.5 million by using the library! Over 158,000 items were checked out, with the top books being The Women by Kristin Hannah for adults and Tiger Family Trip (a Daniel Tiger book) for kids.
Don't forget to check out some winter reading and join our Winter Reading Challenge! A great read to start with is our 2025 One Book One Sioux County selection, "The Frozen River" by Ariel Lawhon.
We look forward to serving you in the new year and wish you all a joyous holiday season! Warm regards, Lisa Johnson, Director |
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FEATURED THIS MONTH:
Winter Reading Program & ReadSquared | |
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Illuminate your mind this winter with the Library's Winter Reading Program! This year’s program is packed with engaging events for all ages, including book discussions, story times, creative workshops, and fun activities with friends. Whether you’re looking to discover your next favorite read or to connect with the community through special events, there’s something for everyone. View our January events at the end of the newsletter and visit our library calendar to see the rest of the season's events and to sign up for those requiring registration.
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Don’t miss the chance to participate in our Reading Challenge for all ages. Track your reading progress for a chance to win prizes! Pick up a paper log in the library or save a tree and track reading online using the ReadSquared app or website. In ReadSquared you can also earn digital badges, play games, and record and review books that you have read.
How many minutes and books can we read cumulatively as a community? |
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BOOK TALK:
The Magic of Reading Together | |
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When my kids were little, some of our best times were spent with a book in hand. From the giggles over silly stories to the “just one more chapter!” nights, those moments are some of my most cherished memories. Even as they got older, sharing stories gave us a way to bond and create conversations.
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Reading together is a tradition that goes way back for me. I still fondly remember my mom reading to me every night, from picture books on to chapter books as I got older. She poured so much love into those moments, even if she didn’t often read just for herself. It’s been a joy to pass that same gift on to my children.
Now on to the facts: Did you know that reading to your child is one of the best ways to help them grow? It’s never too early—or too late—to start! From snuggly storytime with your baby to sharing chapter books with your school-age kiddo, reading together builds skills and memories that last a lifetime.
🌟 For Babies:
Even if they don’t understand the words yet, your voice is magic to them. The sing-song rhythm of your reading helps their brain grow, and bright, colorful picture books keep their eyes (and curiosity) glued to the page.
🌟 For Toddlers and Preschoolers:
This is when things really get fun! Storytime helps them learn new words, basic ideas like shapes and numbers, and how to love a good story. Plus, those silly voices you use? They make all the difference!
🌟 For Big Kids:
Yes, even school-age kids love being read to! It boosts their reading skills, helps them understand more complicated stories, and gives you a chance to chat about the big ideas in the books you’re sharing. And honestly, who doesn’t love an excuse to curl up and read together?
Keep it Fun: - Pick books they’re excited about—dinosaurs, princesses, space, whatever makes their eyes light up.
- Use goofy voices and sound effects (extra points for dramatic pauses!).
- Let them help! They can turn the pages, finish sentences, or tell you what happens next.
Reading together isn’t just about books—it’s about bonding, learning, and creating special moments. So grab a book, a blanket, and your little (or big) one. Adventure awaits! -Submitted by Amy |
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Visit our website for more details on these events and others coming up.
| Our Winter Reading Challenge begins January 20 and runs through March 1. Keep track of your reading through the ReadSquared app or website, or pick up a paper log at the library closer to the 20th. There are prizes to be won! |
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Pick up a small (4"x4") painting kit between January 6-17 at the front desk, and then return it to the library by January 18 to be included in our Tiny Art Show. We will display these tiny canvases at the library from January 20-31.
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Looking to feel more comfortable around dogs? Need a little extra love? Or do you just love dogs? Join us at this drop-in dog therapy session!
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Start planning your perfect garden now! Nine Square Feet is providing a selection of seeds to choose from, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Everyone who attends the Seed Swap and Giveaway can select free seed packets, whether they have seeds to swap or not.
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3rd - 8th Grade. Compete to build the best gingerbread house at this collaborative Minecraft extravaganza with TD3 Innovative Gaming. Registration and $10 payment required.
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This Art Class is designed especially for 3-year-old children, combining fun and education in a vibrant, imaginative setting. Led by art educator Kim Byma, this class promises a delightful and enriching experience for every young participant.
Registration and adult helper required.
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This Art Class is designed especially for 4 and 5-year-old children, combining fun and education in a vibrant, imaginative setting. Led by art educator Kim Byma, this class promises a delightful and enriching experience for every young participant.
Registration and adult helper required. |
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Kindergarten-5th Grade. Kids, get ready for an afternoon of fun and adventure with board games at the library! Join us for a special event where you’ll learn and play a variety of exciting board games designed just for you.
Registration required.
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Movin' & Groovin' Sensory Story Time
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Move and groove in this unique story time with active stories, song and dance, and sensory-rich toys. Featuring Five Little Ducks, this story time keeps kids moving and is a great introduction to story time. Designed for ages birth-3 and caretakers, but all are welcome!
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Join us for stories, wigglers, and crafts geared for children ages 3–6 and their caregivers, but all are welcome!
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LEGO CLUB
Fridays, January 24 & 31 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm |
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Kindergarten-4th Grade. Calling all young builders and creative minds! Join us for our Early Out Lego program. This fun and engaging program is designed for kids grades K-4 to explore their creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and have a blast building with LEGO bricks.
Registration required. |
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6th-12th Grade. Join us for a collagraph and Styrofoam printmaking class, led by local art teacher Amy Sharar! Collagraph printmaking involves building up pieces of cardboard to make layers, whereas a Styrofoam printing plate is created by making indents into the Styrofoam. This class is perfect for tweens and teens eager to explore new art techniques and create their own unique prints to take home.
Registration and $5 payment required.
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Join our conversation class for intermediate to advanced Spanish language learners. Practice your Spanish speaking skills in a casual and friendly setting to increase your confidence with the language.
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Join us for our monthly Book Club, where book lovers come together to discuss a wide range of literary genres, from contemporary fiction to timeless classics. This month we’ll be discussing the book "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson. Multiple copies of the book are available for checkout at the library.
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Come share your current read with others, then quietly read uninterrupted in our cozy reading nook! No socializing required!
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Over the course of her workshops, Judy will engage with our community through demonstrations in open studio sessions, inviting participants to explore their own creative expressions.
This is an open studio where you will have time to paint, get encouragement, and experiment in a collaborative setting. Please bring your paintings-in-progress to work on in class. Judy will be available for individualized instruction, demonstrations, and critiques as requested. Registration and $10 payment required for each date. |
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A knowledgeable staff member will be available to provide one-on-one assistance with your tech-related inquiries. Whether you’re a beginner or someone who needs help troubleshooting a specific issue, we’re here to support you.
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READ FOR JANUARY:
National Hobby Month | |
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