book with heart

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear Readers,


National Library Week runs from April 6–12. So, gather your bookworm friends and family for an evening you won’t forget. Library staff will host a Trivia Night at Kweken Co. on April 11 at 7 pm with prepared trivia featuring beloved classic book trivia and other literary topics. Sign up in teams of four and come prepared for a night of friendly competition and literary fun. RSVP on the library website. This event highlights just one example of the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating National Library Week with us and to take advantage of the many resources and services we offer.


Happy reading, Lisa Johnson

FEATURED THIS MONTH:

Borrowing From Other Libraries

Discover More with Interlibrary Loan!

Did you know that your Orange City Public Library card unlocks access to books from libraries across Iowa? Through our Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service, you can request books from other libraries completely free! This service is FREE because of funding through Enrich Iowa and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.


Even better, as part of a seven-library consortium in Sioux County—including Orange City, Alton, Boyden, Hawarden, Hospers, Hull, and Rock Valley

—you can easily borrow books and use your library card at any of these locations. Books can be put on reserve from any of these libraries right from our online catalog and set to be delivered to your library of choice. This is made possible by the State Library of Iowa IA Shares delivery service funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services.


Expand your reading possibilities today! Stop by the library or visit our website to learn more about interlibrary loan and our consortium partnership.

BOOK TALK:

Book Review: Sunrise On The Reaping

Since its announcement on June 6, 2024, I have been anxiously awaiting Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. This latest installment in the Hunger Games series is another Prequel to the originals, following Haymitch Abernathy in the 50th games, the second Quarter Quell. What I thought was going to be a more detailed account of the games we learned about in Catching Fire, turned out to be the missing link between A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and the original trilogy. Until this book, all of what we knew of Haymitch came

from Katniss's perspective—that he was drunk, surly, aggressive, and rough around the edges. While that isn't untrue, it is not the full picture, and this book fills in the gaps. Suzanne Collins brilliantly weaves together another narrative of this story, tying in subtle commentary about war, propaganda, and the motif of hope for liberation. This book also sets the stage for deeper meaning to be gleaned from the original trilogy, and expands upon existing symbolism from across all the books, contributing to a sense that this book has been in play the whole time. By hearing Haymitch's perspective of his story, we get added depth to our understanding of Haymitch, the way he operates, and just how deeply he feels for and with Katniss throughout her journey. From beginning to end, I was hooked on Haymitch's story. If you were a fan of the originals, I would recommend picking this one up from the library soon!     -Submitted by Victoria

APRIL EVENTS

Visit our website for more details on these events and others coming up.

All Ages

TODAY'S THE DAY - March Madness Title Swap. Come share what book is tops in your court. If you can't make it, email us your top title to be included in an upcoming book display.

MARCH MADNESS 

TITLE SWAP

Tuesday, April 1

6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

March Madness is upon us, and here at the library things are heating up! Pick up your very own Book Bracket at the library, and fill it out with titles from your To Be Read list! Update your bracket throughout the month as you read those books, and join us on April 1st for a Title Swap. There, you will get to share your March Madness Winner, and hear from others about their winners for the month, which you may also be interested in reading.

TECH TUESDAY

Tuesdays in April

2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Do you have questions about your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other digital devices? Need help navigating the internet, setting up an email account, or using library e-resources? We’re here to help! Just drop in with your device or questions.

DOG THERAPY WITH LIBBY KARSSEN

Monday, April 14

4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

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!

Adults

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE - WATERCOLOR STUDIO WITH JUDY THOMPSON

Tuesday, April 1

6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Over the course of this workshop, Judy will engage with our community through demonstrations, 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.

ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLASS

Mondays, through April 28

6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

English Conversation Class for intermediate to advanced learners.

To sign up contact Anna, abartlett@orangecitylibrary.org

SETTLERS OF CATAN GAME NIGHT 

Thursday, April 3

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Come play Settlers of Catan at the library!  We will provide the space, the game, and snacks.  Come with a friend or two or make new friends!

Registration preferred.

TRIVIA NIGHT

Friday, April 11

7:00 am to 8:30 pm

Join us for an evening of fun and games at Kweken Co.!  Library staff will be hosting a trivia night, featuring some beloved classic book trivia, as well as other literary topics.  Gather your team of four and sign up.

Registration required.

Youth

RAPUNZEL'S ESCAPE MINECRAFT EVENT

Friday, April 11

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

3rd-8th Grade. In this event themed Rapunzel’s Escape, you will partner with friends to search for clues and resources that can help you get safely to the ground and escape!  Afterwards, use your creativity to build your own castle.
Registration and $10 payment required.

3-YEAR-OLD ART CLASS 

Tuesday, April 15

9:30 am to 10:00 am

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 an adult helper required.

4-5-YEAR-OLD ART CLASS 

Tuesday, April 15

10:15 am to 10:45 am

This Art Class is designed especially for 4-5 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 an adult helper required.

DÍA DE LOS NIÑOS / DÍA DE LOS LIBROS 

Saturday, April 26

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Celebrate Day of Children / Day of Books at the Orange City Public Library! This bilingual event will include crafts and activities, stories, a game of lotería, and free books!

¡Celebre el Día de los Niños / Día de los Libros en la Biblioteca Pública de Orange City! ¡Este evento bilingüe incluirá manualidades y actividades, historias, un juego de lotería y libros gratis!

READ FOR APRIL:

National Poetry Month

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