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Hi Readers! The turn of the calendar often signals a fresh start and big goals. We at the library are here to help turn those resolutions into reality. Whether you are hoping to read more, learn a new skill, advance your career, improve your health, or simply make time for creativity and connection, the library has the resources and welcoming spaces to support your every goal. From children and teens to adults and seniors, there is something for everyone. Even as the seconds turn into hours, days, weeks, and months, you can be sure that we remain committed to supporting the curiosity and learning of our community.
So why not, in this New Year of 2026, make a resolution that lasts: visit your library.
From all of us to all of you, Happy New Year!
Warm regards, Lisa Johnson |
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FEATURED THIS MONTH:
Nonfiction Books | |
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The library is full of wonderful fiction for pure reading joy—but don’t forget our treasure trove of nonfiction, ready to feed your curiosity and inspire your next project, trip, or hobby.
Planning a vacation? Browse our travel guides and start dreaming.
Hoping to refresh your meal rotation? Our cookbook section is packed with delicious ideas.
Looking for your next Christian book study? You’ll find plenty in the 200s.
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Want to brush up on football, fishing, or that card game you haven't played in years? We’ve got books for that, too.
Thinking of growing flowers or arranging your own bouquets? Explore our gardening and crafting titles.
Curious about an event or person from the past? The 900s have you covered.
Whatever you’re hoping to learn, chances are it’s waiting on our shelves—and if not, we’re happy to borrow it for you through interlibrary loan.
To make exploring even easier, here’s a quick guide to the Dewey Decimal System used throughout our nonfiction section. And of course, our staff is always glad to help you find exactly what you need. - 000s: Generalities (Computers, Encyclopedias, Library Science)
- 100s: Philosophy & Psychology (Ethics, Logic, Self-Help)
- 200s: Religion & Mythology (Bible, World Religions, Myths)
- 300s: Social Sciences (Government, Law, Economics, Education, Folklore)
- 400s: Language (Dictionaries, Language Learning like Spanish, Italian)
- 500s: Natural Sciences & Math (Plants, Animals, Physics, Astronomy)
- 600s: Technology & Applied Sciences (Medicine & Health, Engineering, Cooking, Farming, Home & Family Management)
- 700s: The Arts & Recreation (Music, Sports, Painting, Photography, Architecture, Games)
- 800s: Literature (Poetry, Plays)
- 900s: Geography & History (Travel, World History, Specific Countries)
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BOOK TALK:
"The Correspondent" by Virginia Evans | |
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As a staff member, I pay close attention to new books as they arrive -- especially those by debut authors. And of course, I scour the reviews and talk to fellow readers before I decide to delve in. I have learned that this is not a fool-proof method, but in the case of The Correspondent, the hype is spot on.
First of all, the structure is unique as the entire story is told through letters. I admit that knowing this did give me pause. If you are also holding back for this very reason, please put your concerns aside and grab a copy of this remarkable book. From the very first letter I was all in. |
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Sybil Van Antwerp, a retired attorney, is the correspondent of this story. Intelligence, sharp wit, and irascibility characterize her personality which crackles through her writing. I loved that she unabashedly wrote to real life authors such as Ann Patchett, Diana Gabaldon, and Abraham Verghese (favorites of mine!)-- and actually received replies. More importantly, though, it is her letters to family and friends that unveil important relationships and slowly reveal a life which has been both rewarding and painful.
A clear mark of a well-drawn character is one who is neither all good nor all bad, one who is layered with the various thoughts and emotions and desires that make us human. One who carries within her the kinds of complex life experiences that shape us all. So it is with Sybil, a character I came to love and will not soon forget.
-reviewed by Gail
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CHESS CLUB
Thursdays, January 22 - March 26 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm |
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ALL AGES Whether you are a master or a beginner, whether 5 or 50, all are welcome at chess club! Join instructor Jake Peters every Thursday, where he will provide opportunities to play chess, offer individual and group coaching, and demonstrate the lessons and exercises he has developed throughout his years of coaching. If you want to learn, grow at, or simply play chess, please join us!
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ALL AGES Nine Square Feet is partnering with Iowa libraries to host the largest simultaneous statewide seed swap ever on National Seed Swap Day.
Like a traditional seed swap, “swappers” are encouraged to bring packaged and labeled seeds, saved from plants grown last year, to swap and share with the community. But unlike most seed swaps, free seeds are available to all attendees, even those that have no seeds to swap. Every adult attendee can select up to five free seed packets, and children under 12 can pick two free packets of their very own. |
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Join us for an hour of relaxed, engaging conversation en español! This is not a formal class, but a chance for intermediate and advanced Spanish speakers to practice their language skills and chat for an hour in Spanish about a variety of topics.
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English Conversation Group for intermediate to advanced learners – meets on Monday evenings.
To sign up for the class, contact Anna. |
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ART CLUB
Tuesdays, January 20, February 17, March 17 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm |
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Art Club, overseen by artist April Benson from Orange City Arts, is a time and space where you can socialize with other artists while working on your current art work. There will also be opportunity to give and receive feedback on your current work in progress. Stop in with your current project and supplies and enjoy time with other artists.
*There will also be events in February and March. |
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Local author Erin Vander Stelt will join us for an author talk about her book "The Dark Mage," which was released this fall.
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Coffee and books, what could be better?! Try different coffee styles and brew methods, learn a brief history of coffee in the United States, and get some book recommendations that pair well with the different styles
*Registration Required. Held at Kweken Co. |
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GRADE 6-12 These training sessions are for youth who are interested in helping in our children's events. Volunteer tasks may include: giving one-on-one assistance creating something, taking pictures, retrieving supplies, and cleaning up afterwards.
*Only one training session is required. |
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GRADES 5-12 Join us for an afternoon of crafting, snacks, and socializing.
*Registration Required for Each Date. |
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This story time is geared for babies, toddlers, and caregivers. We begin our time together with sensory play and then move into songs and stories. This season's book is "Peek-A-Boo Zoo."
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Join us for this season’s Story Time with books, songs, crafts, and more! This season, we will be focusing on the themes of Community and Friendship.
Meets Thursday mornings at 9:30 am from January 22-March 26. We’ll have a few extra special Story Times in the mix: Windmill Park Jewelers on January 29 (see listing below), and Dutch American Heritage Museum on March 19. |
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LEGO CLUB
Fridays, January 23, February 13, March 6 & 27 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm |
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KINDERGARTEN-GRADE 4 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 for Each Date |
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GRADES 5-12 Come fight monsters and complete challenges to finish your quest and earn your camp beads at this Percy Jackson event. And of course, it wouldn't be a party without some themed snacks and treats too!
*Registration Required |
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This week's Preschool Story Time will meet at Windmill Park Jewelers in downtown Orange City. We'll learn about what a jeweler does, see all the fancy items they have, and enjoy a good book or two.
*Registration Required |
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DOMINOES
Fridays, January 30, February 20, March 13 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm |
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KINDERGARTEN-GRADE 4 Get ready to set up, and then knock down, some crazy domino chains! Each session, we will be learning a new strategy for setting up more complex domino structures, and after setting them up, we get to knock them all down!
*Registration Required for Each Date |
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READ FOR JANUARY:
Find a Recipe for Slow Cooking Month | |
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