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Welcome to our new Executive Director!
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The Joseph T. Simpson Public Library Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the selection of Elizabeth “Lizzy” Baldwin Seidel as their new Executive Director.
Lizzy’s hiring is part of a planned retirement succession plan for the current Executive Director Sue Erdman, who will retire on February 15, 2026 after 29 years of service as Simpson Library’s Executive Director.
Lizzy was most recently the District Consultant for York County Libraries, and her prior experience includes Director of the Guthrie Memorial Library in Hanover and Library Manager at two branches of the Dauphin County Library System. |
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Board President Thomas Topolski said, “After a wide and lengthy search for a new Executive Director, we're fortunate to have found Lizzy to lead our Library upon Sue’s retirement. While we'll greatly miss Sue's leadership, wisdom, and dedication to the Simpson Library, Lizzy's experience, leadership, and passion for library services make her a worthy successor to Sue and to continue Simpson's legacy of service to our community.”
Lizzy began her employment with Simpson Library on November 10. “I am very excited to begin my time at Simpson! I am hopeful that I can build on the legacy that Sue has crafted over her time here and learn from everyone to carry Simpson Library on into the future,” said Seidel.
Please join us in thanking Sue for her years of service and welcoming Lizzy to Simpson Library! |
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Holiday Hours
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Wednesday, December 31 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Thursday, January 1 Closed
Happy New Year from all of us at Simpson Public Library!
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Winter Reading Programs
For Children and TeensEnds January 15 |
Children and Teens can earn prizes for reading and logging their books from December 15, 2025 - January 15, 2026 during the Winter Reading Program. Pick up a reading log at the library or print one from our website. Cozy up with a good book this winter with the added bonus of earning prizes! Learn more.
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Discover Disney
Saturday, January 2411:00 am - 12:30 pm |
Calling all parents and Disney lovers! Come to this fun, informative session to learn the ins and outs of planning a Disney vacation. Everyone knows Disney is wonderful, and our presenter, Lane Laporta from Memory Lane Travel Company, will share tips to get the most out of your trip and make it as affordable as possible. There are dinner reservations to make, Lightning Lanes to navigate, autograph books to fill, and pins to collect. Get the inside scoop at this fun event! There will be Disney trivia, door prizes, snacks, and other freebies. Learn more.
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Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Saturday, January 3110:30 am - 11:30 am or
3:30 - 4:30 pm |
Wouldn't your stuffed animal love a sleepover at the library? Bring a stuffed animal to the library on Saturday, January 31. There are two sessions, one at 10:30 am and the other at 3:30 PM. Then return on Sunday, February 1 at 1:15 (for the first session) or 2:00 pm (for the second session) to pick up your stuffed animal and see what mischief it was up to overnight!
Learn more. |
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Beautify the Barriers
Applications Available
The Beautify the Barriers project will begin it's 6th year! Near the exit of our parking lot is a line of formerly plain concrete "jersey" barriers. Throughout the month of May, selected artists and community members paint their colorful designs onto the barriers, each interpreting the Summer Learning Program theme in a unique way. If you would like to participate, please fill out an application with your proposed design. Applications will be available in early January on the main level of the library. |
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Click on the image below for all of the programs and classes we offer for adults!
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| English Conversation Group Monday, January 12 and Monday, January 26 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Come and hear some new ways we can help you improve your English speaking. Our English Conversation Group offers games and topics to make conversations and learning fun. This program is free. No registration required. Learn more.
Location: Held in the Library's lower level Meeting Room B. |
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| Apple Users Group Friday, January 23 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Every month our instructor shares new features and tips about your Apple iPhones and iPads plus answers your questions. There is something new each month! Learn more. Location: The Learning and Book Sale Center, 45 W. Allen St. |
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| Trivia at Home: 2025 Year in Review Saturday, January 24
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Join us for a light-hearted look back at the standout moments of 2025 - everything from pop culture and science to quirky headlines. No heavy politics, just good company, good laughs, and a chance to see how much you remember of the past year. Learn more. |
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| Tea and Stitches Every Tuesday January 6, 13, 20 and 27
10:00 - 12:00 am Join us for a cup of tea as you work on your stitching project. Crochet, knitting, cross-stitch, embroidery — all are welcome! Attendees can meet other stitching enthusiasts in the area and learn from one another. Learn more.
Location: The Learning and Book Sale Center, 45 W. Allen St. |
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| Library Time Every Thursday January 8, 15, 22 and 29
11:15 - 11:35 am A modified Story Time for adults with intellectual disabilities. Adults with disabilities and their caregivers can join us for picture book stories and songs in a supportive and enjoyable environment. Learn more.
Location: Held in the Library's lower level Meeting Rooms A & B |
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| Mah Jongg Every Thursday January 8, 15, 22 and 29
10:00 am - 1:00 pm Come play American Mah Jongg every Thursday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Mah Jongg is a fascinating rummy-like game you play with tiles rather than cards.
If you're new to Mah Jongg, please sign up for a four-part beginner's training session held on the first four Thursdays of each month. Learn more. Location: The Learning and Book Sale Center, 45 W. Allen St.
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Click on the image below for all of the programs and classes we offer for children!
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| Kindergarten Readiness Class Thursday, January 8 1:00 - 2:15 pm
Will your child be attending kindergarten in Fall 2026? Kindergarten Readiness Class is your child’s bridge to kindergarten! It is designed to help children make a smooth transition from preschool into kindergarten next fall. Only children who will be attending kindergarten in Fall 2026 are invited to attend this program with their caregivers.
Learn more. |
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| Tales for TAILS Monday, January 19 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Looking for a friendly, cuddly, and attentive listener? Join us for Tales for TAILS (Therapy Animals Increase Literacy Skills) where children read out loud to trained therapy dogs. Ages: Grades K-5. Parents must remain at the library while their child attends Tales for TAILS!
Learn more. |
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| Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Tuesday, January 20
6:30 - 8:00 pm Learn about breastfeeding in a friendly supportive class every month! Cassy Leadbeater, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) will be offering free help and support.
Learn more. |
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Learn to Paint: Cardinal in the Snow
Thursday, January 29 6:00 - 7:00 pm |
This Learn to Paint class is for children in grades K-5. Come join us as we learn to paint a cardinal in the snow. Registration is required. Learn more.
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| Toddler Time ( toddlers on the go)
Mondays 11:15am or 11:40am
Wednesdays 10:45am or 6:00pm Thursdays 10:45am |
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Storybook STEAM
Tuesdays 6:00pm |
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Rhyme Time (for babies)
Wednesdays 10:15am or 5:30pm Thursdays 10:15am
Story Time (ages 4 to 6 years) Mondays 10:15am Wednesdays 1:30pm |
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Click on the image below for all of the programs and classes we offer for teens!
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| | Saturday, January 10
2:00 - 3:00 pm Join the new Teen Advisory Group to earn community service hours, gain leadership skills, and make a difference! You'll help Simpson Library by sharing your ideas on events and improvements!
Learn more. |
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| Dungeons and Dragons Friday, January 9 and 23 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Calling all you Teen Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes and all other fantastical races of beings! Join us for epic adventures and campaigns with experienced Dungeon Masters! Learn more. |
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| Thursday, January 15 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Make a new art project every month! This month we'll make calming jars. Learn more. |
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Tween Scene
Monday, January 26 6:00 - 7:00 pm Students in grades 4-8 are invited to come to the library to make new friends and to try new activities on the fourth Monday of each month. Join us for a fun event! This month we'll have a LEGO challenge!
Learn more. |
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Red Robin Dine-Out
Tuesday, January 13 4:00 - 8:00 pm |
Enjoy some classic American food at Red Robin on the Carlisle Pike and you'll be supporting the Friends of the Library at the same time. Red Robin will donate 20% of the cost of your meal to the Friends! Bring in a dine-out flyer or mention the fundraiser to your server. Your online order for curbside pickup also counts! Just follow the instructions on the flyer.
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Meeting Rooms at Simpson Library
The meeting rooms at Simpson Public Library can be used by community organizations for their meetings and by anyone needing a quiet place to work or study. To reserve a meeting room at Simpson Public Library, click here:
If you want to reserve a room at the Learning and Book Sale Center or have any questions, please contact the reference desk at mechanicsburg@cumberlandcountylibraries.org or 717-766-0171. |
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Joseph T. Simpson Public Library
| 16 N. Walnut St.
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
717-766-0171
mechanicsburg@cumberlandcountylibraries.org
www.simpsonlibrary.org |
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