Orange City Public Library Winter & Spring Classes, Events, Exhibits, and Programs:
January 2-May 20, 2024
Creatively You: Celebrating the Creativity in Each of Us
Winter Reading Challenge Program: January 22- March 9 – There’s Snow Better Time to Read
The 2024 Winter Reading Challenge will run from January 22 until March 9 for all ages. Kids under 11 can choose a prize for 250 minutes of reading and 500 minutes. For ages 11-111, every two hours spent reading earns you an entry into our prize drawing! You could win: books, food coupons, gift cards, and more!
Earn entries however you read — whether that be book, e-book, audiobook, newspaper, or magazine. Sign up on READsquared or pick up a paper log in the library.
Ruth Suckow, 1892-1960, A Tribute to the life and literary treasures of this amazing Iowa author: March 11-April 5 – Robert Frost, poet, in a letter to Suckow – “How you can write and remember.” Exhibit is open to the public for viewing. Come in and enjoy learning about this impactful local author from the past.
Tulip Festival Student Art Shows: May 6-May 20– Come and view the beautiful art featured by elementary and middle school students from MOC-FV and OCCS schools.
Dog Therapy With Libby, Layla, & Lottie: 2nd Mondays, January 8-May 13, 4:00-5:00 pm
Makerspace Mondays: Mondays, January 8-May 6, 6:00-7:45 pm – Every Monday except for April 1, 2024, adults can come to the library to work in a common drop-in design space with other adults. If you want to connect with others while you knit, craft, write, work, create, invent, trade ideas, trade recipes, or even play a game, this is the space for you. Assistance will be available with projects, crafts, editing, technology, or other questions.
Nine Square Feet’s 9th Annual Seed Swap: Saturday, February 24, 10:30 am-12:30 pm – The Orange City Public Library is one of forty Iowa library partners hosting the largest simultaneous statewide seed swap ever! Vegetables and herbs, flowers, and native prairie species. Small-space selections. Easy-to-grow varieties. Perennial and pollinator-friendly selections. Each adult attendee can choose up to 5 FREE packets of seeds and children (12 and under) can pick 2 free packets of their very own.
Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros: Saturday, April 27, 10:00 am-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.
Outdoor Dutch Story Walk: May 13-18 – Come, stroll along the sidewalk, and read the Dutch story of The Cow Who Fell in the Canal.
Adult Event Calendar
Board Games and Snacks: Tuesday, January 2, 6:30 pm – Let the library host the casual get-together you’ve been meaning to schedule with friends. We will provide the space, the snacks, our collection of board games and yard games, and you decide what you would like to do. No need to plan or stress, just come and enjoy.
Paper Marbling – Thursday, January 18, 6:30 pm – Learn the ancient Japanese art of paper marbling and create a marbled work of art to hang in your house, use as stationary or gift wrapping, and so much more. Registration required.
Card Design with Stampin’ Up – Tuesday, January 30, 6:30 pm – Come and design two birthday cards and one thank you card. Sip on a hot beverage and visit with friends while you create. No previous stamping experience is necessary. Shari Fedders, from Stampin’ Up will instruct. Class size limited to 12 participants. Cost: $10.00. Registration required.
Board Games and Snacks: Tuesday, February 6, 6:30 pm
Bound Creativity: Book Binding: Thursdays, February 8, 15, 22, 29, 5:30-7:30 pm – Join artist and instructor, Amy Sharar, to create unique and beautiful journals that can captivate your thoughts or original artwork. The first book is a Japanese stab binding stitch using book board covered with your choice of book cloth. There will be several choices. The second book will be a soft cover and the cover is connected to the book by paper “tapes” that are sewn into the book block. Depending on the time frame, a 3rd book may be introduced. Ages 9th grade-adult. Class limited to 12 participants, minimum 6. $40. Registration required.
Film Screening & Charcuterie: Tuesday, February 27, 5:00 pm – Fancy yourself a film critic? Or simply want a movie night out? Come to the library’s film screening of the award-winning O Brother, Where Art Thou? We will serve charcuterie and beverages for you to enjoy while you watch. After the movie viewing, Mark Volkers will lead a casual discussion about the movie. Class size limited to 12 participants. $12. Registration required.
Board Games and Snacks: Tuesday, March 5, 6:30 pm
Love to Race, Author Visit with Amber Sawyer: Tuesday, March 5, 6:30 pm – Author Amber Sawyer will present her children’s book entitled Love to Race based on the true story of harness racehorse, Derek Bromac N. Refreshments will be provided as you enjoy this interactive educational and fun experience.
Ruth Suckow Readers Theatre: Tuesday, March 19, 6:30 pm – Author James Schaap and company will present a Readers Theatre entitled A Great Mollie based on the short story by Ruth Suckow. Refreshments will be provided as you enjoy this unique performance.
Ruth Suckow Book Discussion: Monday, April 1, 6:30 pm – led by author James Schaap. Come enjoy snacks, drinks, and great conversation about the book Country People by Ruth Suckow. Reading the book is optional, but copies will be available for request at the front desk. Snacks and beverages provided.
Board Games and Snacks: Tuesday, April 2, 6:30 pm
Board Games and Snacks: Tuesday, May 7, 6:30 pm
Adult Event Calendar
Teen/Tween Event Calendar
Paper Airplane Design and Flying Competition: Thursday, January 25, 3:45-4:45 pm – Class size limited to 20 participants. $5. Located at City Hall. Registration required.
Bound Creativity: Book Binding: Thursdays, February 8, 15, 22, 29, 5:30-7:30 pm – Join artist and instructor, Amy Sharar, to create a unique and beautiful journal that can captivate your thoughts or original artwork. The first book is a Japanese stab binding stitch using book board covered with your choice of book cloth. There will be several choices. The second book will be a soft cover and the cover is connected to the book by paper “tapes” that are sewn into the book block. Depending on the time frame, a 3rd book may be introduced. Ages 9th grade-adult. Class limited to 12 participants, minimum 6. $40. Registration required.
Minecraft Roller Coaster Challenge: Tuesday, February 20, 4:00-6:00 pm – Grades 3-8. Gather together and embark on an exhilarating adventure where creativity meets science in this Minecraft challenge. TD3 Innovative Gaming, along with the Library, will provide the necessary computers and accounts needed for this collaborative Minecraft challenge. Class size limited to 8 participants. $10. Registration required.
Love to Race, Author Visit with Amber Sawyer: Tuesday, March 5, 6:30 pm – Author Amber Sawyer will present her children’s book entitled Love to Race based on the true story of harness racehorse, Derek Bromac N. Refreshments will be provided as you enjoy this interactive educational and fun experience.
Pi Code Breakers Escape Room: Thursday, March 14, 3:45-4:45 pm – Join us for an incredible Pi Code Breaker challenge as we celebrate Pi Day together. Food and beverages included. Class size limited to 12 participants. $5. Registration required.
Minecraft City Builder Extravaganza: Tuesday, March 26, 4:00-6:00 pm – Grades 3-8. Work together to design and construct the most fantastic Minecraft city imaginable with soaring skyscrapers, daring bridges, and bustling airports. TD3 Innovative Gaming, along with the Library, will provide the necessary computers and accounts needed for this collaborative Minecraft challenge. Class size limited to 8 participants. $10. Registration required.
Rubik’s Cubes: Thursday, April 11, 3:45-4:45 pm – Generations have been puzzled by the colorful Rubik’s Cube. But once you know the secrets, solving the cube can become a simple and enjoyable activity. Come learn from Preston Hoebelheinrich (Mr. H) and see how it’s done. Class size limited to 10 participants. Registration required.
Minecraft Space Drop Exploration: Tuesday, April 23, 4:00-6:00 pm – Grades 3-8. In this “out–of–this–world” Minecraft program, players journey to the Moon where they will explore moon craters, search for signs of alien life, and work together to build a lunar base! TD3 Innovative Gaming, along with the Library, will provide the necessary computers and accounts needed for this collaborative Minecraft challenge. Class size limited to 8 participants. $10. Registration required.
Teen/Tween Event Calendar
Kids Event Calendar
2nd-4th Grade Art & Craft Class: Fridays, January 19-March 22, 10:00-11:00 am – Explore famous artists as we travel through history together. All supplies are included. Join the fun and sign up for the series. Class limited to 10 participants. $10 for 10 classes. Registration required.
Early Out Free Play LEGO: Fridays, January 26, February 9, February 23, March 8 & March 22, 1:45-2:45 pm – Join us for a fun combination of stories and LEGO building that encourages imagination. Grades K-4, class limited to 10 participants. Registration required for each event you plan to attend.
Early Out Chess: Fridays, February 2, February 16, March 1 & March 15, March 29, 1:45-2:45 pm – Join in the chess fun! Whether you are a beginner or an expert player, there is something for everyone. If you are looking to learn the game, our chess teacher will be on hand. If you would like to challenge someone to a game or two, this is the place to meet up with other chess enthusiasts. Grades K-4, class limited to 10 participants. Registration required for each event you plan to attend.
Early Out Movie & Popcorn: Fridays, January 26-March 29, 1:45-3:15 pm – Enjoy a movie with some popcorn on early out Fridays. Event limited to 12 participants. Registration required for each event you plan to attend.
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- February 2 – Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
- February 9 – Space Jam: A New Legacy
- February 16 – Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- February 23 – Rumble
- March 1 – The Little Mermaid (2023)
- March 8 – Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
- March 15 – Teenage Kraken
- March 22 – The Swan Princess: A Fairy Tale is Born
- March 29 – Strange World
STEAM Challenge K-1st Grade (Students require an adult helper): Tuesday, January 23, 3:45-4:45 pm – Anytime can be the right time to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). Join us for art activities, experiments, engineering challenges, and demonstrations with fun hands-on STEAM activities! Materials are provided and the STEAM learning is limitless. Class limited to 8 participants. $5. Registration required.
STEAM Challenge Grades 2-4: Tuesday, January 30, 3:45-4:45 pm – Anytime can be the right time to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). Join us for art activities, experiments, engineering challenges, and demonstrations with fun hands-on STEAM activities! Materials are provided and the STEAM learning is limitless. Class limited to 8 participants. $5. Registration required.
Wood Scorching, K-1st Grade (Students require an adult helper): Tuesday, February 6, 3:45-4:45 pm – Students will be making an art piece using wood and scorch pens. Adults will then apply a heat gun to reveal the design. Students will be guided through each step of the process but also encouraged to make the picture their own. Instructed by Amy Baker, Bound with Fire. Class size limited to 9 participants. $15. Registration required.
Wood Scorching, Grades 2-4 (Students require an adult helper): Tuesday, February 13, 3:45-4:45 pm – Students will be making an art piece using wood and scorch pens. Adults will then apply a heat gun to reveal the design. Students will be guided through each step of the process but also encouraged to make the picture their own. Instructed by Amy Baker, Bound with Fire. Class size limited to 9 participants. $15. Registration required.
STEAM Challenge K-1st Grade (Students require an adult helper): Tuesday, February 20, 3:45-4:45 pm – $5. Registration required.
STEAM Challenge Grades 2-4: Tuesday, February 27, 3:45-4:45 pm – $5. Registration required.
Paper Airplane Design and Flying Competition for K-1st Grade (Students require an adult helper): Tuesday, March 5, 3:45-4:45 pm– Class size limited to 20 participants. $5. Located at City Hall. Registration required.
Love to Race, Author Visit with Amber Sawyer: Tuesday, March 5, 6:30 pm – Author Amber Sawyer will present her children’s book entitled Love to Race based on the true story of harness racehorse, Derek Bromac N. Refreshments will be provided as you enjoy this interactive educational and fun experience.
Paper Airplane Design and Flying Competition for 2nd-4th Grade: Tuesday, March 12, 3:45-4:45 pm – Class size limited to 20 participants. $5. Located at City Hall. Registration required.
STEAM Challenge K-1st Grade (Students require an adult helper): Tuesday, March 19, 3:45-4:45 pm – $5. Registration required.
STEAM Challenge Grades 2-4: Tuesday, March 26, 3:45-4:45 pm – $5. Registration required.
Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros: Saturday, April 27, 10:00 am-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.
Kids Event Calendar
Preschool Story Time: Wednesdays, January 24-March 27, 9:30 am – Join us for one bilingual story each week and several other stories, wigglers, and crafts geared for children ages 3-6 and their caregivers, but all are welcome!
Movin’ & Groovin’ Sensory Story Time: Thursdays, January 25-March 28, 9:30 am – Move and groove in this unique story time with active stories, song and dance, and sensory-rich toys. Featuring The Wheels on the Bus board book, 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!
Out & About Preschool Story Times
Out & About Story Time: 2nd Wednesdays, January 10-March 13, 3:45-4:30 pm – These special story times will take place at Kweken Co. You are invited to join us on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 3:45 p.m. for stories, songs, and wigglers! Geared for children ages 3-6 and their caregivers, but all are welcome!
Orange City Daycare Preschool Story Time: Wednesdays, January 17-March 27, 11:00 am-12:00 pm -These special story times take place once a month at the Orange City Area Daycare & Preschool for the 4-year-old preschool children.
Friday Care Preschool Story Time: Fridays, January 19-March 29, 10:00-11:00 am – These special story times take place once a month at the OCCS Friday Care location for the enrolled children.
April 7-13: National Library Week Ready, Set, Library! (65th Anniversary)
Scavenger Hunt – All Week
Monday, April 8
Complimentary Hot Drinks – All Day
Tuesday, April 9
Free Button Making – All Day
Wednesday, April 10
Cookie Giveaway – While Supplies Last
Thursday, April 11
Preschool Program – Special Preschool Story Time featuring books by Meg Medina (National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and Newbery award winning author Meg Medina will serve as 2024 Honorary Chair of National Library Week) – 9:30 am
Tween/Teen Program – Rubik’s Cubes – 3:45 pm
Friday, April 12
Kids Program- Early Out Movie & Popcorn featuring Sofia the First-The Secret Library – 1:45 pm
Saturday, April 13
Free Copies (up to $5)
Tulip Festival Student Art Shows: May 6-May 20 – Come and view the beautiful art featured by elementary and middle school students from MOC-FV and OCCS schools.
Outdoor Dutch Story Walk: May 13-18 – Come, stroll the sidewalk and read the Dutch Story Walk, The Cow Who Fell in the Canal.
Special Preschool Story Time: Wednesday, May 15, 9:30 am – Join us for a special Corduroy the Bear Story Time with stories, wigglers, and crafts geared for children ages 3-6 and their caregivers, but all are welcome! Special appearance by Corduroy the Bear.
Corduroy the Bear will ride in the Thursday evening Tulip Festival Parade: Thursday, May 16, 6:00 pm