Adult Activities February 2024

Adult Activities February 2024

Adult Activities February 2024

On The Same Page

On the Same Page is back and this year we’re reading “Holes” by Louis Sachar! Join our big community read and pick up your free-to-keep kick-off kit from the circulation desk today!    Please, limit 1 book per household.

Sploosh!

Join us for an activity inspired by Louis Sachar’s “Holes” We’re making spiced peach recipes as mentioned in the book and puree them into “Sploosh” for sampling! Ages 12 and up are invited Friday, Feb 2 at 7 PM in the Community Room. See you there!

Creative Writing Club

Join our Creative Writers Club (Ages 18+) on Wednesdays, February 7 & 21 at 6:00 PM in the Community Room! Share your literary gems with fellow storytelling enthusiasts and bond over love for the written word.

Innovative Inventions

Stanley Yelnats III is an inventor. Are you? We’ll give you a bag of supplies that shouldn’t be a part of anything and challenge your group to create the impossible. What should you build? That’s up to you. Surprise us! Bags are limited. Sign up by Thursday, February 8th. We’ll have your bags the following Monday. Then you’ll have 11 days to get creative. Inventions will be displayed through the end of the month and posted on our Facebook page. This activity is designed for all ages!

“I Can Fix That”

Onion Sam can fix just about anything. How handy are you? Expert fixer Bryan Jacobson will show us reasonable repairs that we should feel confident to do around our own homes – and let us know when to call in the professionals. Everyone is invited to join us in the Community Room on Friday, Feb 9 at 7 PM!

Lip Care for Kissin’ Bandits

This month at Adult Makers is “Lip Care for Kissin’ Bandits” in conjunction with our On the Same Page program featuring Louis Sachar’s “Holes.” Meet us on Friday, Feb 16 at 7:00 PM in the Community Room. Ages 18+ will create their own lip balm, which may or may not be tinted. See you there!

Closed for Presidents Day

The Library will be closed Monday, February 19 for President’s Day. No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank you!

Take a Break Book Club

Join the Take a Break book club for ages 18+. As we delve into the layers of Louis Sachar’s “Holes,” come prepared for an open discussion. We’ll explore the intricacies of the novel and compensate for all that digging with a little hand care. You might even want to try the Warden’s special polish. See you in the Community Room on February 22 at 6:30 PM.
Armchair Traveler Challenge Logo

Armchair Traveler Challenge

Have you ever wanted to travel to all 50 states? Take an epic journey with us this year as we visit each great state of our nation. Armchair travelers will read one book set in each state, earning state stickers and opportunities to enter the final drawing for our grand prizes. Any reader who joins us for even a portion of the trip will have the opportunity to earn small prizes along the way. Each reader who completes the journey will earn a special travel bag commemorating their travels. See more details here:

Escape From Camp Green Lake

Join us at Camp Green Lake for a limited-time escape room experience! Uncover hidden truths from “Holes” as you decipher clues, unlock secrets, and race against time to escape the Warden’s office. Free of charge, first come, first served. Sign up now! Walk-ins are welcome, but priority will be given to those with time slots. Ages 12 and up. Groups of 2-5.

Open February 27 – March 2, slots every 45 minutes between these times:

  • Tue-Thu. 3-7 PM
  • Fri. 12-5 PM
  • Sat. 10 AM-1 PM

Please arrive 5 mins before your slot. Late arrivals may not be accommodated. Anyone under 12 must be with someone 14+. To sign up, please fill out this form: 

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book ClubTake a Break and join our adult book club on Sept. 21 at 6:30 PM! Ages 18+ will meet in the Community Room to discuss Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility. Adult MakersFriday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

September Teen Events

Hauntings - Library Teen Virtual ConventionTeens are invited to join the annual Library Teen Virtual Convention! Inspired by all our favorite ghost stories, spooky folklore, and mysterious cryptids, this year's theme is HAUNTINGS! The Convention is hosted on Discord...

July Teen Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Mondays from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. For Ages 9-18TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans...

July Adult Activities

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. No items will be due but the book drop will remain open. Thank you! "ALL TOGETHER NOW" BLOCK PARTY This is the Block Party everyone will be talking about this...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

June Kids and Tween Activities

SPECIAL STORY TIME Join us for a special story time with local author Ruth Nielson! She is the author and illustrator of I Am Remarkable: A Journey of Self-Discovery. Ruth will lead our little ones in a yoga session, so please bring a towel or mat for your child to...

June Adult Activities

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts or join to make friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share your favorite piece of writing and talk about why writing is our passion. Wednesdays, June 14 & 28 at...

Library Closed for Labor Day

The library will be closed Saturday September 3rd and Monday September 5th for Labor Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. Thank you!

August Library Activities

TEEN ACTION COUNCILWednesday, August 3rd. 4-5:30pm.  For ages 12-18. Come and have a say in what activities Teens do at the Library and meet new friends. NO PROGRAMS IN AUGUST To reset from Summer Reading and to accomodate our new infrastruture updates, there will be...

November Adult Activities

November Adult Activities

November Adult Activities

Creative Writing Club

Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts and make new friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share our favorite piece and talk about why writing is our passion. This month we are meeting in the Community Room on Wednesday, November 8 at 6 PM.

Closed for Veteran’s Day

We honor our heroes this Veteran’s Day. In gratitude for their service, Madison Library District will be closed Friday and Saturday, November 10-11. No items are due, but the book drop will remain open. Thank you for your service, veterans!

Take A Break Book Club

Need a break from your daily routine? Join us on November 16th at 6:30 PM in the Library Foyer for our Take a Break Book Club! We’ll be delving into Nita Prose’s gripping novel, “The Maid.” Relax, unwind, and enjoy a great discussion with fellow book enthusiasts. Ages 18+ are welcome!

Adult Makers

Get into the holiday spirit with our Adult Makers group! Join us on November 17th at 7 PM in the Community Room as we create beautiful cross-stitched Christmas ornaments on perforated paper. It’s the perfect way to add a personal touch to your holiday decorations!

Closed for Thanksgiving

We are grateful for our patrons! This Thanksgiving the Library will be closed Thursday the 23rd through Saturday the 25th. We will also close early on November 22 at 5 PM. No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank you!

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book ClubTake a Break and join our adult book club on Sept. 21 at 6:30 PM! Ages 18+ will meet in the Community Room to discuss Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility. Adult MakersFriday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

September Teen Events

Hauntings - Library Teen Virtual ConventionTeens are invited to join the annual Library Teen Virtual Convention! Inspired by all our favorite ghost stories, spooky folklore, and mysterious cryptids, this year's theme is HAUNTINGS! The Convention is hosted on Discord...

July Teen Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Mondays from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. For Ages 9-18TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans...

July Adult Activities

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. No items will be due but the book drop will remain open. Thank you! "ALL TOGETHER NOW" BLOCK PARTY This is the Block Party everyone will be talking about this...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

June Kids and Tween Activities

SPECIAL STORY TIME Join us for a special story time with local author Ruth Nielson! She is the author and illustrator of I Am Remarkable: A Journey of Self-Discovery. Ruth will lead our little ones in a yoga session, so please bring a towel or mat for your child to...

June Adult Activities

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts or join to make friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share your favorite piece of writing and talk about why writing is our passion. Wednesdays, June 14 & 28 at...

Library Closed for Labor Day

The library will be closed Saturday September 3rd and Monday September 5th for Labor Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. Thank you!

August Library Activities

TEEN ACTION COUNCILWednesday, August 3rd. 4-5:30pm.  For ages 12-18. Come and have a say in what activities Teens do at the Library and meet new friends. NO PROGRAMS IN AUGUST To reset from Summer Reading and to accomodate our new infrastruture updates, there will be...

June 1st-12th Teen Activities

June 1st-12th Teen Activities

June 1st-12th Teen Activities

Summer Reading

Sign-ups start June 7th in the Community Room

Each year, from June through July, we host Summer Reading. Our program for teens has lots of events and parties. 

The 2021 Summer Reading Theme is “Tails and Tales.” The possibilities are endless!

Teen Short Story Writing Contest
Monday, June 7th at 4:00 p.m. in the Community Room.
 
  • Participants must be ages 12 – 18 to enter
  • Open to Madison Library District residents only
  • 2,000 word maximum
  • Limit 1 short story per person
  • Must include an animal as part of the main story
  • No photos or illustrations
  • Work must be original, not previously published, and titled
  • Submissions that are deemed inappropriate, culturally inaccurate or possess negative stereotypical characterization will be disqualified

HOW TO SUBMIT:

  • Email your original work to Gina Miller or bring a hard copy into the library.
  • Subject line must say: “Tail”ish Tales Contest.
  • Please include your name, age, and phone number in the email.
  • Paste or type your short story in the email itself. Attachments will not be opened.

DEADLINE:

All entries must be received by Monday, July 26th, 2021.
Winners will be announced on Friday, July 31st, 2020 via Facebook, Instagram and email.

PRIZES:

First prize- Scrivener writing software ($50 value).
Second prize- Fat Cat’s movie date pack.
Third prize- Florence’s Candy box of chocolates.

All three winners will receive publication online at www.madisonlib.org and an award certificate.

For more information please email Gina Miller.

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
Teen Action Council
Monday, June 7th at 4:00 p.m. in the Community Room.
 
Have a say in what goes on at the library for teens.
Summer Reading Kickoff: Interactive Movie

Friday, June 11th, 7-9 p.m. in the Community Room

Kick off the Teen Summer Reading program in style. Join us for an interactive movie night—eat gummy worms with Timon and Pumba, coconut candy with Zazu, etc—as we watch Disney’s The Lion King.

Kid & Tween Activities March 2024

Story TimeJoin us in March for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! This month we’re celebrating author-illustrator, Eric Carle! Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. Toddler Time (ages 10-23...

Kid & Tween Activities February 2024

Story TimeJoin us in February for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time!  Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter V! Explore Veggies, Valentine’s Day, Violins, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and...

January Kid & Tween Activities

Story Time Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter D! Explore Dance, Dinosaurs, Dirt, Disguises, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM  Toddler Time (ages 10-23 months): Dive into the exciting world of dinosaurs with...

Holiday Closures 2023

The Library will be closed Saturday - Tuesday, Dec. 23 - 26 for Christmas & Saturday - Monday, Dec. 30 - Jan. 1 for the New Year   No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank You! Have a safe and happy holidays!

Christmas Extravaganza!

Christmas is not just a day, it's a feeling! It's the joy that fills our hearts, the sparkle in our eyes, and the warmth we share with our family and friends. This year, everyone is invited to Madison Library District’s 14th Annual Christmas Extravaganza, a Christmas...

November Kid and Tween Activities

Story TimeJoin us this November for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! The theme for Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5) is The Letter U! Explore the magical world of "Uni"-horns, Umbrellas, Under the…, and something NEW, just for U... or should we say...

October 2023 Kid and Tween Activities

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For October, we will have fun with the letter O and opposites!  Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM and Wednesdays at...

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book ClubTake a Break and join our adult book club on Sept. 21 at 6:30 PM! Ages 18+ will meet in the Community Room to discuss Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility. Adult MakersFriday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

September Teen Events

Hauntings - Library Teen Virtual ConventionTeens are invited to join the annual Library Teen Virtual Convention! Inspired by all our favorite ghost stories, spooky folklore, and mysterious cryptids, this year's theme is HAUNTINGS! The Convention is hosted on Discord...

“The Yiddish Policeman’s Union” by Michael Chabon

“The Yiddish Policeman’s Union” by Michael Chabon

“The Yiddish Policeman’s Union” by Michael Chabon

The Maltese Falcon meets My Name is Asher Lev in Alaska. An alternate time line puts post World War II Jews in a temporary sanctuary around Sitka. Now throw in a puzzling murder that no one wants to be investigated.

I am amazed, completely amazed by Michael Chabon. I am amazed first by how anyone could come up with the basic setting of this novel with all the built in angst and heartbreak. I’m amazed at the continually surprising plot. I’m amazed by the descriptive and gripping language. I’m amazed by the complex, deep, characters that get under your skin and bore into your head and won’t get out.

I took over two months to read this book. The first 150 pages went quite quickly, and then I realized that if I kept reading, the book would end. The next month was delicious pain as I read a few pages here and allowed myself a few pages there, needing to know what happened next, but wanting the experience to last as long as possible.

I should thank our libary’s GoodReads seasonal challenge for bringing me to this book. A past challenge was to read a Nebula award winner and a Orion award winner. Fantasy and science-fiction are so, so not my thing, so I looked at books that made both lists and found this. I wouldn’t exactly classify it as either, but I suppose the alternate time line thing technically puts it in. -So thanks Madison reading challenge. (But you still haven’t won me over to dragons or lazers.)

“Raven Black” by Ann Cleeves

“Raven Black” by Ann Cleeves

“Raven Black” by Ann Cleeves

Ann Cleeves Brooding Shetland Series Mesmerizes

Ann Cleeves immediately won me over with Raven Black, the first novel in her Shetland Quartet. The novel revolves around a shunned and painfully lonely hermit with a dark past that creates distrust,speculation, and assumptions of guilt in a contemporary murder.  Her characters are some of the most finely painted anywhere in literature! These are amazingly meticulously drawn people that are incredibly sympathetic, likeable, yet deeply flawed. I feel like they’re all people I grew up with. She also creates a very tangible sense of place on a windswept island in the North Sea. The isolation and and quiet become one of the characters continually interacting in the drama.

There are four books in the “quartet.” I’ve read and enjoyed each one. It may be a bit confusing at first glance to see eight listed in the series. There is a definite break between #4 Blue Lightening and #5 Dead Water with some core cast changes. Are the post break ones good? Yes! Are the pre-break ones incredible? Absolutely. Is it a bit confusing? Only till you get to the break and then it all makes sense. Don’t worry about it. Just read.

“The Last Days of Night” by Graham Moore is an Electrifying Read

“The Last Days of Night” by Graham Moore is an Electrifying Read

“The Last Days of Night” by Graham Moore is an Electrifying Read

Everyone should read this book! What are you looking for in a novel?

Legal thriller? – check.
Espionage? – check
Romance? – check
Techno suspense? – check
Dastardly villains? – check
Truly innocent souls? – check
Laugh out loud humor? – check
Gasps of horror? – check
Social commentary? – check
History? – check
Science? – check
A book that makes you smarter? – check
And doesn’t hurt while doing it? – check

An incredibly well written bit of historical faction surrounding legendary figures that most of us know little about. Only a story based in reality could be this weird. Edison vs. Westinghouse joining with Tesla – and sure, why not, let’s get Bell involved as well! I really appreciated Mr. Graham’s brief end notes explaining what was and was not real. (Almost all of it was. The biggest change was condensing the timeline of the events.) This book is a mind-blowing page turner that I would recommend to, literally, everyone! An electrifying read! (Sorry, couldn’t help myself – but it really is.)

“Midwinterblood” by Marcus Sedgwick

“Midwinterblood” by Marcus Sedgwick

“Midwinterblood” by Marcus Sedgwick

Midwinter Blood by SedgwickTold through seven different tales in reverse chronological order, Midwinterblood is a tale as old as time.

The first story, Midsummer Sun, is set in 2073. Eric travels to a mysterious island that is said to be a magical place where people are living far beyond a normal lifespan. Once there, he meets Tor and Merle, and is soon settled in. He explores the island, and as he does so, he begins to forget why he had come there to begin with.

The second tale, The Archaeologist, is set in 2011. Edward, an archaeologist, has traveled with his small digging team to hopefully unearth the remains of a Viking village. During his stay on the island, he meets a young boy named Eric, and his mother Merle. He feels as though he has known them all of his life.

The Airman, the third story, is set in 1944. When his plane is shot down, David manages to land his parachute on a small island, though he breaks his ankle in the process. It is the middle of World War II, and this island has so far removed itself from the fighting taking place throughout the rest of the world. David is rescued by a farmer, Erik, the farmer’s wife, Rebecka, and the farmer’s son, Benjamin. He stays with the family while his ankle heals, but the welcome is far from warm. When war comes to the island, David must try to escape the enemy soldiers.

The Painter is the fourth story in the book, and it is set in 1902. Merle is a young girl, living on a quiet island with her mother, who is known for making a special tea using the mysterious dragon flower found on the far side of the island. When Merle crosses to the other side of the island with her mother to harvest the flowers, she discovers a large house, where a very old man lives. Despite her mother’s order to stay away, she returns to visit, making wonderful discoveries.

The fifth part of the book, The Unquiet Grave, is set in 1848. The Graf twins had a nanny, Laura, who told them a wonderful ghost story full of auspense, a romance about Merle and Eric. The children loved the story, and loved Laura too. But Laura was not who they thought she was.

The sixth tale, The Vampire, is set during the 10th century. The men were late returning from their yearly trip at sea, but return they did, and Eirik and Melle helped the rest of the villagers bring the Viking ships ashore for repair during the coming winter months. Unfortunately, their father didn’t just bring home bounty from a successful Viking expedition – he also brought home a mysterious man, one whom their father is unhappy to have home.

The seventh and final story, Midwinterblood, is set before the record of time.  It has been many years of drought and crop failure, and the people have demanded a sacrifice – one only their king can fulfill. King Eirikr has been brought forth to sacrifice his life blood. Will his death be enough to bring about the desired change?

All seven stories tie neatly together into one overlaying theme. It is a tale of love, of death, and rebirth.

Awards: Michael L. Printz Award 2014, Carnegie Medal Nominee 2013

 

Sedgwick, M. (2013). MIdwinterblood. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press.

 

Midwinterblood is a fairly quick read, with short chapters within the short stories. While confusing at first, once a few of the stories are read, it is easy to get a feel for the writing and following the story backwards through time. It is not often that a book is written in reverse chronological order, so this is a fairly unique concept, and one that makes for a new and interesting reading experience.

I liked the book, and I have several people in mind to recommend it to. I think this is a book that can be enjoyed by all ages, teens and adults. There are a lot of different themes and topics in this book that can be used as discussion points, from Viking lore to reincarnation beliefs to different times throughout the history of the world. It is easy to see why it was awarded the Printz award.

Professional Review:

“*Starred Review* In the year 2073, a reporter named Eric is sent to Blessed Island to research a rare flower called the Dragon Orchid. There he finds an insular community of mysterious villagers, a delicious tea that has him losing days at a time, and a beguiling girl named Merle. In just 50 pages, we reach a shattering conclusion—and then start anew in 2011. An archaeologist is digging on Blessed Island, where he meets a quiet boy named Eric and his mother, Merle. So begins this graceful, confounding, and stirring seven-part suite about two characters whose identities shift as they are reborn throughout the ages. Sedgwick tells the story in reverse, introducing us to a stranded WWII pilot, a painter trying to resurrect his career in 1901, two children being told a ghost story in 1848, and more, all the way back to a king and queen in a Time Unknown. It is a wildly chancy gambit with little in the way of a solid throughline, but Sedgwick handles each story with such stylistic control that interest is not just renewed each time but intensified. Part love story, part mystery, part horror, this is as much about the twisting hand of fate as it is about the mutability of folktales. Its strange spell will capture you. Grades 9-12.”

Kraus, D. (2012, December 1). Midwinterblood [Review of the book Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick]. Booklist, 109(7), 52.

“Snowed Inn” by Kate Palmer, as enjoyed by librarian Vivian Milius

“Snowed Inn” by Kate Palmer, as enjoyed by librarian Vivian Milius

“Snowed Inn” by Kate Palmer, as enjoyed by librarian Vivian Milius

Snowed Inn by Kate Palmer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Three years have lapsed since Jayne watched Forrest board a plane and step out of her life. Imagine her chagrin when he steps through the door of the family ranch restaurant she runs offering to help with the holiday community fundraiser. She lays down some ground rules if they are going to work together.

Romance, mystery, and a good dose of western ambiance make for a quick and satisfying read.

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