As I write this, the last supermoon of 2024 (and the last until October 2025) is waning outside my window. It was full a couple nights ago, but I think it has more character now that it’s not a perfect circle. It’s a good companion to me as I think about my first six months here at IVPL, the end of the year, and what’s to come in 2025.
One of the things that IVPL does to best serve our communities is participate in the PA Forward program. This initiative by the Pennsylvania Library Association highlights 5 literacies: basic literacy, information literacy, civic and social literacy, health literacy, and financial literacy. We use these guidelines for our programs and for other things that we offer. One of its fundamental tenets is “how will Pennsylvanians build a better future?” and the Library is uniquely positioned to offer a broad range of opportunities to do just that. From storytimes of many kinds (PJ, Babies Boogie, Music & Motion, Teddy Bear, etc.) to Open Mic Nights to Writers Workshops to Chess and Photography and Cultural clubs to hosting radio show tapings, we engage with you, our community members, to build a better future.
And we can’t do it without you. Not only by participating in these activities (check out our online calendar for info), but also by supporting us through our annual appeal that just went out this month. Every donation allows us to provide resources and opportunities for learning, engaging with others, and strengthening your community bonds. Please take a moment to fill out your donation and send it back. And if you haven’t received it, stop in. Envelopes are available at the Front Desk.
You’re probably wondering what that has to do with the waning supermoon. The moon and our planet complement and enhance each other, reflecting light and shadow as they travel through time together. We here at IVPL complement and enhance our communities, just as our community members do for us.
See you soon at IVPL!
-Tracey
HOURS
Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM — 9:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM — 5:00 PM
***The library will be closed December 24th, 25th, 31st, & January 1st***
Used Book Sales
Saturday, December 21: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
*Dates/times subject to change
due to volunteer availability.*
Museum Passes
IVPL offers museum passes that provide free admission to local museums and historic sites. Click here to reserve your pass.
Enjoy photographs from the Indian Valley Photography Club in our Fiction hallway during the month of December.
The mission of the Indian Valley Photography Club is to encourage knowledge, skills and enjoyment of photography through monthly meetings, workshops, lectures and demonstrations encompassing all phases of photography.
Our members photograph a wide range of subjects including nature, landscape, macro, portraiture, sports, travel and much more. Zoom meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month starting at 7:00PM. In-person meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at the Indian Valley library starting at 7:00PM.
Representative Office Hours
Representative Office Hours
Friday, December 6 — 10:00 AM—1:00 PM
Study Room 1
Stop in the first Friday of every month to meet with representatives from Senator Collett's and Congressman Fitzpatrick's offices.
Representatives are available to help constituents with state and federal services.
Foundation of Friends News
Date Change
Save the Date!
The Wine Tasting has been rescheduled for February 1, 2025.
All purchased tickets will be honored; if you cannot make it at that time, we will be happy to refund your purchase.
If you volunteered to help with the event, we look forward to your help at the rescheduled event.
We truly appreciate everyone who attends, volunteers, and donates to this event.
We look forward to seeing you in February!
2023-2024 Annual Appeal
This year's annual appeal has hit your mailboxes by now. In it, you will find an in-depth breakdown of just what it is we do here. I'm hoping that, like Gene, you are grateful and think of us as this tax year comes to a close.
Donationsto the library help make all of these things possible. We could not operate without your support. We depend on it, in fact.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
This multilingual family history research database includes billions of historical documents from 48 countries, millions of historical photos, public records, indexes, and additional resources that span the past five centuries.
Learn more about getting started with MyHeritage Library Edition.
Visitivpl.org for more information about our current and future programs. Caregivers of children ages 9 and under must remain in the room during the program and caregivers of children ages 10-12 must remain in the library during the program.
IVPL Planeswalker Club
Thursdays — 5:00—8:00 PM
Lewis McLean Reading Room
New and experienced players of Magic: The Gathering are welcome. Learn how to create decks or test decks you've already curated. If you are brand new to the game, join us to learn how to play MTG.
All ages are welcome; however, adult supervision is required for players under 13.
All ages are welcome; however, adult supervision is required for players under 13.
Youth Events
Please note: The Indian Valley Public Library strives to make our youth programs accessible for all. If you or your child needs accommodations or extra support, please let us know in person or by emailing youthservices@ivpl.org.
Babies Boogie Storytime (Ages birth-24 months)
Monday, December 2, 9, & 16 at 9:15 AM
Wednesday, December 4, 11, & 16 at 10:15 AM
Community Room
Stories, songs, and bounces for children ages birth to 24 months, followed by time to play and socialize. Siblings welcome.
Pajama Storytime (All ages)
Tuesday, December 3 & 17 at 7:00 PM
Storyhour Room
Stories, songs, and movement activities before bedtime for children of all ages. Pajamas welcome (not required).
Teddy Bear Storytime (Age 2)
Wednesday, December 4, 11, & 18at 9:30 AM
Community Room
Stories, songs, and movement activities for 2-year-old children. Bring a stuffed toy or use one of ours. Siblings welcome.
Music & Motion Storytime (Ages 3-5)
Wednesday, December 4, 11, & 18 at 11:00 AM
Community Room
Stories, songs, and movement activities for children ages 3-5. Siblings welcome.
Lunch Bunch Storytime (All ages)
Thursdays, December 5, 12, & 19 at 12:00 PM
Community Room
Stories, songs, and movement activities for children of all ages. Bring a lunch or snack (not required).
Meet inside the library.
Pokemon Club (Youth ages 5+)
Monday, December 2 at 4:00 PM
Community Room
Stop by the library to meet up with other Pokémon fans to trade cards, talk about the game and the show, play the card game, and complete a craft or other activity. The library has a small number of cards available to trade but participants are encouraged to bring their own decks. (The Library is not responsible for lost or damaged cards). No registration required. Have Pokémon cards you no longer need? Consider donating them to the library.
Chef Zak Makes Snacks: JAMboree!
Tuesday, December 3 — 4:00—4:45 PM & 5:30-6:15 PM
Community Room
This program is full. Visit our online calendar to get on the wait list.
Grown-ups: please include yourself in the registration number.
All ingredients provided. No meat, fish, or peanuts. For further ingredient details, please email rfischer@ivpl.org.
Wee Build Thursdays, December 5, 12, 19, & 26 at 9:30 AM
Storyhour Room
Stop into the Children’s Room for some free play with preschool-friendly building toys. No registration required.
Tinkering Club (Ages 5-10)
Monday, December 9 at 4 PM
Community Room
Stop by the library to complete our tinkering challenge using the materials provided. Most appropriate elementary school but all ages welcome.
Lego Club (Ages 5 and up)
Tuesday, December 17 at 5 PM
Monday, December 23 at 4 PM
Community Room
Stop by the library to complete our monthly challenge or just have some free building time. No registration required. For safety reasons, preschoolers MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Maker Monday
December 15 at 4 PM
Community Room
Stop by the library to create your favorite Minecraft Mobs out of cardboard and other materials. We will also have some fun with other Minecraft activities. Most appropriate for school aged children but everyone is welcome. No registration required.
Bluey Party (All ages)
Friday, December 27 at 10:30 AM
Community Room
Drop in the library for some Bluey fun! We will have games, activities, and a special visit from everyone's favorite blue dog. Stop by our Story Hour Room for some Bluey themed arts & crafts. Space is limited and registration will start on Friday, December 13.
Ruff Ruff and Read (Ages 5+)
Saturday, December 28,10:30—11:30 AM
Community Room
Independent readers ages 5 & up are invited to read to a therapy dog. Sign up for a 10 minute time slot. All readers will receive a token for the book vending machine. Registration is required and begins 2 weeks before the date of the event.
Go to ouronline calendar to see our planned events along with more information.
Did you miss a puzzle? Visit this pageto solve past puzzles.
Visit the Virtual Teen Reading Loungeon the Teen's Page. The room is updated at the beginning of each month.
Don't forget to follow IVPL Teens Instagram - @ivpl_teens- for more updates and great content!
Adult Events
Celestia Performing Arts Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 14 — 1:30—2:45 PM
Community Room
Join us for a concert of religious and secular music centering around the holidays.
Celestia Performing Arts Association, Inc. was founded in 2000 with a goal of bringing singing and music making to the community.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Friday, December 13 — 10:30 AM—3:30 PM
Community Room
Call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter Indian Valley to register.
**All who give during this event are eligible for a $15 e-gift card.**
Project iGuardian: Keeping Children Safe Online
Monday, December 2 — 6:30—8:00 PM
Community Room
Project iGuardian is presented by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the primary investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Project iGuardian is designed to inform students, parents, educators, and law enforcement about the risks that children face in the online environment.
This engaging presentation covers tactics used by adult predators online, the growing crime of sextortion, the information devices give away about you and your child, and the newest apps, online games, and social networks children are using. There will also be example scenarios based on local investigations to help attendees better understand how children can be victimized online.
This event is intended for parents and adults only.
Join us for an afternoon of crafting and film-watching. Bring your knitting, crocheting, or other crafting projects and enjoy a movie that complements the cozy/creative atmosphere.
Recommended for older teens and adults.
Movie Night: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993, PG, 1h 16 min)
Monday, December 23, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Community Room
Join us for a screening of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. Attendees can enter to win a Nightmare Before Christmas prize pack. The words will be on the screen if you want to sing along.
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas
Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere.
Attendees can enter to win a Nightmare Before Christmas prize pack.
Tai Chi Gung - Free Introductory Class!
Community Room
12/6 - 2pm
12/7 - 10:30am
Tai Chi Gung classes increase positive energy & stamina, enhance focus & concentrate, support better range of motion, improve sleep, and create deeper prayers & meditation. These classes are great for beginners!
Cost: Free Introductory Class
Classes are taught by Nathanael Butler, Certified Instructor and held in-person in the community room. Teens are welcome.
*Please contact DeAnne O'Brien at dobrien@ivpl.orgor 215-723-9109 for any questions*
Evening Yoga at the Library
Thursday, December 5, 12, 19 & 26 — 6:00—7:00 PM
Community Room
These Vinyasa flow classes offer body strengthening postures and postures to encourage flexibility all through using breathing techniques. These flow classes are great for beginners!
Classes are taught by Brittany Seville, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, certified Yoga and Trauma-informed Yoga and owner of Serene Asana.
Classes will be held in-person in the community room. Masks are strongly encouraged, but not required during the classes.
Payment methods accepted: Cash, Check, Venmo
To register, call/text (267) 221-5804 or go to Sereneasana.com
Forgotten Voices Poetry Group
Saturday, December 5 — 1:00—3:00 PM
Lewis McLean Reading Room
Poets poetry lovers are invited to our meetings. Many of our members write poetry. We welcome all ages, abilities, and interests and enjoy listening to what each member shares.
For more information, go to www.montcopoet.org or email the Reference Desk at refdesk@ivpl.org.
Board Game Night for Adults
Tuesday, December 10— 6:30—8:30 PM Pennsylvania Room
Are you game? Come and play with us!
Each session, we play two or three simple games (Rummikube, Mexican Train Dominoes, Five Crowns, Bananagrams, etc.*) more to learn and have fun than to win!
Bring along your favorite game for us to try!
Questions: Contact Bev Griffith, (215) 260-6361 or the IVPL Reference Desk (215) 723-9109, ext.3
*Cranium, Apples to Apples, Quiddler, Kings in the Corners and others
Open Mic Night
Monday, December 9— 6:30—8:00 PM
Lewis McLean Reading Room
Local music, poetry, storytelling, and more! Join us as a performer or an audience member.
Performer sign-up begins at 6:00 PM. Performers will have a five minute slot to showcase their unique talents.
This program is designed for adults and young adults ages 13 and up. Please keep a family-friendly environment in mind when selecting material to share.
Celebrations are an essential part of any culture. The winter holidays have some overlap with other cultures, but the traditions may be different and there may be other holidays. We will explore these traditions and their stories.
The Celtic Cultural Club seeks to explore aspects of Celtic culture and history. We will discuss topics from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Mann, Cornwall, Galicia, and Brittany. Whether you have Celtic heritage or are simply learning, you are welcome to join us. We meet the fourth Saturday of the month at 2 pm.
This club will be in meeting at the library in the Community Room. For more information or questions, please contact Ashley Paskill at paskill.ashley@hotmail.com.
No registration required.
Winter Family Movie Matinee:
Monday, December 30— 2:00—4:00 PM
Community Room
Stop by the library for a fun movie in a relaxed environment. All ages welcome. This month, we will watch The Garfield Movie (Rated PG, 101 Minutes).
Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father - scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) - Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.
Knitwits
Tuesday, December 3, 10, & 17 — 2:30—4:30 PM Study Room 1
Sit, stitch, and chat! Bring a project you are working on, then sit back and relax with others who share the same interest in knitting.
Tech Help
Tuesday, December 3, 10, & 17 — 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM
Do you need help with your e-reader, tablet, or laptop? Sign up for one-on-one help with a librarian. Come with your questions and we will work together to find the answers.
We are able to help with…
eBooks/eReaders
Basic device overview (how to text, how to take pictures, change settings, etc.)
Basic app/software overview
Video conferencing software such as Zoom and Skype
General internet/research instruction
Creating a new email account, email basics
Password resets
Privacy settings on social media and beyond
We cannot help with…
Hardware issues
Removing viruses
Installing non-library apps or software
Keyboarding, typing, or proofreading documents
Entering sensitive information for you (e.g. credit card information, social security number, online banking, etc.)
The library is not liable for any damage to patron equipment that may occur during a help session. Registration for the event assumes acceptance of both this disclaimer and IVPL's internet usage policy.
Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) offers free Medicare counseling to older Pennsylvanians. PA MEDI Counselors are specially trained to answer your questions and provide you with objective, easy-to-understand information about Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care Insurance.
PA MEDI Counselors do not sell Medicare products but rather offer current, unbiased Medicare education to help you make the most informed choice about the Medicare options available to you.
Thursdays, December 5, 12, 19, & 26 from 10:00—11:30 AM
Helping the Homeless, While Recycling!
Did you know recycled grocery bags can create colorful, woven mats for homeless individuals in our community? Through a partnership with Integrate for Good and Angels in Motion, the Indian Valley Public Library is joining the project. Each week community members will join to learn different parts of the project including cutting bags, making loops, making "plarn" (plastic yarn), and weaving the mats on a loom.
Anyone is welcome to join us!
Contact Nicole Husbands at nhusbands@ivpl.org for information or with questions
Optional: Volunteers may plastic bags to the program.
Photography Club
Tuesday, December 17 —6:45—8:45 PM Community Room & Zoom
The mission of the Indian Valley Photography Club is to encourage knowledge, skills and enjoyment of photography through monthly meetings, workshops, lectures and demonstrations encompassing all phases of photography. Our members photograph a wide range of subjects including nature, landscape, macro, portraiture, sports, travel and much more. Zoom meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month starting at 7:00PM. In-person meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at the Indian Valley library starting at 7:00PM.
Guests are always welcome to attend. There are no fees to join. Please contact Indianvalleyphotography@gmail.com with questions and to receive the Zoom link.
Go to ouronline calendar to see our planned events along with more information.
