As I write this, the fog from the last few days has morphed into (not-quite) winter chill. We still have a few days until the solstice and the full moon (the Cold Moon, if you’re curious), and we’re supposed to be able to see a meteor shower this weekend. These things, along with all that comes with the holiday season and the end of the year, make me reflect on what the last year has brought.
Personally, I’ve had wonderful highs - starting my position at this amazing Library and getting a new puppy (ask me for photos, really!) rise to the top of my 2024. One of the great things about being new is discovering what services and programs are popular, and adding new things that meet those likes and needs. We’ve added language and cultural clubs, several items to our Library of Things, attraction passes, and more. The BeerFest was brought back to great success (look for it again in 2025), along with an amazing night at Dinner In White (thanks again to Generations for hosting the last-minute weather-prompted venue change). We’ve moved the Wine Tasting to February 1 to kick off Love Your Library month (get your tickets now!).
These changes seem small, but they make big impacts. And as I look forward to all that 2025 will bring (more programs! more books to read! more songs and albums to listen to! new creatives to find!), I can’t wait to share that with you.
As I am wont to do, I put this aside to reread and edit before it goes to the newsletter. I noticed that I was fairly parenthetical, which happens occasionally. So to add to all the asides, the radio station I listen to is running their annual multi-day “best of.” They solicit votes for the best songs of whatever the theme is, and this year was the best songs of the 21st century. (Can you believe we’re 25 years into the century?) Which led me to ask the question:
What are your best books/albums/songs/movies of the last 25 years?
Feel free to email me with your recommendations. Every unread book, every unlistened to album, every unwatched movie is new. And exploration is fun!
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.
Crafts for a Cause (All ages)
Monday, January 20 — 2:00—4:00 PM
Community Room
Stop by the library to make some crafts to benefit the library and others in our community. This month, we will be partnering with Jenna's Blessing Bags to fill bags for those in need in our community. We will also be making decorations for our Love Your Library Mini Golf event. Crafters of all ages and abilities are welcome. No registration required.
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.
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.
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.
Bundle Up with Books Reading Challenge
January 2 to February 28
Ages 18 and under
Participate in our self-paced reading challenges online or on paper. Log your reading and activities to earn badges and prizes.
Stories, songs, and movement activities before bedtime for children of all ages. Pajamas welcome (not required).
Babies Boogie Storytime (Ages birth-24 months)
Monday, January 13 & 27 at 9:15 AM
Wednesday January 15, 22, & 29 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.
Music & Motion Storytime (Ages 3-5)
Wednesday, January 15, 22, & 29 at 11:00 AM
Community Room
Stories, songs, and movement activities for children ages 3-5. Siblings welcome.
Teddy Bear Storytime (Age 2)
Wednesday, January 15, 22, & 29at 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.
Lunch Bunch Storytime (All ages)
Thursdays, January 16, 23, & 30 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, January 6 at 4 PM
Tuesday, January 21 at 5 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.
Junior Engineers (Youth ages 5+)
Tuesday, January 7 at 5 PM
Community Room
During this program, you will be invited to work in a small group to solve an engineering challenge with provided materials. No registration required.
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.
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.
Let it Snow: Arts & Crafts
Tuesday, January 7, 1:00 to 7:00 PM
Wednesday, January 8, 1:00 to 7:00 PM
Storyhour Room
Create snowflakes and more to decorate the library or to take home. This is a drop-in program, so come whenever you can! Families and children of all ages are welcome.
Join us in the Storyhour Room in the back of the children’s section.
Wee Build Thursdays, January 13 & 27
10 AM to 12 PM
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, January 13 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.
Stay and Play (Ages 1-5)
Friday, January 17, 10 to 11:30 AM
Community Room
Stop by our big Community Room for some fun indoor play with friends. No registration required.
Lego Club (Ages 5 and up)
Tuesday, January 14 at 5 PM
Monday, January 27 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.
World Explorers Club (Ages 10+)
Sunday, January 19 at 2 PM
Community Room
Explore cultures and geography from around the world through trivia, games, crafts, food and other hands-on activities. This month, we will explore Lunar New Year and the geography of Asia. No registration required. Please note: if you have food allergies, please email youthservices@ivpl.org before attending.
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.
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.
Ruff Ruff and Read (Ages 5+)
Saturday, January 25
10 minute time slots between 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
Evening Yoga at the Library
Thursday, January 2, 16, 23, & 30 — 6:00—7:00 PM
Wednesday, January 8 — 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
Beginner Flower Gardening
Tuesday, January 7 — 7:00—8:00 PM
Community Room
Join us for an enjoyable and beginner-friendly discussion on starting your very own backyard cut flower garden. This practical presentation will provide you with all the information you need to grow your own bouquets this summer - even in a tiny garden - and you'll leave with a detailed plan for growing in our local climate. Information covered will include the most popular cut flower varieties (including the easiest varieties to grow), starting seeds indoors, growing tips, and how to harvest your blooms.
Organic and sustainable growing methods - including creating a no-till flower bed, choosing organic fertilizers, composting, native plants, soil health, and organic pest control - will also be addressed.
(More advanced tips and tricks for flower gardening will be addressed in our class on January 22. The classes will be different enough in material that attendees are welcome to sign up for both).
Presenter: After Dr. Alanna Messner-Scholl stepped back from her career in mental healthcare to focus on raising her two young children, she began flower gardening as a light-hearted hobby. The garden eventually grew (literally and figuratively!) into Waverly Flower Co., a Skippack studio florist that specializes in custom-grown weddings.
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This presentation will be held in the Community Room. Click here to register.. Questions? Contact DeAnne O'Brien at dobrien@ivpl.org.
Specialty Cut Flower Gardening
Wednesday, January 22 — 7:00—8:00 PM
Community Room
Join us for a floral "deep dive" into the wonderful world of growing specialty cut flowers such as dahlias, ranunculus, delphinium, and garden roses. This presentation is ideal for folks who already have some basic gardening knowledge and are looking to expand their cut flower garden and include more advanced varieties for the 2025 season.
This practical presentation will cover nuanced cut flower growing information, and some of the topics will include mastering cool-weather flowers in our local climate, sourcing the best materials and seeds, and the science behind the best way to start seedlings. Organic and sustainable growing methods - including choosing organic fertilizers, composting, native plants, soil health, and natural methods for pest control - will also be addressed.
(More beginner-friendly tips and tricks for flower gardening will be addressed in our class on 1/7 ~ the classes will be different enough in material that attendees are welcome to sign up for both.)
Presenter: After Dr. Alanna Messner-Scholl stepped back from her career in mental healthcare to focus on raising her two young children, she began flower gardening as a light-hearted hobby. The garden eventually grew (literally and figuratively!) into Waverly Flower Co., a Skippack studio florist that specializes in custom-grown weddings.
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This presentation will be held in the Community Room. Click here to register. Questions? Contact DeAnne O'Brien at dobrien@ivpl.org.
Shifting Old Gears and Exploring New Possibilities in the New Year
Thursday, January 23 — 7:00—7:45 PM
Virtual
Life transitions are definite sources of chaos fueled by stress. The recent pandemic and current post-pandemic periods certainly qualify as life transitions. It has changed the economic, educational, social and health tapestry of our existence in previously unforeseen ways. Shifting our old ways of thinking, believing, feeling and behaving is necessary as we move into exploring new possibilities, adjusting to our new reality each step of the way. The New Year is historically a time of internal reflection which often leads to new perspectives and life changes.
Whether your stress is economic, physical, mental, emotional, relational, spiritual, or any combination of these, taking action to lessen the impact of this stress upon your mind, body and soul, in order to protect your health and general, overall well-being, is crucial.
This webinar presents three steps which help transform chaos into fulfillment. This webinar is divided into two segments: lecture and question-and-answer period. The topics covered include cognitive theory, perception formation, tools of change, and action motivation.
About the presenter: Motivational speaker Constance Hallinan Lagan lectures on personal development and life enrichment for numerous organizations nationwide and her byline appears in over 60 publications. She brings information, insight, humor and hope to her audiences when she presents a wide range of topics.
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This presentation will be held virtually via Zoom. Click here to receive the Zoom link. Questions? Contact DeAnne O'Brien at dobrien@ivpl.org.
Forgotten Voices Poetry Group
Saturday, January 11 — 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.
Open Mic Night
Monday, January 13— 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.
Tuesday, January 14— 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
Stitch & Flick: Mean Girls (2024)
Saturday, January 18— 11:00AM —1:00PM
Community Room
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.
Writers Workshop
Sunday, January 19 — 2:00—4:00 PM
Community Room
Aspiring writers meet to discuss writing and encourage each other's efforts. All are welcome.
Woman’s Club of Perkasie Book Club
Tuesday, January 21 — 1:00—3:00 PM
Community Room
Woman’s Club of Perkasie Book Club - meets on the third Tuesday of the month from September 2024 - May 2025.
A roundtable discussion of classic education texts, both ancient and modern, to explore different educational ideas. We read texts ahead of class from authors such as Plato, Aristotle, Barr, and Holt and come prepared to openly discuss the learning principles put forward by each author. We meet monthly to discuss a different text each time, so registration will be needed to sign up for each class separately. Once registered, the PDFs of the text that you will need to read ahead of time will be emailed to you.
About the Instructor: Jonathan English is excited to start a community group that explores a variety of educational ideas and techniques. As a former homeschooler and graduate of St. John’s College Great Books classics program, he has long had an interest in learning how to learn and how to help others along the way. He has experience teaching in public schools, private schools, and homeschool academies with all age levels and subjects. He has worked closely with an MAT program to develop this course of reading that will increase civic dialogue to improve the educational experience for all. Jonathan currently oversees the beginner’s chess program at the library and enjoys spending time outside, drinking tea, and reading books.
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This program will be held at the library. Click here to register. Questions? Contact DeAnne O'Brien at dobrien@ivpl.org.
Celtic Cultural Club
Saturday, January 25 — 2:00—3:00 PM
Community Room
January 2025: Robert Burns
Robert Burns is one of the most celebrated Scottish poets in history. Every January, people celebrate Burns Night to honor his birthday. We will discuss Robert Burns, talk about the traditions associated with Burns Night, and read some of Burns’ poetry.
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.
Quizzo
Monday, January 27—7:00—8:30 PM
Community Room
Join Quizmaster Katie for a monthly game of Quizzo. Register your team or a single (we will place you on a team).
Movie Matinee:
Tuesday, January 28— 2:00—4:00 PM
Community Room
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the library while watching a film on our big screen. For the titles of the upcoming movies, visit the Reference Desk or call the library at 215-723-9109, ext 3.
Reagan
A drama based on the life of Ronald Reagan, from his childhood to his time in the oval office.
PG-13
2 hr 15 min
Knitwits
Tuesday, January 7, 14, 21, & 28 --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, January 7, 14, & 21 — 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM
Wednesday, January 22 — 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, January 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 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.
Sleeping Mat Project - Weaving Only
Thursday, January 2 & 16 — 4:00—5:00 PM
Community Room
The volunteers during the day create a lot of plarn, so we need extra help weaving. Help us turn plastic bags into sleeping mats. Registration is required to ensure we have enough looms for volunteers to work on. All abilities are welcome.
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.
Stammtisch German Language Group
Tuesday, January 28 — 6:00—7:45 PM
Pennsylvania Room
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? If you speak (any level of) German and would like to practice conversation, feel free to join this group. Topics of conversation vary as does the level of fluency and we support each other in improving our ability to communicate.
The Stammtisch German Language Group meets on the last Tuesday of the month starting at 6:00pm in the Pennsylvania Room at the library. There is no registration required. If you need further information, we can forward your email to the leader of the group. Please contact DeAnne O'Brien (dobrien@ivpl.org) for questions.
Go to ouronline calendar to see our planned events along with more information.
