We are excited to announce that we are bringing back Sunday 1:00-5:00 hours beginning March 7th. Over
the next months we plan to reintroduce open hours while always keeping the safety of our patrons and
staff in the forefront.
Beginning March 7 Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00-6:00
Tuesday, Thursday 12:00-8:00
Saturday 10:00-5:00
Sunday 1:00-5:00
We still maintain a 30-minute time limit to Grab your items and Go, 1-hour limit for public computer use, reserved 2-hour study room use, and the convenience of Curbside Pickup. Mask must be worn at all times and we continue to social distance.
The Grammy Awards have been rescheduled for Sunday, March 14, 9-11 pm. You may enter the contesthere. Entries will be accepted until 5 pm on 3/14.
Study Rooms
Study rooms are back! Study Rooms are once again available free of charge for two-hour sessions once per day. Rooms include a table and two chairs, a power outlet and WiFi access. Limit of two people in a study room. A mask is required at all times in the library and in the study rooms. We recommend advance reservations
This year we join local libraries and community partners for the eighth year of the Longwood Gardens’ Community Read–a program designed to encourage reading for pleasure and start a conversation. In 2021, we ask readers to explore where a fascination with plants, gardens, and nature might start for
someone.
In 2021 we indeed are featuring two books that touch on these ideas—The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature by J. Drew Lanham (adult book) and Ruby’s Birds by Mya Thompson (for younger readers). Birds are a lifelong passion for Drew Lanham and in his book, The Home Place, he examines his history and path, its influences, and his struggles. Readers follow his journey as a successful, wildlife ecologist who along the way uncovers lessons about legacy and his own
need to inject deeper sense of human caring into his life and work.
In Ruby’s Birds, Mya Thompson shares the story of a little girl who discovers her spark – birds - in her own city neighborhood. They enliven her world and excite her about nature. Her own journey begins.
Copies of both books are available for you to check out from the library.
We have developed several programs for children, teens and adults based on the theme. These programs are signified with #CommunityRead. Attending or participating in these programs make you eligible for random drawings to receive free admission to Longwood Gardens.
SASD Youth Art Month
In previous years, IVPL was fortunate to host the annual art exhibition, K-12. This year’s event will be held virtually. Look for a link to the outstanding artwork from SASD six elementary schools, two middle schools, high school, and Souderton Area Online Academy. This amazing artwork reveals creative achievements of the students, a result of SASDs commitment to providing every student with a quality visual arts education. The virtual exhibition opens for viewing on Thursday, March 11.
Foundation of Friends
The Foundation of Friends is a group of dedicated volunteers that strives to help IVPL grow and serve the community. They work along the Board of Trustees and library staff to provide funds and resources that allow the library to continue to grow along with the needs of the community.
In this section, you will find news, announcements, and plans from members of the FOF on how they plan to work with IVPL to expand its resources.
"One thing I really enjoy about serving on the FOF board is having the opportunity to visit new libraries in the Delaware Valley and talk with staff about how contemporary libraries are positioning themselves for the future. Most librarians indicate that new library configurations allow flexible space for community meetings, in addition to traditional rooms for tutoring, book clubs, Scouts, etc. Patrons like the flexible space, natural light, banks of computers and the opportunity for small non-profits to utilize space. The ability to access rapidly evolving technology for job searches ranks as a high priority as well. Working with the IVPL Board of Trustees, the FOF is excited to assist the library in positioning itself for an expansive future in our rapidly changing Indian Valley."
Joe Devlin
Featured Online Resource
Each month we highlight one of the many online resources that IVPL provides for you, our patrons, each month. Next up, TrueFlix!
If you're looking for something for your kids to do while stuck in the house, but want something educational side, you might want to give TrueFlix a try. Offering hundreds of units to supplement social studies and science core curricula learning, TrueFlix® is a highly-engaging multimedia resource that can be used in the library, the classroom, on mobile devices, or at home.
Though I have not been at IVPL very long, I very quickly saw how beloved and important the library is to this community. I read the notes attached to your donations, I see how many likes and views our Facebook videos receive, and hear the questions you ask our librarians. I know how vital we are to you, our patrons.
Without you, we wouldn't exist. That is why I ask for your support. I know the last year has been quite different from what we are used to, but If you find it within your means, please considermaking a donationto IVPL today. Every gift counts – no matter the amount! Help IVPL continue to serve and provide much-needed resources to the community.
Generations of Indian Valley is offering a variety of virtual programs for older adults. They would love for any IVPL members to "Zoom" on over to their website to check out these offerings. Regular programs include fitness, games, health and wellness presentations, memoirs, cooking demos, trivia, technology training, and more. Special programs for February such as Preparing Your Home for the Spring Market and Home Organizing presentation will be also be featured. Most virtual programs are offered at no charge, with donations gladly accepted to help support those offerings. Generations is offering drive-through take-out meals for those 60 years and older on Wednesdays and Fridays. Reservations are required. For more information on virtual programs, take-out meals, and other current offerings, visit www.generationsofiv.org
New Year, New Reads
Winter Reading Challenge
New Year, New Reads Winter Reading Challenge for Adults challenges patrons to read outside their comfort zone, with the goal of broadening understanding of others and providing insight into different cultures, opinions, and perspectives. Between January 4 and March 31, read or listen to 8 or more books and you will be entered into a drawing to win a gift card from a local business. Register here.
Joan Butler is a horticulturist at Weston Nurseries and a Master Gardener. She is past chairman of the Massachusetts Landscape Design Council, a member of Garden Consultants Council, and an accredited Flower Show Judge.
Jana Milbocker is a garden designer and owner of Enchanted Gardens, a landscape design firm in the Boston area. She is the author of The Garden Tourist: 120 Destination Gardens and Nurseries in the Northeast (2018) and The Garden Tourist’s New England (2020), and the website blog.
Join us as Carrie Barron, Center Manager, explores the new museum dedicated to birds and the art of John James Audubon. She will focus on the birds you see in your own backyard. We will also meet one of their non-releasable owls that are native to Pennsylvania.
Carrie Barron joined the Audubon Pennsylvania team after spending more than 15 years in the environmental education field. She taught for five years in middle and high schools, both in rural and urban settings. Prior to formal teaching, Carrie was a seasonal Interpretive Park Ranger traveling between the Everglades, Redwoods, Hawaii and Assateague Island. She worked for both the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Philadelphia Zoo where she conducted school and field-based programs to children and adults.
#CommunityRead
Virtual Adult Events
Digging Up Your Roots: Finding Your Family History
Thursday, Mar. 4th - 12:00 PM
Join Amy and Kathy, expert librarians at theState Library of Pennsylvania with over 15 years of genealogy experience, for a free, live Zoom event. This workshop is for adults who would like to learn the basic steps of researching their family history and connecting with ancestors.
Gardens of Cornwall and Devon
Monday, Mar. 8th - 7:00 PM
Warmed by the Gulf Stream, the magical gardens in Cornwall and Devon are home to some of the most exciting, rare, and beautiful plants in the British Isles. Enjoy an armchair tour of twelve historically and horticulturally important gardens of this region, from the tropical Abbey Gardens of Tresco to the mystical Lost Gardens of Heligan and the futuristic biomes of the Eden Project. Registration required.
The Cold War in Bucks County: Preparing Astronauts to Win the Space Race
Thursday, Mar. 11th at 7:00 PM
Do you know the connection between the Space Race and Bucks County? Join us as Eleanor O'Rangers sheds some light on the local history of this monumental event.Registration Required.
John James Audubon Center Presentation
Tuesday, Mar. 16th at 7:00 PM
"The mission of the John James Audubon Center is “to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity." Join us as our presenter will discuss the background of the John James Audubon Center site/museum and then educate us about common backyard birds featuring a live bird.Registration required.
The Irish in the American Civil War
Wednesday, Mar. 17th at 7:00 PM
The American Civil War is Ireland's forgotten conflict. In 1860, about 1.5 million Irish were living in the United States. During the American Civil War, some 150,000 Irish men fought in the Union Army and about 20,000 joined and fought with the Confederacy. Registration Required.
Real ID Presentation
Thursday, Mar. 25th at 7:00 PM
Join us for an informative session on getting a Real ID in Pennsylvania presented by Representative Steve Malagari and Representative Todd Polinchock as well as PennDOT representatives.Registration Required.
Nancy Drew: The History Behind the Mystery!
Tuesday, Mar., 30th at 7:00 PM
Celebrate over 90 years of Nancy Drew! Join fan and collector Tara Rotuna on a search for clues about the mysterious history behind the series. Trivia questions and more are part of this fun and informative presentation following the popular teen detective from 1930 to today. Registration required.
Virtual Quizzo on Facebook
Tuesdays - 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Go to our online calendar to see our planned events along with more information.
This winter, cozy up with a good book and you can earn prizes. Grades K-5. More details can be found here.
New PlayK Lesson: Mondays at 10 AM Mar. 8th and 22nd
Are you homeschooling your preschooler? Looking to supplement their learning? Every other week, we will post an interactive classroom with stories, songs, and other activities that follow the same theme.
Tuesday Tales: Tuesdays at 10 AM
Mar. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th
Stories, songs, and silliness! Join Mr. Robbie on Facebook Live every week. These storytimes will run about 30 minutes long and are intended for preschoolers butall are welcome.
Quiet Time: Wednesdays at 7 PM
Mar. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st
Join us on Facebook for some stories and songs to help you unwind at the end of a busy day.
Wildcard Thursdays at 10 AM
Mar. 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th
Unique, fun, interactive 20-30 minute programs every week on Zoom. Join when you can! You do not need to come every week. These programs are intended for preschoolers but all are welcome. TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE.
Family Fun Fridays: Fridays at 7 PM
Join us on Facebook for a fun program to kick-start your weekend.
Do you miss the shredded book contest? Try this puzzle instead.
Longwood Gardens Inspired Teen Photography Contest
In your photograph, explore where a fascination with plants, gardens, and nature might start for someone. We encourage you to venture outside to capture this theme.
Open to students in grades 6 to 12
All contestants will be entered into a drawing to receive a pass to visit Longwood Gardens.
Create an edible interpretation of your favorite book or character. Puns are encouraged! Need some inspiration? Check out last year's entries here. For more details and to register, visit here. Registration ends on Tuesday, April 13.
Let's Stick Together: March Madness
Help us finish this picture by placing virtual stickers on the grid. First click on the color, then click on the corresponding letter in the grid. You can place up to 50 stickers each day. Don't forget to leave us a message by clicking the purple square in the top right corner. Visit here to get started:
Virtual Teen Advisory Group
Monday, Mar., 8th at 4:00 PM
Do you need volunteer hours for school? Would you like to help the library and community? Join us each month for IVPL's Virtual Teen Advisory Group. Each session equals one hour of volunteer time. Registration Required.
Tween Graphic Novel Book Club
Tuesday, Mar., 16th at 4:00 PM
All My Friends are Ghosts. Effie runs away from home and discovers a ghost school in the nearby woods. But just as she's beginning to learn all about the amazing things that ghosts can do – like possession, poltergeist-ing, demon magic and more – Effie is asked by her new friends to help track down a mysterious spirit that's been spotted. The graphic novel of the month is available on Hoopla. Registration Required.
Cozy Up with a Book Winter Reading Challenge (Grades 6-12)
Jan 4, 2021 - Mar 31, 2021
As the weather gets colder, it's time to cozy up with a good book. Young people in grades 6-12 are invited to log their minutes read and/or complete activities in order to earn badges. Each badge earns you an entry into our winter drawing for a computer keyboard or a mystery prize pack. Challenge ends March 31. Register here. Join #WinterRead2021 and log your reading to earn badges!
Don't forget to follow IVPL Teens Instagram - @ivpl_teens- for more updates and great content!
