Please join us in welcoming Tracey Reed as the new Director of IVPL!
Tracey has over 30 years of experience working in libraries across the country. She began her career in 1991 at the Abington Township Public Library as a shelver and Library Assistant. Since then, she has worked for the King County Library System in Seattle, Clearwater Public Library System in Florida, Warminster Township Free Library in Bucks County, and most recently as the Montgomery County District Consultant in Montgomery County. She is thrilled to start her new role as Indian Valley Public Library Executive Director in June.
Tracey is passionate about promoting equality of access to resources and understands the vital role public libraries play in creating and sustaining vibrant and engaged communities. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Library Association, the American Library Association, and the Public Library Association. Tracey currently resides in Doylestown with her wife and two dogs.
Library
Announcement
Renovations on the main men and women's bathrooms are underway. The project is expected to take six weeks. The bathrooms by the Children's Room and Book Sale remain open.
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
Used Book Sales
Saturday, May 11 & 25: 10 am - 4 pm
Thursday, May 16: 10am - 8 pm
Museum Passes
IVPL offers museum passes that provide free admission to local museums and historic sites. Click here to reserve your pass.
We're more than just books. Don't believe us? Watch this video! Quizzo, yoga, board game night, and more!
Donationsto the library help make all of these things possible. We could not operate without your support. Please consider donating today. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you wish to speak about supporting the library.
IVPL has implemented Princh, a new mobile printing solution. With Princh, it is now possible to easily and securely print from a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop, both remotely and at the library.
How to use the service:
Printing from your mobile phone or a tablet--
When printing at the library: locate the print guide poster near the printer and scan the QR code.
When printing remotely: open your browser, go to print.princh.com and enter the 6-digit printer ID (108852) to select the printer.
Upload your document(s).
Adjust the settings.
Enter your email address.
Proceed to the Print Release Terminal near the Reference Desk to pay for your print job.
Prices remain the same -- 15 cents for black and white, 25 cents for color. Cash only for print jobs under $5.
Artist of the Month
This month's artist, Michael Tomasso, is a retired Social Studies teacher at Pottsgrove HS and resides in Harleysville. He is a self- taught artist who has been inspired by the works of Monet, Turner, Whistler, Sargent and the contemporary realist Jamie Wyeth.
He takes his artistic influence from the surrounding landscape of rural Western Montgomery County -- especially Lower Salford. His travels have also played a major influence on his work--especially Venice, Italy.
See Michael's work through the month of May in the Fiction hallway.
Do you have new or gently used Pokemon cards that need a new home? Consider donating them to the library. The Youth Services Department is planning to start an after school Pokemon Meet-up Club and needs cards to expand this program.
Bring your donations to the Children's Room. Email youthservices@ivpl.orgwith questions.
All Ages Events
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.
Dice Rollers
Sunday May 5 & 19 at 1 PM
Pennsylvania Room
Gather to play Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role playing games. Best for Grades 7-12.
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.
*If you are experiencing COVID symptoms or have been recently exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID, please stay home.
Chess for Beginners
Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Lewis McLean Reading Room
Learn how to play chess and hone your skills!
All ages are welcome; however, adult supervision is required for players under 13.
Youth Events
STEAM Saturday: How to Podcast Like a Pro (Youth Ages 10+)
Saturday, May 25 — 10:30 AM—1:00 PM
Community Room
Starting a podcast involves creating audio content on a chosen topic, recording and editing episodes, and then distributing them to online platforms, allowing you to share your expertise, stories, or discussions with a global audience. This program was made possible by a PA Smart Grant administered by VGC USA. Caregivers of children ages 10-12 must remain in the library during the program. Registration is required and starts two weeks before the program.
Registration for this event opens Friday, May 10 at 9:00 AM.
Baby Prom
Monday, May 6 — 10:00—11:00 AM
Community Room
It's BABY PROM! A fun and casual get-together for our youngest friends (birth - 24 months) and their families. Music, dancing, and cute photo opportunities. Fancy outfits are welcome but not required. Light refreshments will be provided.
For children ages birth - 24 months (siblings welcome).
Delaware Valley University Students are visiting Indian Valley Public Library and bringing some friends with them. Spend the evening learning about different wildlife at the library by visiting different tables. This is a free event for all ages.
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.
Supported STEAM Program (Ages 5-10)
Tuesday, May 7 — 4:00—5:00 PM
Community Room
Join us for a supported program for children who need smaller group sizes, fidgets, and other supports. During this one hour program, we we explore an aspect of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) with a hands-on activity. This month, we will be making Garden themed sensory bottles as part of the Longwood Gardens Community Reads Program. All participants will be entered into a drawing for a single use family pass to Longwood Gardens.
Registration is required and starts 2 weeks before the program. Adults should plan to stay in the room during the program, but please register children only.
May is a storytime break as we prepare for summer. Pajama Storytime, Babies Boogie Storytime, and Lunch Bunch Storytime will be returning the first week of June!
Stop by our big Community Room for some fun indoor play with friends. No registration required.
Family Art Exploration (Ages 3-8)
Monday, May 20 at 4 PM
Community Room
Stop by the library for some hands-on art exploration. Together, we will share a story and a mindfulness moment. Then, everyone (adults included) will be invited to create art based on a theme using the supplies provided. Most appropriate for ages 3-8 but all ages are welcome.
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.
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.
Wee Build (Ages 1-5)
Thursdays, 9:30 to 11:30 AM
Stop into the Children’s Room for some free play with preschool-friendly building toys. No registration required.
Pokémon Meet-up Club (Ages 5-10)
Monday, May 6 at 4 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.
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.
Tinkering Club (Ages 5-10)
Monday, May 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.
This program uses elements from Indian Valley Public Library’s Tinkering Kit. The kit was funded by a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
Junior Engineers (Ages 5-10)
Tuesday, May 14 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.
Lego Club (Youth Ages 5 and up)
Tuesday, May 21 at 5 PM
Community Room
Stop by the library to complete our monthly challenge or just have some free building time. No registration required.
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.
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.
Go to ouronline calendar to see our planned events along with more information.
Have a topic in mind but you aren't sure how to turn it into a project? Do you need help with the research portion of your science fair project? We will discuss how to apply the scientific method to your topic to create a project. You will also learn about using databases to research your topic. A laptop/Chromebook would be helpful, but it is not necessary to participate.
No registration required.
IVPL's Homeschool Science Fair
Tuesday, May 21 — 12:00—2:00 PM
Community Room
Homeschool and cyber school students are invited to display and present their science fair experiments to judges on Tuesday, May 21 from 12 pm to 2 pm. Ribbons will be awarded. Registration required.
Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a response within 5 business days. Your project will given one of three statuses: accepted, pending (clarification/modification required), or rejected.
Let’s take a journey through the Dewey Decimal System. Read one book that can be found in the month’s Dewey classification (see schedule below) then join us to share the title and your thoughts. Loved it? Tell us why we should read it. Disliked it? Tell us how the book could be better. Need some help finding a book? Ask a librarian for some recommendations.
May: 100s
June: 700s
VolunTeen Service Club (Ages 13-18)
Wednesday, May 15 — 6:00—7:30 PM
Join us to complete projects and activities to support local and nationwide charities and organizations. For young people ages 13 and up.
In rural Texas, a Filipino teen longs to make her mark on the world of country music. When an unexpected opportunity comes her way, she must make a choice between upholding her family's traditions or leaving them all behind to pursue her lifelong aspiration.
Rating: PG-13
Runtime 94 minutes
Longwood Gardens Community Reads-Inspired Youth Photography Contest
Theme:
Your submission should capture“...the meaning, beauty, and solace we can find in gardens...”
Open to students in grades 6 to 12
All contestants will be entered into a drawing to receive a pass to visit Longwood Gardens.
There will be two prizes:
Judge's Choice and Popular Vote
Contact Nicole at nhusbands@ivpl.org with any questions.
How to Submit:
Submission will be accepted via email to nhusbands@ivpl.org and should include "Digital Photo Contest" in the subject heading
Entries will be accepted until May 10, 2024, at 11:59:59 pm
A high-resolution JPEG or PNG file should be attached to the email
Include the title of the photograph, your full name, and your grade with the submission
Limit one photograph per person. The photograph must be original. Violators of copyright will be disqualified. Graphic editors may be used to manipulate the photograph. By entering the contest, you are granting Indian Valley Public Library permission to use your photograph and first name. It is the responsibility of the contestant to obtain written or verbal release on individuals in the photograph.
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
Having Ancestors for Lunch
Join us for our lunchtime programs on genealogy. Bring a brown-bag lunch if you like. Time will be available at the end of each program for informal group and individual discussion and research.
(in person, or by phone), via email at mporter@ivpl.org, or click the links for each program above.
Evening Yoga at the Library
Wednesday, May 1 & 22 , June 6, 13, 20
6-7 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 are held in-person in the Community Room.
Payment methods accepted: Cash, Check, Venmo
To register, call/text (267) 221-5804 or go to Sereneasana.com.
Livestream: Hanafuda: Japanese Flower Cards
Friday, May 3 — 1:00—1:45 PM
Community Room
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Join Penn Museum educators as we learn about hanafuda, a style of traditional Japanese playing cards dating to the 1600s. The cards are intricately designed with different flower patterns connected to the months of the year and used to play different games. Students will learn about hanafuda cards, design their own card, and watch a brief play session of koi koi, a popular hanafuda game.
Please note: The presenter is virtual and we will be viewing the program in IVPL's Community Room.
Indian Valley Junior Women's Club Herb Sale
Proceeds benefit the Indian Valley Public Library Foundation of Friends.
Friday May 10th, 12-6 pm; follow library parking lot to the back of the building.
OR
Saturday May 11th, 10 am - 1 pm, we will be in the front of the building
Extra herbs may be available on Saturday 5/11 for $4 each.
Bring new or gently used arts & crafts supplies to IVPL on May 13 ( 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM) or May 14 (10 AM to 4 PM).
The swap will be open on Wednesday, May 15 from 12 PM to 6 PM (while supplies last).
You can still bring items with you on this day. We would prefer that you bring items to swap, but we understand if you don't have items to contribute. We invite you to take items anyway. Please bring a bag to take supplies home with you.
What NOT to Bring:
Anything moldy, dirty, super heavy, or in need of repair.
Hazardous materials (including oil-based solvents, house paint, dry paint tubes).
If it cannot be used immediately and without rehabilitation as a crafting material, supply, or tool, please don't bring it.
Any supplies not taken by swappers will be used by the library for programs, donated to charity, or recycled.
Join us in the community throughout May to learn more about mental health and why it’s important, gain tips and tools for supporting mental wellness, discover ways you can help reduce stigma around mental illness and learn about free resources that are available.
PRESENTER: Lisa Dembrosky, CPRP, Wellspring Clubhouse Operations, Coordinator, St. Luke’s Penn Foundation
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This program with be held in the library. Click here to register. Questions? Contact DeAnne O'Brien at dobrien@ivpl.org.
Bogey Monsters and Book Bans: Considering Youth Perspectives to Shine a Light on Myths in Debates around Children’s Literature
Thursday, May 16 — 6:30—7:30 PM
Community Room
Hybrid Presentation
Penn State professor of Language and Literacy Education, Dr. Jason Griffith, will explore the current nationwide debate around book bans, freedom of speech, and young people’s right to read.
In his talk, Dr. Griffith will share stories from his 21 years as a literacy educator.
Presenter Biography: Dr. Jason Griffith is an Assistant Professor of Language and Literacy Education at Penn State University. Before earning his doctorate in English Education from Arizona State University in 2018, Jason taught middle school and high school English in Carlisle, PA. In 2012, the National Council of Teachers of English recognized Jason with the Outstanding Middle Level Educator Award. Jason currently serves on the selection committee for the Orbis Pictus Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Literature for Children, and he has previously served on other book juries including the Lee Bennett Hopkins Children’s Poetry Award and the Lynd Ward Graphic Novel Prize.
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This presentation will be held at the library as well as online. Click here to register. Questions? Contact DeAnne O'Brien at dobrien@ivpl.org.
***Sponsored By the IVPL Foundation of Friends***
Forgotten Voices Poetry
Saturday, May 4 at 1:00 pm
This month's guest poet, Steve Pollack advised local governments, directed an affordable housing co-op, built hospitals, science labs and public schools. Poetry found him later.
His work appeared in Poetica Magazine and Schuylkill Valley Journal. His debut chapbook,
L’dor Vador—From Generation to Generation, was published by Finishing Line Press (2020). The poem titled “December 26, 1960” will be re-printed in Keystone: Contemporary Poets in 2025 by Penn State University Press. Other poems are forthcoming this summer in Mukoli -The Magazine for Peace.
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
Mildred Wirt Benson: A Real Life Nancy Drew
Wednesday, May 22 at 7 pm
The original Carolyn Keene, Mildred Wirt Benson, was much like her adventurous character, Nancy Drew. Learn all about how Benson came to be Carolyn Keene and write the original Nancy Drew books and discover the history behind the mystery. Explore how Benson's real-life exploits were much like her heroine's.
Presented by Nancy Drew historian/expert Jennifer Fisher
This presentation will be held virtually on Zoom. The Zoom link for the presentation will be sent 24 hours and 30 minutes before the program in the event reminder emails.
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.
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: Individual classes are $8 each. If you signed up for all six classes in the series, each class is $6 x 6 classes = $36.00 total.
Classes are taught by Nathanael Butler, Certified Instructor and held in-person in the community room.
For registration, payment and more information for six week session, click here.
******Please contact DeAnne O'Brien at dobrien@ivpl.org or 215-723-9109 for any questions******
Writers Workshop
Sunday, May 19 — 2:00—4:00 PM
Community Room
Aspiring writers meet to discuss writing and encourage each other's efforts. All are welcome.
Quizzo
Thursday, May 23 —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, May 28 — 2:00—4:00 PM
Community Room
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. Rated PG.
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.
Mahjong
Tuesdays — 1:30—4:00 PM
Lewis McLean Reading Room
Join fellow mahjong players once a month for a fun game of skill, strategy, calculations and a degree of chance.
All are welcome to attend.
Sleeping Mat Project with Integrate for Good
Thursdays, May 2, 16, 23, & 30 — from 10—11:30 AM
NO EVENT ON MAY 9
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 bring one grocery-sized shopping bag filled with plastic bags to the program.
Tech Help
Tuesday, May 7, 14, & 28 — 11:00—12:45 AM
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.
Knitwits
Tuesdays, May 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.
Photography Club
Tuesday, May 7 (virtual)
Tuesday, May 21 (in-person or virtual)
6:45—8:45 PM
The Indian Valley Photography Club consists of advanced amateurs and those just beginning their journey into photography. Our members photograph a wide range of subjects including nature, landscape. macro, portraiture, sports, travel and much more.
Our mission is to encourage knowledge, skills and enjoyment of photography through monthly meetings, workshops, lectures and demonstrations encompassing all phases of photography.
Regular monthly Indian Valley Photography Club meetings are held on the first (in-person and Zoom) and third Tuesdays (Zoom) of every month.
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.
Board Game Night for Adults
Tuesday, May 14 — 6:30—7:45 PM
Community 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.
Le Cercle Francais
Thursday, May 23 — 7:00— 8:30 PM
Study Room 1
Parlez-vous francais? Want to improve your French language skills? Join our French language group. All levels of proficiency are welcome. We are hybrid--in person or Zoom. For more information, email the Reference Desk at refdesk@ivpl.org.
No Registration Required.
Stammtisch German Language Group
Tuesday, May 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. For more information, email the Reference Desk at refdesk@ivpl.org.
Go to ouronline calendar to see our planned events along with more information.
