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.
Featured Artist
Joan Marley (marleyart.net) will be displaying her paintings for the month of December at the Library. She is a local artist from Harleysville and paints colorful landscapes in watercolors and oils.
Blood Drive
Red Cross Blood Drive
Friday, December 15 — 11:00 AM—4:00 PM
Community Room
Blood donors are needed. Schedule your appointment here.
IVPL's Library of Things is coming! Soon you will be able to borrow a telescope, projector and screen, lawn games, a drill, a metal detector, cake pans, and more!
Foundation of Friends
“It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” (unless you visited some box stores in July when their holiday began). The holidays are a time of reflection and giving. So, first the Board of the Foundation of Friends wants to again thank all of you for your financial support to our great Library and the Foundation. Our recent “Wine Tasting” event was a great example of your support and recognition of the great work our Library, a community center, has to offer to all members of our community.
As it is a time for giving I would like to ask you to consider giving, this time giving some of your time.
We need volunteers for a number of programs, events, and fund raising activities to help make them a great success. An example is the Book Sale program. This program not only raises money for the Library, but also gives the opportunity for people to purchase used books at a very reasonable cost. It takes volunteers to make this a success. Also, there is always a need to help with mailings, book repairs and so on where your time would be very much appreciated. If you only have an hour a week or so, a great place to spend that available time is at our Library.
We always appreciate whatever you can give, whether it is financial or time, even placing a “We Love Our Library” sign on your lawn. As we are a great community, where a Library is open to all, whatever you can do to support our great Library is always welcomed.
We at the Indian Valley Foundation of Friends wish you all a safe and enjoyable Holiday Season.
2022-2023 Annual Appeal
Inthis videoyou can hear a bit about just how people take advantage of the tools and services provided by IVPL.
You also might have noticed that our latest Annual Appeal has hit your mailboxes. I hope both the mailing and video stress the importance of funding and financial support is to your local library.
Your support makes these things possible. Donationsto the library help cover our operating expenses.
More videos highlighting IVPL's activities, clubs, and other resources can be found here.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you wish to speak about supporting the library.
BookPage highlights the best new books across all genres, as chosen by its editors. BookPage's goal is "connect every reader to a book they will love." A star indicates a book of exceptional quality in its genre or category.
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.org with 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 December 3 & 17 at 1 PM
Pennsylvania Room
Gather to play Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role playing games. Best for Grades 7-12.
School's Out Movie: DC League of Super-Pets
Wednesday, December 27 — 2:00—3:45 PM
Community Room
Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime side by side in Metropolis. However, Krypto must master his own powers for a rescue mission when Superman is kidnapped.
Rating: PG
Runtime: 100 minutes
Unplugged Games
Friday, December 29 — 12:00—3:00 PM
Community Room
Games are a great way for us to get together. Drop by the library to play some oversized games and some table-sized games. No registration is required. All ages are welcome!
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
Preschool programs do not require registration unless otherwise indicated. You can register for them if you would like to receive reminder emails. Just click on this Calendar Link.
Pajama Storytime (All ages)
Tuesday, December 5 & 19 — 7:00—7:30 PM
Storyhour Room
Stories, songs, and movement activities before bedtime for children of all ages. Pajamas welcome (not required).
Babies Boogie Storytime
(Ages birth-24 months)
Mondays, December 4, 11 & 18 at 9:15 AM
Wednesdays, December 6, 13 & 20 at
10:15 AM
Families with children ages birth to 24 months are invited to join us for a brief storytime for our youngest friends, followed by time to play and socialize. Siblings welcome.
Teddy Bear Storytime (2 year olds)
Wednesdays, December 6, 13 & 20
at 9:30 AM
Stories, songs, and movement activities for 2-year-old children. Bring a stuffed toy or use one of ours. Siblings welcome.
Music and Motion Storytime (Ages 3-5)
Wednesdays, December 6, 13, & 20 at 11 AM
Stories, songs, and movement activities for children ages 3-5. Siblings welcome.
Lunch Bunch Storytime (All ages)
Thursdays, December 7, 14, & 21 at 12 PM
Community Room
Join us for a casual storytime for children of all ages. Feel free to bring a snack or a lunch, though this is not required.
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Friday, December 15 — 12:00—5:00 PM
DROP OFF in the children’s section: Friday 12/15, 12 PM - 5 PM
PICK UP at the front desk: Saturday 12/16, 10 AM - 1 PM or Sunday 12/17, 1 PM - 5 PM
Children are invited to drop off a stuffed toy for a “sleepover” at the library. Pick them up over the weekend and see pictures of the fun they had - and maybe some mischief, too! See pictures from last time.
Create snowflakes and more to decorate the library or to take home. This is a drop-in program, so come whenever you can!
Join us in the Storyhour Room in the back of the children’s section.
Wee Build (Ages 1-5)
Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 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, December 4, 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, December 11 at 4 PM
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, December 12 at 5 PM
During this program, you will be invited to work in a small group to solve an engineering challenge with provided materials.
STEAM Saturday: Humming Bird Kit and Animated Video Game Characters (Ages 10 and up)
Saturday, December 30, 10:30 AM to 1 PM
Community Room
Building a PC involves selecting and assembling individual hardware components, such as a processor, graphics card, and memory, to create a customized and high-performance computer system tailored to specific needs and preferences. 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.
Family Art Exploration (All ages)
Monday, December 18 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.
Go to ouronline calendar to see our planned events along with more information.
Homeschool families of all ages are invited to hang out in the Community Room. IVPL will provide a variety of building materials, including Legos, Duplos, K’Nex, Magna Tiles and more! No registration required.
Tween & Teen Events
VolunTeen Service Club
Wednesday, December 20 —
6:00—7:30 PM
Community Room
Join us to complete projects and activities to support local and nationwide charities and organizations. For young people ages 13 and up.
Join a librarian on Zoom or in-person* to discuss a graphic novel. Ages 9-12.
Each month's graphic novel will be available on Hoopla.
Zero's Journey Graphic Novel Book 1
When Jack Skellington's faithful pet Zero gets lost, the ghost pup must get the help of the residents of Christmas Town to find his way back. With Halloween plans on hold while Jack mounts a search, will they be reunited in time to save both holidays? Explore the magical realms of Halloween Town and Christmas Town through the eyes of Zero as he tries to find his way home in an unfamiliar world. This graphic novel includes the FCBD issue #0 plus #1-4 as well as extra bonus material!
*The library is following current CDC guidelines regarding masks. Please check here for guidelines before attending in-person programs. If you are experiencing COVID symptoms or have been recently exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID, please stay home.
Cold Case Caper (Ages 13+)
Thursday, December 28 — 11:00—1:45 AM
Community Room
You have 45 minutes to crack this case!
Cold Case: A Pinch of Murder
In 1983, Harold Green, a sweet old man adored in his community, planned to attend his church’s annual summer fair in Melmbury, England. When he never showed up, a casual search led to the discovery of his dead body. The murder was never solved. In Cold Case: A Pinch of Murder, YOU investigate the death of Harold Green and attempt to solve the crime.
Inside the box, you will find realistic documents pertaining to the crime, containing everything you need to crack the case. Examine the clues, piece together the evidence, and solve the murder! Then submit your answer online to see if you are correct and have finally brought Melmbury the justice it deserves! Great for a small group of friends or a single-player experience, Cold Case: A Pinch of Murder integrates puzzle-solving and crime fiction into an immersive investigative experience. Do you have what it takes to solve the Cold Case?
Do you like puzzles? Clickhereto solve this month's book cover puzzle.
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
Forgotten Voices Poetry Group
Saturday, December 2 — 1:00—3:00 PM
Lewis McLean Reading Room
Forgotten Voices Poetry Group
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.
When: First Saturday of every month
Time: 1pm - 3pm
Where: Lewis McLean Reading Room
Morning Tai Chi Gung Classes
Fridays at 10:30 AM
Friday Six Week Series (Oct 6, 27, Nov 3, 10, Dec 1, 8)
These 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!
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.
For registration, payment and more information for the 12/1 class, click here.
Local Author Talk with Jon Volkmer
Monday, December 4 — 7:00—8:00 PM
Community Room
Join us as local author Jon Volkmer discusses his new novel Brave in Season. Set in 1950 in the rural Midwest, and inspired by real events, this gripping novel explores what happens when an African American railroad repair crew is dropping into a tiny, tight-knit farm community. Will frictions build to an all-too-familiar American tragedy, or can tensions be overcome in that uniquely American way, with balls and bats and a field of green.
Subtitled “A Novel of Race, Railroads and Baseball,” this book is based on more that five years of research and ethnography. Jon will pull aside the curtain, and talk of crisscrossing the country to find informants and written sources to help him recreate faithfully the technology of railroads, the state of baseball, and the realities of race of 1950 America. He will also talk about how the research informs and is transformed into a compelling narrative, and give a short reading from the novel.
Copies will be available for purchase, and Jon will be happy to sign them for you or for loved ones.
About the Presenter: Jon Volkmer has been a Professor of English and Director of Creative writing at Ursinus College in Collegeville for more than three decades. He earned an M.A. in Creative Writing from Denver University, then returned to his native state for a PhD in English from the University of Nebraska. His other books include a travel memoir, Eating Europe, a collection of poems, The Art of Country Grain Elevators, and a young adult biography of Roberto Clemente. His stories, poems and essays have appeared in more than 60 publications, including Commonweal, Parnassus, Platte Valley Review, and Prairie Schooner.
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This program will be held in the Community Room. To register, enter your information here. Questions? Contact DeAnne O'Brien at dobrien@ivpl.org.
Childhood Smart Program
Tuesday, December 5 —7:00—8:00 PM
Community Room
Help your child safely navigate the digital world.
Souderton Charter School Collaborative, in partnership with the Indian Valley Public Library, is pleased to invite you to a Childhood Smart Program led by Jason Swan, a United States Secret Service agent.
Presentation Highlights:
Understanding the ever-evolving digital landscape
Practical tips for internet safety
Promoting positive digital citizenship
The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. Register here.
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. Also 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
Open Mic Night
Tuesday, December 12— 6:30—8:00 PM
Lewis McLean Reading Room
Join us as a performer or an audience member for a night of local music, poetry, storytelling, and more! All performers will have a five minute slot to showcase their unique talents.
Sign-up begins at 6:00 PM.
Refreshments provided.
This program is for adults, seniors, and young adults ages 13+. Please keep a family-friendly environment in mind when selecting material to share.
Forgotten Voices Poetry Workshop is open to all. No registration is required.
Socratic Discussions on Education and Learning
Tuesday, December 19 — 7:00—8:00 PM
Pennsylvania Room
In-Person Program
Socratic Discussions on Education and Learning
This class is a roundtable discussion of different classic education texts, both ancient and modern, to explore different educational ideas. We will 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 will 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 in the Pennsylvania Room at the library. Register here. Questions? Contact DeAnne O'Brien at dobrien@ivpl.org.
Quizzo
Thursday, December 28 at 7:00 PM
Join Quizmaster Katie for a monthly game of Quizzo. Register your team or a single (we will place you on a team).
Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 116 minutes
Sleeping Mat Project with Integrate for Good
Thursdays, December 7 & 14 — from 10—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
Tech Help
Tuesdays, December 5, 12, 19 & 26— 11:00—11:45 AM or 12:00—12:45
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. Registration is required.
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.
Bridge Group
Tuesdays, December 5, 12,19 & 26 — 9:00 AM—12:00PM
Lewis McLean Reading Room
Bridge is played with four people sitting at a card table using a standard deck of 52 cards (no jokers). The players across from each other form partnerships as North‑South and East‑West.
Skilled chess players are welcome to bring their sets, find a partner and play during these drop-in chess sessions.
Knitwits
Tuesdays, December 5, 12, 19 & 26 —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, December 5 (virtual) and
Tuesday, December 19 (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 Tuesday (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.
Le Cercle Francais
Thursday, December 7 & 14 — 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.
Board Game Night for Adults
Tuesday, December 12 — 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!
Who: Adults who enjoy learning new games.
When: Second Tuesday of the month-6:30-7:45PM
Where: Community Room of Indian Valley Public Library
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
Stammtisch German Language Group
Tuesday, December 26 — 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.
