As I write this, I’m waiting to hear back from the movers about the exact date I’ll be moving into my new home. Moving is always hectic and stressful—finding a new place, selling the old one, dealing with the never-ending paperwork, the PACKING, and let’s not even get started on the work the new house needs (complete paint job, new floors, appliances, cleaning… it’s a lot).
My sister and I were chatting one day about all the places we’ve lived. When we counted, I realized that, from birth, I’ve lived in over 20 different homes across 3 states. She’s lived in just slightly fewer than I, but still over 20. And no, we’re not a military family—we just moved around a lot. So, I’ve learned how to manage the stress. How to sort between "move," "toss," and "donate." How to pack the sheets between the fragile glasses and plates so you’re not hauling too many boxes. But let’s be honest—it’s still a big task, no matter how many times you’ve done it.
I mention this because, for many people, change is uncomfortable and uncertain—and I get it. But what I’ve learned is that I have to face change head-on, because it’s going to happen regardless. I’ve found that examining my situation is key: Where am I? What’s working? What’s not? And what can or should be changed? This self-examination has become a sort of ritual. Some things get kept (and honestly, at this point in life, most things get kept), some things get tossed (probably less than I should), and some things get donated. Oh, and “figurative donation”? Could make a cool band name, but not exactly helpful in self-reflection!
Now, you’re probably wondering what any of this has to do with LibraryLand. Here’s the connection: throughout all of my moves, one thing has remained constant—the library. No matter where I went, I knew there would be a public library to help me find my way in a new place. The staff could always tell me where the closest DMV was, provide info about the area, and direct me to local services. The library provided sanctuary during times when I had no furniture, phone, or internet, waiting for the moving truck to arrive after its long journey across the country (whether it was 2,800 miles, 3,500 miles, or 1,200 miles). It was always one of my first stops: get my library card (the jobs came later—I’ve actually moved across the country three times without having secured employment ahead of time, but hey, call me crazy, it’s fine).
So, as I navigate yet another move, I’m grateful to have IVPL as my sanctuary. I invite you to stop by, say hello, and check us out. And if you see me tearing my hair out, you’ll know the move is going exactly as expected.
We are proud to partner with the Souderton Area School District once again for their art show and reception. Art will be available to view the entire month, with a reception on March 13.
Representative Office Hours
Representative Office Hours
Friday, March 7 — 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.
So Long, Farewell, Goodbye Mr Robbie (All ages)
Monday, March 10 — 3:30—4:30 PM
Lewis McLean Reading Room
Community Room
After five years at Indian Valley Public Library, Mr. Robbie is saying goodbye. Stop by the library to help us say goodbye and wish him well on his next adventure. Light refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome.
Foundation of Friends News & Events
The Indian Valley Public Library's Wine Tasting was the official kickoff for Library Lover's Month. The event brought together 220 supporters and raised over $10,000 for The Foundation of Friends.
Lucy likes both fiction and non-fiction. Some people might even call her a genius.
Donationsto the library help these materials available to Lucy and her family. We could not operate without your support. We depend on it, in fact. So please, consider making a gift today and you will be providing Lucy and other children of the Indian Valley with access to countless resources and information that will enrich their lives.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
IVPL is pleased to offer ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy – a high-quality online educational resource for young children, which is available to you when you visit the library.
ABCmouse.com is an early learning site for children ages 2-8+, covering reading and language arts, math, science, social studies, art, and music. It is child safe, with no advertising or links to other websites. ABCmouse.com features 8,500+ learning activities, including books, interactive learning activities, games, puzzles, songs, art activities and more.
You can access ABCmouse from inside the library -- on our public computers or on your own device connected to our wifi.
Ring in the New Year with some refreshing new reads! Between January 16 and April 16, complete 8 or more books or audiobooks. You will be entered into a drawing to win a gift card from a local business.
Pick up the reading challenge and associated booklists at the library or click on the following link to get the form and related brochures:
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.
School's Out Movie
Friday, March 7 at 2:00 PM
Community Room
Stop by the library for a fun movie in a relaxed environment. This month, we will watch a sequel about our favorite emotions as they help a girl navigate life as a teenager and all the new emotions that it involves. All ages welcome. No registration required.
Live Animal Table Talks
Monday, March 24 — 6:15—8:00 PM
Lewis McLean Reading Room
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.
IVPL Planeswalker Club
Thursdays — 5:00—8:00 PM
Lewis McLean Reading Room
March 13 - Canceled
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
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.
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.
Pajama Storytime (All ages)
Tuesday, March 4 at 7:00 PM
Storyhour Room
Stories, songs, and movement activities before bedtime for children of all ages. Pajamas welcome (not required).
Pokemon Club (Youth ages 5+)
Monday, March 3 at 4 PM
Tuesday, March 18 at 5 PM
Community Room
Stop by the library to meet up with other Pokemon fans to trade cards, play the card game, and complete a craft or other activity. The library has some cards available for those new to Pokemon but participants are encouraged to bring their own decks. (The Library is not responsible for lost or damaged cards). No registration required.
Junior Engineers (Youth ages 5+)
Tuesday, March 4 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.
ABC Learn with Me (Ages Birth-3)
Friday, March 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 10:30 AM
Community Room
During this 5 week course, parents and their young children are invited to come to the library for 45 minutes of play followed by some songs. During play time, experts from local organizations will be on hand to answer questions about a different area of early childhood development each week. Areas of learning include early literacy, speech and language, nutrition, early childhood development, and movement. Registration is required for the series and participants are encouraged to attend all five weeks. Registration starts February 21.
Stop into the Children’s Room for some free play with preschool-friendly building toys. No registration required.
Lego Club (Ages 5 and up)
Tuesday, March 11 at 5 PM
Monday, Mar 24 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.
Ruff Ruff and Read (Ages 5+)
Saturday, March 22
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.
Tinker Tuesday: Fabulous Flowers (Youth ages 5+)
Tuesday, March 25 at 5:00 PM
Community Room
During this special Tinker Tuesday program, we will read this year’s Longwood Gardens Community Read Book, The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton. Then, we will make some flower themed art using a variety of supplies. Everyone is invited to participate, even adults. Most appropriate elementary school but all ages welcome. Every family who attends will be entered into a drawing for a free single-use family pass to Longwood Gardens.
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.
Go to ouronline calendar to see our planned events along with more information.
Homeschool families are invited to stop into an hour of free build with Legos. Ms. Angela will provide building challenge cards for anyone who needs inspiration. Otherwise, you can build whatever you want. Most appropriate for children ages 5-10 but all ages 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.
IVPL's Homeschool School Science Fair
Friday April 4 at 1 PM
Community Room
Homeschool and cyber school students are invited to display and present their science fair experiments to judges on Friday, April 4th. Ribbons will be awarded. Registration is 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.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 21st.
Explore cultures and geography from around the world through trivia, games, crafts, food and other hands-on activities. No registration required. Please note: if you have food allergies, please email youthservices@ivpl.org before attending. This month's topic will be St. Patrick's Day/Celtic Nations.
Interested in sharing about your own culture? We would love help from individuals with lived experience. Email youthservices@ivpl.org if you would like to participate in this way.
Dice Rollers
Sundays, March 9 & 23 at 1 PM
Pennsylvania Room
Gather to play Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role playing games. Best for Grades 7-12.
DIY Time: Painted Flower Pots
Thursday, March 20 — 4:00—5:00 PM
Community Room
After reading an excerpt from Paradise Under Glass, join us to decorate a flower pot. For ages 12 and up. No registration is required.
Youth Advisory Group - Virtual
Thursday, March 13 — 4:00—5:00 PM
Zoom
The Youth Advisory Group is a group of dedicated students who are interested in making a difference at their library. This session, we will planning activities for summer.
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, March 1 — 11:00AM—1:30 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.
When: First Saturday of every month
Time: 1pm - 3pm
Where: Lewis McLean Reading Room
Come celebrate our special guest poet, Lynn Fanok.
Lynn Fanok hosts a monthly poetry series at the Newtown Bookshop located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This group of kindred spirits is a community with whom she shares a common interest -- reading and writing poetry. They meet on the second Thursday of each month from 6:00pm - 7:00pm. All are welcome! And an open mic night is held each year during the month of February. Visit newtownbookshop.comfor details. Lynn's newest poetry collection, The Weeds, is forthcoming summer of 2025.
Evening Yoga at the Library
Wednesday, March 5, 12, & 19 — 6:00—7:00 PM
Thursday, March 27 — 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
The Conflict Ignites ~ The Battle of Lexington and Concord
Thursday, March 6 — 7:00—8:15 PM
Community Room
The American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson called it “The Shot heard around the World” when a British raiding party went into the Massachusetts interior to seize stockpiled guns and met resistance before dawn on April 19, 1775 in Lexington, Massachusetts. The colonial militia responded and the American Revolution had begun.
Join Historian Mike Jesberger for his program and unique perspective as the anniversary of this historic event approaches in April 2025!
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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.
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.
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!
*Cranium, Apples to Apples, Quiddler, Kings in the Corners and others
Education for an Indoor Gardener - A Longwood Community Reads Program
Saturday, March 15 — 12:00—1:00 PM
Community Room
Discover the essentials of indoor plant care! This program will cover selecting the right plants, proper watering techniques, humidity control, spacing, and understanding temperature and light needs. Additionally, learn how to prevent, diagnose, and correct common houseplant problems to keep your indoor garden healthy and thriving.
Presenter: Trent has always found inspiration in gardening, both of his grandfathers had large and bountiful vegetable plots. He had his first vegetable garden before age 10. His grandmother taught him about house plants, giving him a spider plant was so long lived it was named "Charlie". Before their home was built, the landscaping was planned with favorite trees and perennial plantings. Their water garden is small, but provides some of the most thrills. He is planning a galvanized tank raised garden for 2025.
Trent attended Temple University and had a 32-year career in merchandising. From this, he learned a great deal about design, overseeing $25 million in sales for a large department story. At its height, our store's Christmas shop was the largest on the East Coast outside of New York City.
When he retired, he spearheaded fundraising to restore the Ridge Valley UCC one room schoolhouse in West Rockhill Township. He has held Christmas wreath classes for five years, terrarium classes and make Easter crosses/holiday wreath memorials to fund care of our historic buildings and cemetery.
He likes terrariums because they become a way of gardening indoors in the winter when the weather is bad. He finds great inspiration at Terrain and loves Pinterest as a way to document ideas. I hope you may be inspired to create a terrarium for your home.
Aspiring writers meet to discuss writing and encourage each other's efforts. All are welcome.
Socratic Discussions on Education and Learning
Tuesday, March 18 — 7:00—8:00 PM
Pennsylvania Room
This class is a roundtable discussion of different 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.
Smart Moves for Social Security: Maximize Your Income, Minimize Your Worry
Did the ancient Egyptians understand human anatomy and did they practice medicine? The answer is yes. Data derived from archaeological excavations, as well as from several surviving ancient Egyptian papyri, reveal extensive, perhaps effective, medical procedures that are relevant to procedures in use today.
This richly illustrated lecture introduces ancient Egypt’s medical world. We meet history's earliest documented physician, Imhotep, and the earliest documented dentist, Hesy-re. We examine the role of magic and herbs in ancient Egyptian medicine, look at cases outlining specific surgical intervention, and we examine an actual case of what was perhaps successful trauma surgery - as evidenced on human skeletal remains recovered during recent excavations in the cemeteries behind the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, Egypt.
Presenter: Stephen R. Phillips, Ph.D., is the Curatorial Research Coordinator in the Egyptian Section of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Dr. Phillips earned his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in the fields of biological anthropology, archaeology, and Egyptology at the University of Pennsylvania. He is listed with the Register of Professional Archaeologists. He has traveled extensively and participated in a wide range of archaeological excavations for more than 25 years, including fieldwork at Petra, Jordan; near Bordeaux in southwestern France; and in Egypt - at the Great Pyramids and at Saqqara.
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This presentation will be held in-person at the library. Click hereto register. Questions? Contact DeAnne O'Brien at dobrien@ivpl.org.
Jane Austen: The Writer & Her Legacy
Saturday, March 22 — 3:00—4:30 PM
Community Room
2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birthday. Join us for a presentation exploring this classic author and her work. IVPL is pleased to welcome Dr. John Ronan from Kutztown University for this informative presentation.
St. Patrick is the most famous patron saint of Ireland. Did you know he wasn’t even Irish? Come learn about Patrick and his story. We will also talk about St. Patrick’s Day and its celebrations in the United States and around the world.
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 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, March 24 — 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, March 25 — 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.
Little Women (2019)
Four sisters learn about love, life, and loss as they grow through their young womanhood against the backdrop of post-Civil War America. At the heart of the family is the headstrong Jo who aspires, above all else, to forge her own path. Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott.
Rating: PG
Runtime: 2 hr 15 min
Creating Paradise Under Glass with Ruth Kassinger - Longwood Gardens Community Read Author Event
Saturday, March 29 — 6:00—7:15 PM
Virtual
Join Longwood Gardens online for an inspiring discussion with author of Paradise Under Glass Ruth Kassinger. Explore Kassinger’s journey of building a small conservatory in her suburban Maryland home and learn about the history of conservatories and the plants they house along the way. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions. Our award-winning Community Read, now in its twelfth year, brings books and people together to spur discussion about an important idea or topic.
Tuesday, March 4, 11, 18, & 25 --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, March 4 —6:45—8:45 PM
Zoom
Tuesday, March 18 —6:45—8:45 PM Community Room
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.
PA Medi (formerly APPRISE)
Thursday, March 6 & 20— 9:00—12:00 AM
Study Room 1
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, March 6,13, 20 & 27 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, March 6 & 27 — 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.
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.
