View from the library: Variety of programs this fall

October is here and we’ve got a great lineup of programs for all ages. Please be aware that the library is closed Monday, October 10. Our online services are always open, as is our book drop for returns. Trick or Treat at the library Monday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 7 we are excited to listen to a ukulele performance by Amy Knutson and Arlee Freemole beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the library atrium.

On Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. Sierra will host a session on our library’s apps.

Do you know that we have Kanopy for viewing movies, Libby for checking out audiobooks, and Flipster for looking at magazines? Learn what the library has to offer and how to sign-up on your devices.

On Oct. 27 we have two programs. At 1 p.m. the library is hosting an AARP Smart Driver Course in partnership with AARP. There is a fee for materials and registration is required. Contact the library to get signed up.

Later that evening at 5:30 p.m., Steph Gillin from CSKT Fish and Wildlife will present a program on Bats in honor of Bat Week. Bats are prevalent in our area, and this program will help you learn why they are so important and beneficial to all of us.

Our children’s programs continue on Mondays at 9:15 a.m. for ages 0-3 at Mother Goose and Thursdays at 9:15 a.m. for ages 3-5 at Story Time. We read stories, sing songs, do nursery rhymes and activities. There is also time for free play at the end.

On Wednesdays from 3-4 p.m. you can read to Riley the therapy dog. Riley is a very gentle golden retriever who loves books. Registration is required, so reserve your spot today.

Our Youth Book Club pick for October is “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling. We will read (or reread) this classic throughout the month and then celebrate with a book talk and party on October 31 at 3:45 p.m. Copies are available for participants to pick up at the library.

Do you know a teen who would like to make a difference in their community? Our Teen Advisory Board is a great way to do that by helping the library shape our programming and collection to best suit our community’s needs. Contact the library for more information.

Have you heard about our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program? The goal is to read 1,000 books before your child’s first day of school to give them an advantage when learning to read for themselves. Sitting and reading with your child is a great bonding activity and can instill a love of reading in them for their lifetime. Visit our website to sign up or ask at the library. There are prizes for the kids and adults along the way.

The Library is participating in a unique fundraising opportunity through December. The Great Falls Public Library Foundation has generously shared copies of the Charlie M. Russell print “The Night Before Christmas” for libraries across the state to sell. The print measures about 23” x 34” and cost is $15 each.

The proceeds are split three ways between our library, Great Falls Library Foundation and the Trust for Montana Libraries.

As the story goes, the children’s librarian at the Great Falls Public Library was friends with Charlie and Nancy Russell and asked Charlie to paint a scene for their children’s area. The Foundation had quite a few prints made and sell these as a fundraiser each year. Prints will be available for sale through December or until sold out.

Renovation plans are moving right along, but we still need your help. Please consider giving to our Library Foundation’s Capital Campaign to get us over the goal line. We hope to get started with construction this winter.

The Library’s hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Monday, Oct. 10.

Curbside pickup is available for everyone during open hours. Please call us at 883-8225 or email us at polsoncl@polson.lib.mt.us with questions or to request curbside pickup.