IN THIS ISSUEBattle of the Gingerbreads Page 6Community First Winter Series Page 4

COZY UP with a GOOD BOOK

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

DEC 2017 - FEB 2018

V5 • N4Appomattox Regional Library System

THE WINTER FORECASTWINTER FORECAST

2

LOCATIONS

OUR MISSION

BOARD of TRUSTEES

HEADQUARTERSHopewell 804-458-6329209 E. Cawson StreetHopewell, VA 23860

Burrowsville 804-458-6329, ext. 2950 18701 James River DriveDisputanta, VA 23842

Carson Depot 804-458-6329, ext. 291016101 Halligan Park RoadCarson, VA 23830

Dinwiddie 804-458-6329, ext. 292014103 Boydton Plank RoadDinwiddie, VA 23841

Disputanta 804-458-6329, ext. 293010010 County DriveDisputanta, VA 23842

McKenney 804-458-6329, ext. 294020916 Old School RoadMcKenney, VA 23872

Prince George 804-458-6329, ext. 29706605 Courts DrivePrince George, VA 23875

Rohoic 804-458-6329, ext. 29607301 Boydton Plank RoadPetersburg, VA 23803

The Appomattox Regional Library System (ARLS) fosters life-long learning, the availability of information, and the exchange of ideas using library resources and emerging technology.

Mary BenjaminDinwiddie

Lillian K. BoydPrince George

Libbie DragooHopewell

Doris GallupPrince George

Fran HalupkaHopewell

Bertha JudgePrince George

Jacqueline SheppersonHopewell

Martha SykesDinwiddie

Carly WinfieldDinwiddie

CONTENT AND ENDORSEMENT:The content of ARLS publications, classes, and events does not necessarily reflect the views held by the Library, nor does mention of companies or organizations imply endorsement.

PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE STATEMENT:By attending ARLS, or ARLS co-sponsored classes or events, at any location, the attendee agrees that: ARLS shall have the unrestricted right and license to use his or her image, likeness, name, voice, comment, or other proprietary or public rights, and that of any minor accompanying attendee, in any broadcast, telecast, photograph, video, audio sound, audiovisual, and/or other recording taken in connection with the class, event, or other transmission, distribution, public performance, or reproduction, in whole or in part, of the class or event for all purposes, worldwide, in perpetuity, and in any and all media now or hereafter known, without compensation. ARLS is the exclusive owner of all copy-rights, and other proprietary rights. The rights granted herein to ARLS are assignable.

EXPL RE Volume 5 | Number 4

www.arls.org • • • • •

Book GroupsHopewell Library Evening | Last Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

December . . . . . . No meetingJanuary 31 . . . . . Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste NgFebruary 28 . . . . Paradise Valley by C.J. Box

Dinwiddie Library | Third Thursday 7:00 p.m.December . . . . . . No meetingJanuary 18 . . . . . Magpie Murders by Anthony HorowitzFebruary 15 . . . . American Spirit by David McCullough

McKenney Library | Second Wednesday 3:00 p.m.December . . . . . . No meetingJanuary 10 . . . . . Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria SempleFebruary 14 . . . . The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

Introducing Book Group to Go!Want to start your own Book Group? It’s easy! Check out one of our Book Group Kits and gather friends! Each kit contains 10 copies of the title, a discussion guide, book and author background, and other goodies to make your book discussion successful.

Titles currently available: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister, Maus by Art Spiegelman, Good to Great by Jim Collins, Street Dreams by K'wan, The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion, The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri, Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, The Light between Oceans by M.L. Stedman, A Season for Tending by Cindy Woodsmall, Longbourn by Jo Baker, and The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin.

Library Board MeetingsThe Appomattox Regional Library Board of Trustees meets at 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month unless otherwise scheduled by the bylaws. This quarter’s meetings are as follows:

December 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hopewell (combined November/December Meeting)January 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prince GeorgeFebruary 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rohoic

Library ClosingsDecember 24, 2017 . . . . . . . Christmas Eve December 25, 2017 . . . . . . . Christmas DayDecember 26, 2017 . . . . . . . Christmas Day observedJanuary 1, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . New Year’s Day January 15, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Martin Luther King DayFebruary 19, 2018 . . . . . . . . . Presidents’ Day

bookgroups

3

ADULT PROGRAMS

Alzheimer’s and Dementia 411 Shonnie Carroll, the Tri-Cities Regional Director of the Alzheimer’s Association will be presenting these informational sessions about Alzheimer’s.

Tips for the HolidaysDinwiddie Library December 21, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m

Holidays can be fill with extra stress and challenges for families and persons with Dementia. Come learn some tips on how to maneuver them successfully and focus on bringing joy into the season.

Dementia ConversationPrince George January 11, 2018, 5:30-6:30 pm

Designed to help talk with the entire family about challenging and uncomfortable topics related to dementia. You will receive tips on how to have honest conversations with family members and doctors.

10 Ways to Love Your BrainDinwiddie Library February 15, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Science is able to provide insight into how to optimize our physical and cognitive health as we age.

Friends of the Library Dinwiddie Holiday Open HouseDecember 1, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

The Friends of the Library, Dinwiddie will host the annual Holiday Open House at the Dinwiddie Library. There will be storytimes, refreshments, and door prizes.

This is a chance to make new friends and mingle with old friends.

Geraldine Spicely, an original Board member of the Friends, and long time volunteer for the Dinwiddie Library recently donated the silver punch bowl seen here to the FOLD. The punch bowl has been the centerpiece of the refreshment table at annual meetings and open houses for 30 years.

Duncan Carmichael, son of long time FOLD member and library assistant, Lorraine Carmichael, poses here with the lamp donated by the family in memory of his mother.

Fitness at the LibrarySit and Be FitHopewell Library Tuesdays, December 5 - February 27: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

This full-body workout is designed to be done from both a seated chair and a standing position. The class will emphasize exercises to improve flexibility, muscle and bone strength, circulation, and balance. It is fun and easy and suitable to people of all fitness abilities.

Introduction to Tai ChiHopewell Library Wednesdays, December 6 - January 10: 1:30-2:30 pm

Improve your quality of life with Tai Chi, a low-impact, slow-motion program that addresses muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and conditioning, and is endorsed by the CDC. This exercise method has been practiced for centuries. As an introductory course, it is suitable for most people.

Yoga for BeginnersPrince George Library Thursdays, December 7 - February 22, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Receive the abundant benefits of yoga. This gentle class offers flowing movements at a gentle pace with attention to breathing and postures. You will see improvement in muscle strength, circulation, flexibility, and balance. It is suitable to people of all fitness levels. Please bring a yoga mat to class.

3

4

ADULT PROGRAMS ADULT PROGRAMS

Southside From the HeartJoin our knitters and crocheters as they create items for local hospitals, nursing homes and shelters. Crafters of all ages and skill levels are welcome.

Hopewell 1st & 3rd Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.2nd & 4th Thursday mornings from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.No meetings December 24th and 31st

McKenney1st & 3rd Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Dinwiddie2nd & 4th Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Prince George1st & 3rd Tuesday afternoons from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Available at All Branches Country Crafts: Beautiful BowsDecember 4 - 15

Are you ever envious of your neighbor’s perfect Christmas bows? Well stop in to any of our branches the first two weeks of December and learn to tie beautiful bows all on your own time! Step-by-step guides and practice ribbon will be available, while supplies last.

Country Crafts: Sock Snowman January 17-21

Enjoy some winter fun while warm and toasty inside the library. Create a snowman that will never melt. Materials, instructions, and a sample snowman will be available at all libraries while supplies last.

Dinwiddie LibraryHoliday Open HouseHosted by the Friends of the Library, Dinwiddie (FOLD) December 1, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

You are invited to the Annual Holiday Open House. Enjoy refreshments, story time, and door prizes. Shop at the Holiday Book Sale through December 23.

History in our Backyard – The Civil War in Dinwiddie County Historic Dinwiddie Courthouse Tuesday January 23, 6 p.m.

The Courthouse served as head-quarters for Union General Sheridan during the Battles of Dinwiddie and Five Forks. Do you want to learn more about the war that took place right where we live? Staff from the Petersburg National Battlefield park will talk about the actions that took place in Dinwiddie County and Southside Virginia during the critical years of 1861-1865.

Community First Winter SeriesHopewell LibraryIn partnership with the Woman's Club of Hopewell, the Library is pleased to host the 2018 Community First Winter Series. Refreshments are served from 10:30-11:00 a.m. and the program begins at 11:00 a.m. For more information, email admin@arls.org.

January 10The Buffalo SoldierJohn Joseph Nichols served as a Buffalo Soldier along-side baseball-great, Jackie Robinson and boxer, Joe Louis in the 1940s. Now the Chester resident visits various events, teaching the history of Buffalo Soldiers and sharing his own World War II stories.

February 14The Peculiar Institution of Slavery and Its Connection to Pocahontas IslandRichard Stewart is the owner and curator of the Richard A. Stewart Pocahontas Island Museum. A master story-teller, he offers a reflective and historical glance into the past of Pocahontas Island and its inhabitants.

Final event will be March 14 - Fort Lee, 100 Years - Its importance to World War I

5

ADULT PROGRAMS ADULT PROGRAMS

Don’t forget to visit The Reader’s Friend Book Store at the Hopewell Library to find gently used books, CDs and DVDs. The Book Store is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Proceeds from the bookstore and the ongoing sales at libraries like Dinwiddie, Carson, and McKenney help support programming for adults and children throughout the Appomattox Regional Library System.

McKenney LibraryCountry Crafts: Make Your Own Scarf!February 7, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

If you’re looking to start new or brush up a dusty skill this is the perfect opportunity! Learn to knit or crochet your own scarf with the help of our Southside from the Heart yarn workers. One on one instruction will be available, and attendees can return to any Southside meeting to continue their practice. Please bring your own supplies.

History in our Backyard – Meet a Civil War Soldier February 13, 6:00 p.m.

Learn about the life of a soldier from the time of the American Civil War. See and touch the items he carried, the clothes he wore and the food he ate. This is an interactive program that is also appropriate for middle and high school students.

Stay tuned for the 3rd part of our series War on the Homefront, at the Rohoic Branch, on March 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Prince George LibraryGet Your Tech On With Our LibrariansJanuary 8, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Did you get new electronic devices over the holidays? You may need help getting used to a new smart phone or tablet and the ARLS librarians are here to help! Bring your new device to the library and find out about applications to make your life easier. Interested in a tablet or e-reader? We plan to have a “petting zoo” with devices so you can try different ones to find out which tablet or ipad or phone would work best for you.

Country Crafts: Make Your Own Scarf!February 6, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

If you’re looking to start new or brush up a dusty skill this is the perfect opportunity! Learn to knit or crochet your own scarf with the help of our Southside from the Heart yarn workers. One on one instruction will be available, and attendees can return to any Southside meeting to continue their practice. Please bring your own supplies.

Poetry, Prose and PizzaThursday, January 26, beginning at 6 p.m.

Nathan Richardson, published poet and youth mentor, will host an evening to share original or favorite poetry or prose selections on Thursday, January 26, beginning at 6 p.m. The Hopewell/PG Friends of the Library host this event with sponsor Luca Italian Restaurant. So stop by to enjoy a slice of pizza and participate in this family friendly evening.

Hopewell LibraryHopewell High School Band and ChorusFriday, December 8, 1:00 pm

The Hopewell High School Band and Chorus will provide a holiday program for all ages. Come and enjoy the music to celebrate the season.

www.arls.org

Now seeking applications to exhibit at ARLS in 2018.

Please visit our website for details and the application.

Art Exhibitions Wanted.

6

YOUTH PROGRAMSAll AgesWinter Story TimeNovember 27 - December 22January 2 - February 2February 12 - March 19

Baby and Me Birth to Pre-KA storytime for babies and their caretakers. A great introduction for you and your new family member to the wonderful world of books, rhymes and songs. This is for babies ages birth to 18 months old.

Hopewell Library 10:00 a.m. on Mondays (11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/22, 1/29, 2/12, 2/26)

Prince George Library 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays (11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/15, 2/22)

Music ‘n’ MovementPre-K ages 3-5Want to get your preschoolers up and moving? This fun, highly-interactive program will have them moving and grooving! With a different theme each month, there’s no way your child will get bored!

December - Silly in the SnowJanuary - What’s the Weather February - Rowdy Robots

Hopewell Library December 18, January 22, February 12 – 11:30 a.m.McKenney LibraryDecember 19, January 23, February 13 – 11:30 a.m.Dinwiddie Library December 20, January 24, February 14 – 11:30 a.m.Prince George Library December 21, January 25, February 15 – 11:30 a.m.

All AgesStory Time programs aim to instill a love of reading by encouraging parents and other special adults to read aloud to children. Activities in Storytime promote brain and language development for children from birth to age 5. At Story Time, children and caregivers are introduced to six early literacy skills that are essential for learning to read including print motivation, narrative skills, phonological awareness, vocabulary, letter knowledge, and print awareness. Please join us! Story Time sessions will now run 6 weeks at a time, usually with a one-week break in between. No registration is required.

November 27 - December 22 (No Story time Dec. 25- Jan. 1)

January 2 - February 3 (No Story Time January 15 at the Hopewell Library)

February 12 - March 19 (No Storytime Feb. 5-9)

Monday - Hopewell - 10:30 a.m.Tuesday - McKenney - 10:30 a.m.Wednesday - Dinwiddie - 10:30 a.m.Thursday - Prince George - 10:30 a.m

Saturday StorytimesSaturday Storytimes – Storytime for families that are unable to make it during the week - fun stories and a cool craft!

Prince George Library - First Saturday of the Month December 2, January 6, February 3 at 10:30 a.m.Dinwiddie Library - Second Saturday of the Month December 9, January 13, February 10 at 10:30 a.m.Hopewell Library - Third Saturday of the Month December 16, January 20, February 17 at 10:30 a.m.

Battle of the GingerbreadsDo you think you have what it takes to decorate the winning gingerbread- come and show us! Please register your children for this event by calling our Youth Service Team at 804-458-6329, extension 1013.

December 15 at 4:00-5:00 pm Hopewell, Prince George, Dinwiddie, and McKenney

7

For more information, go to www.arls.org.

Coming in March!The Hopewell/Prince George Friends of the Library and Friends of the Library, Dinwiddie have combined resources to bring the Bright Star Theatre players to a library near you!

Prince George LibraryMarch 10, 1 p.m. – Aesop’s Fables

Hopewell LibraryMarch 10, 3 p.m. – Heroes of the Underground Railroad

Dinwiddie CourthouseMarch 11, 2 p.m. – Aesop’s Fables

YOUTH PROGRAMS

7

MOVIESLIBRARY

at the

Holiday CraftDecember 21

The holiday craft session is to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Join us at all library locations for a wonderful holiday craft. *For all ages* All open branches - during regular open hours.

Valentine’s Day CraftFebruary 8

This special craft session is to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Join us at all library locations for a wonderful holiday craft. *For all ages*.

All open branches - during regular open hours.

Movies at the Library Kick back and enjoy a movie at the library! Perfect for all-ages, come see the stars at the library! All movies are shown at the Hopewell branch.

The Polar ExpressDecember 16, 11:30 a.m.

Smurfs: The Lost Village January 20, 11:30 a.m.

Akeelah and the BeeFebruary 17, 11:30 a.m.

Take Your Child to the Library DayFebruary 3

We would love to see you and your kids EVERY day at the library, but February 4 is the official day to do it! Each branch will have a fun games and coloring pages, so stop in and have fun at the library with your child! All open branches - during regular open hours.

8

YOUTH PROGRAMSKids (Grades K-5)Lego Club! The Appomattox Regional Library System is very excited to bring back Lego Club! If you are already a Lego Master Builder or even if you’re a first timer, this is the place for you. The library will provide the Legos, while the kids provide the imagination! Ages 6-12

Tuesdays, January 30, February 27 - 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dinwiddie Library, Hopewell Library, and Disputanta Library

S.T.E.A.M. Scene All Ages

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math are brought together in an amazing program for all ages!

With different themes each month and levels ranging from school age to teen, there’s something for everyone to have fun while learning!

December - Art and Animation!January - CodingFebruary - Tall Towers!

First Tuesday of the Month December 5, January 2, February 6 – 4:00 pm Hopewell Library

First Thursday of the Month December 7, January 4, February 1 – 4:00 pm Dinwiddie Library

Second Tuesday of the Month December 12, January 9, February 13 – 4:00 pm Prince George Library

Second Thursday of the Month December 14, January 11, February 8 – 4:00 pm McKenney Library

The Library has a new service called SelectReads and it is listed under “Using the library” tab. It is a book list service which links to our catalog and sends patrons emails about new books, ebooks and releases by authors that they like. A tutorial is available on the Tutorials tab on Niche Academy at the Library website - www.arls.org.

Tweens and Teens (Grades 6-12)Volunteer OrientationFebruary 15

Teens interested in volunteering at the library can learn more at the Teen Volunteer Orientation, on Thursday, February 15, 6 p.m. at the Hopewell Library. Please submit your application in advance on the website at www.arls.org. Call Jan Rowley at 804-458-6329 extension 2001 if you have questions.

Blind Date with a BookFebruary 12 - 17

Come into any of our branches during the week of Valentine’s Day for a date you will not forget! The best part is you don’t have to pay for it and we have plenty of options... oh, did we mention that we mean books! Read each book’s dating profile and choose your perfect match. Hopefully, you’ll end up with the book of your dreams!

Birthday Buddies! Make sure to register for our new Birthday Buddies Club! When you register, we’ll take a fun picture of you and then, during your birthday month, your picture will be up on the Birthday Wall in your local library. Come in on your birthday and we’ll give you a birthday certificate and you’ll get to pick out a free book!

Homeschool Monthly MeetupCoding with Spheros and OzobotsHopewell Library – January 16, 2017, 1:00 p.m.

Come learn about Coding and Computational Thinking. Learn the fundamentals of coding and apply your knowl-edge to work ozobots and spheros.

Black History MonthHopewell Library – February 20, 2017, 1:00 p.m.

We will discuss "Hidden Figures Young Readers' Edition" by Margot Lee Shetterly (ages 8-12) and "Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race" by Margot Lee Shetterly (ages 4-8). You don't have to read the books before attending but they are available at your library.