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Chess Club
Join us for a casual game, or enter our continuing ladder tournament and see how many opponents you can knock down a rung. You do not need to register for the chess club: you can just show up.
Anime Club
Join us for anime, manga, cosplay, and Japanese culture. Note that we are switching to Tuesdays starting in January. Teens in grades 7-12 do not need to register for the anime club: you can just show up.
Teen Board Meeting
Our Teen Board will meet each month at 5:30pm on the third Thursday of the month. New members are welcome at any time. You do not need to register ahead of time, just come.
Movie Day
Watch an animated feature film on our screen. Sat, Jan 31st at 2pm.
Anime Club Thursdays
[manga-style drawing of a boy] Join us the second Thursday of each month to watch anime, discuss manga and graphic novels, learn about Japanese culture, and more. For teens in grades 7-12. Cosplay is optional. New members are always welcome. There is no need to register: you can just show up.
Short Parody Film Festival
Any teen or group of teens can make a three-to-five-minute parody film, and we will watch and judge them together on Saturday, January 24th. You may parody a music video, book, movie, TV show, or something else. Completed films should be appropriate for teen viewing (no nudity or profanity) and must be submitted by Thursday, January 22th. Contact Heather for submission details. If you don't want to make a film but would like to view the submissions, you are also welcome to attend. Registration is required, so sign up now.
Make-It/Take-It Calendar Craft
Mark that date on your calendar. What's that, you don't have one? Well you have come to the right place. Replace that Post-It note mess on your fridge with a calendar for 2015. This calendar will help you keep track of those notes, and it looks great. We provide supplies so that you can make it with your own flair. Ditch the cookie cutter calendars from the store: make a free one with us instead. Thu, Jan 22nd at 6pm.
Movie Day
The children's department will be showing a feature-length family film about dolphins. Popcorn and punch will be served. Registration is required for this event: call or stop by the library to sign up. This movie day is for kids in grades K-6. Remember to bring your blanket and pillow. Sat, Jan 17th at 2pm.
Polar Bears and Penguins (K-2)
Join us for stories and crafts featuring our favorite winter animals. Registration is required: call or stop by the library to sign up. Sat, Feb 7th, 2-3:30pm.
Chocolate Mug Cakes for Kids (Grades 3-6)
We will be making mug cakes and other goodies. Registration is required: call or stop by the library to sign up. Sat, Feb 21st, 2-4pm.
Scrabble Night
[stock photo of Scrabble tiles] Start the new year with some wordplay. Play a game or two of Scrabble and enjoy some light refreshments. All skill levels are welcome, but you must be 18 years or older to play. This event is free, but registration is required since space is limited. Call the library or stop by the main desk to sign up. Thu, Jan 29th at 6pm.
Book Discussion
Contact Cyndi for more details and to find out what the Book of the Month will be.
Games Club
The chess club has become a games club. We will still have chess available, but we also now invite others to join in and play other board games and card games. Bring your own game or play one of ours. New members in grades 6-12 are invited to join at any time. Refreshments are provided. You do not need to register for the games club: you can just show up.
Food for Fines
[stock photo of canned food] The library will offer a Food for Fines promotion during the month of February. If you have outstanding library fines, you can receive forgiveness. Simply bring non-perishable food items to the library in February, to be donated to a local food bank. For each complete item you bring in, we'll knock a dollar off your fines. (Please note that we cannot accept outdated items, damaged or opened items, partial items, items not labeled for individual resale or missing portions of their packaging, etc. All donated food must be in a condition suitable for distribution.)
Apron-Free Cooking
We are planning a cooking demonstration with Irish recipes. There will be samples. Watch this space for more information. Sat, Feb 28th.
Great Chocolate Bake-Off
[stock photo of a chocolate cake] Enter any chocolate baked good into our competition, or stop by after the judging and sample the various entries. Watch this space for more information. Tue, Feb 17th at 6pm.
Weather Closing
The library will be closed all day, due to the weather. Mon, Jan 26th.
Tax Forms
Currently we have copies of the federal 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ; the Ohio IT-1040 and the instructions for it; and the school district tax form. We also have one (1) reference copy of the IRS 1040 instructions, at the desk. Unfortunately, the IRS has informed us that they will not be sending us copies of the instruction booklets or other forms to distribute this year. We do have the reproducible photocopy-forms book.
Seussibration
Join us for stories, crafts, and other activities related to everyone's favorite author, Dr. Seuss. For grades K-2. Registration is required: sign up now. Sat, Mar 7th, 2-3:30pm.
Life-Sized Clue
Join the fun as we turn our Community Room into a life-sized version of the popular board game. For grades 3-6. Registration is required: sign up now. Sat, Mar 21st, 2-3:30pm.
Family Movie Day
The children's room will be showing that movie about the large inflatable robot. Children are welcome to bring a blanket and pillows. Popcorn and punch will be served. Registration is required, so sign up now. Sat, Apr 18th at 2pm.
Fancy Nancy Tea Party
It's time for our always popular Fancy Nancy Tea Party. We'll read fancy stories, make fancy crafts, and end the afternoon with a fancy parade and, of course, a fabulously fancy tea party. Fancy attire is encouraged but not required. For grades K-2. Sign up now. Sat, May 2nd, 2-3:30pm.
Mystery South of the Border
Grades 3-6 are invited to stop in the library any time between May 1st and May 15th to solve The Mystery South of the Border. An important item has been stolen, and it's up to you to find it. All junior sleuths in grades 3 - 6 who complete all of the puzzles and solve the mystery will receive a prize and an invitation to our party on Saturday, May 16th.
Staying Alive: A Murder Mystery
Put on your best disco attire and join us for pizza and an after-hours mystery. For ages 12-18. Preregistration is required. If you would like to be a suspect, you should register as soon as possible. (Space will also be available for non-suspects.) Fri, Mar 13th, 7-10pm.
Movie Afternoon
Watch a movie about an inflatable robot. This showing is open to ages 12-18 only. (There'll be a children's showing on a different date.) Registration is required: sign up now. Fri, Apr 3rd at 2pm.
Annual Chess Tournament
Join our annual chess tournament. The tournament will go from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each participant will play four rounds. A light lunch will be served after the second round. For grades 4-12. You must register by Wednesday, April 22nd.
Bingo for Books
[stock photo of a bingo game] Play for your chance to win free copies of books by popular authors. We'll have some best-selling novels to hand out, as well as non-fiction titles. Refreshments will be served. Registration is required, so sign up now. Thu, Mar 12th, 6-7:30pm.
National Library Week
The week of April 12th through the 18th is National Library Week.
Poetry Contest
Submit an original poem to our 6th Annual Poetry Contest in honor of our National Poetry Month and National Library Week. Poets 18 years and older can drop off their poetry during library hours between Monday, April 20th and Saturday, April 25th for a chance to win this popular contest. Submitted poetry must be
  1. an original creation of the submitter
  2. typewritten
  3. no more than 40 lines in length
  4. never previously published
Poems have been put up for patron judging, either in the library or online, starting Monday, April 27th. The judging will end on Friday, May 1st at 3pm. Winners will be announced once the judging is complete. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place poems. Winning poems will also be displayed at the library and on our website.
Resume Workshop
Are you frustrated with your current resume? Need help to create a resume for the first time? Maybe you just want help making your resume stand out. Whatever the reason, this workshop is designed to get you one step closer to landing that job you've been looking for. Angela Neef of the Jobs Plus Unit will teach resume formatting, how to self-assess your skills and abilities, and how to make your resume stand out. If you already have a resume, don't hesitate to bring it. We've teamed up with the Crawford County Job and Family Services to offer this program free of charge. Call or stop by the library to sign up. Tue, Apr 21st at 6pm.
Book Chat
Our book chat is at 10am on the last Friday of the month.
Birding 101
If you want to get into calming backyard bird watching or to start serious life-list counters, then come learn the ins and outs of this popular hobby. Josh Dyer will cover the basics of birdwatching to get you on the path to identifying every bird that you see and hear. The program will consist of a PowerPoint presentation followed by a short quiz to test your knowledge of common backyard birds. This event is free, but registration is encouraged since space is limited. Call stop by the main desk to sign up. Tue, Mar 31st at 6pm.
Living History: Andrew Carnegie
Join historian, lecturer, and author Kenneth Hammontree as he returns to Galion Public Library with another of his celebrated Living History performances. Hammontree will become Andrew Carnegie, the man who funded over 3000 libraries. Get a taste of Carnegie's life and learn how he became one of the 20th century's most famous philanthropists. This event is free, but registration is required. Call or stop by the library to sign up. Mon, Apr 13th at 7pm.
Repurposed Books
Melissa Taylor, local muralist and fine artist will be teaching two classes. Celebrate National Library Week and Earth Day by creating art out of lonely old damaged books, turning trash into fresh beauty. Bring an old book to Wednesday's class if possible (small or children's book recommended). All other materials will be provided. These classes are free but are limited to ten participants per class. Call or stop by the library to reserve your spot.
Summer Reading: Every Hero Has a Story
Our summer reading program starts June 1st. The newspaper insert is available now (PDF, 7.6M)
Unmask: Summer Reading
Starts June 1st. The newspaper insert is available now (PDF, 7.6M) We'll unmask more details as summer approaches.
Escape the Ordinary with Summer Reading
Our summer reading program starts June 1st. You must be over 18 years old to participate in the adult summer reading program.
The sooner you sign up, the more chances you'll have to win. For every library book you read, you will get a ticket to put into our weekly prize drawings, which will be held on Fridays. Each week, three gift cards or gift certificates to local restaurants and stores will be awarded. The more books you read, the more chances you'll have to win.
All the tickets (including tickets not pulled during the weekly drawings) will be entered into our grand prize drawing, which will take place on Friday, July 31st. Grand prizes, each consisting of $50 worth of gift cards to Barnes & Noble, will be awarded to two lucky winners.
This year we will also have a Guess the Amount contest going during Summer Reading. Each week we will fill a jar, at the front desk, with something new. You are invited to guess the number of items in the jar. The first correct answer we pull will win a prize. If the correct amount is not guessed, then the guess closest to the correct amount will win. The first jar will be put out on Monday, June 1st. The last jar will end on Thursday, July 30th. Winners will be announced each Thursday.
There will also be various special programs during the summer, starting with the Chef Battle. The summer reading program runs from June 1st through July 31st.
The newspaper insert is available now (PDF, 7.6M)
Summer Reading for All Ages
Our summer reading programs start June 1st.
Lower Entry Closed
Due to the replacement of the downstairs entryway, the Galion Public Library will not have a handicapped-accessible entry sometime between May 18th and June 1st. The entryway will hopefully not be closed for the entire time, but we will be announcing more accurate closing dates when they have been set. If you need the lower entryway, we recommend you call before coming to see whether it is open. If you need library materials during this time and are not able to come to the library or have someone come for you, please call us at 419-468-3203. We may be able to make arrangements.
The work on the lower entryway will have to be rescheduled, possibly for August. We will post dates when we have them.
Friends of the Library Used Book Sale
The Friends will be holding their Used Book Sale. All materials will be sold on a donation basis. Proceeds will be used to provide new materials for the library. Thu, May 14th, 9-8pm, Fri, May 15th, 9-5pm, and Sat, May 16th, 9-Noon.
Chef Battle
Teens and adults are invited to join the Cooking Caravan as two chefs are pitted against each other. The Cooking Caravan uses everyday food to create something amazing. This Iron Chef style cooking battle will use audience members as sous chefs. Registration is required, call or stop by the library to reserve your spot. Sat, Jun 20th, 3-4pm.
DC vs Marvel
Dress as your favorite DC or Marvel character and join us for games, team challenges, and trivia. Tue, Jun 23rd, 6-8pm.
Luau Murder Mystery Dinner
Grab a lei and find out whodunit. Registration is required for this after-hours program. Fri, Jun 26th, 7-9:30pm.
Party on the Lawn
Join us for a party on the lawn (in a galaxy far, far away). You do not need to register for this program. You can just show up. Wed, Jun 10th, 1-3pm.
Dog Heroes
Join us for these fabulous programs about canine heroes. This program is free, but registration is required. You can register starting on the Thursday before the show.
Community Heroes
This program is free, but registration is required. You can register starting on the Thursday before the show. Wed, Jun 24th at 2pm and Wed, Jun 24th at 6pm.
Heroic Family Movie Fridays
We've got our new projection system put in, with really good surround sound. Join us for family movies on Fridays all summer long. (Click these links to see which hero we are showing on June 12th, June 26th, July 10th, and July 24th.)
Job Opening: Student Shelver
We will be taking applications.
Military Heroes
Meet our military heroes. Also, join us any time all day to write a letter to a soldier. This program is free, but registration is required. You can register starting on the Thursday before the show. Wed, Jul 1st at 2pm and Wed, Jul 1st at 6pm.
Animal Heroes
The Crawford Park District and Crawford Wildlife Officer will present animal heroes. This program is free, but registration is required. You can register starting on the Thursday before the show. Wed, Jul 8th at 2pm and Wed, Jul 8th at 6pm.
Magical Superhero Math Show
This program is free, but registration is required. You can register starting on the Thursday before the show. Wed, Jul 15th at 2pm and Wed, Jul 15th at 6pm.
Discover Your Superpower through Crafting
Drop into the children's room any time the library is open during the months of June and July. We'll have crafts all the time, with a different theme each week.
Touch a Truck
Diggers, loaders, tractors, semi trucks, limos, RVs, and cool vehicles of all kinds. Sat, Jul 18th, 10-Noon.
An Evening with Robert Kurtzman
Meet this award-winning special effects crator, producer, and director. Find out about his exciting career and get your questions answered. This event is open to ages 12+, but registration is required. Call or stop by the library to sign up. Thu, Jun 11th at 6pm.
Bingo for Books
Play bingo and win books. Registration is required. Call or stop by the library to sign up. Tue, Jun 30th, 7-8pm.
Ohio Spirits
Join storyteller Jim Kleefeld for stories, legends, and tales of haunted Ohio places. Ages 10-99 are welcome. Thu, Jul 9th, 6:30-7:30pm.
Cartoon with Jeff Nicholas
This presentation will be held during the anime club meeting time, but you don't have to love anime to come learn how to cartoon. Tue, Jul 14th, 6:30-8pm.
Marvel Movie Marathon
Bring a beanbag chair or pillow and blanket and come watch superhero movies with us. Click these numbered links to see what movies are in our lineup: 1, 2, 3, 4. Pizza and snacks will be served. Drip in for a single movie or join us for the whole day. Thu, Jul 23rd, 11-8pm.
Gladiator Party
We'll end our summer with tests of strength and luck, followed by a water balloon fight. Please dress to get wet and messy. Fri, Jul 31st, 3-5pm.
Chef Battle

Children and families are invited to join the Cooking Caravan as two chefs are pitted against each other.

The Cooking Caravan uses everyday food to create something amazing. This "Iron Chef" style cooking battle will use audience members as sous chefs. Registration is required, call or stop by the library to reserve your spot.

Sat, Jun 20th at 1:30pm.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Ken Hammontree from Living History Productions will present this WWII general and US President. Tue, Jul 7th at 6pm.
Family Lawn Yahtzee
Sign up your family and friends as a team in our Yahtzee competition. Each team must have at least two people, including at least one child under age 12. Refreshments will be served. There is no charge for this program, but registration is required. Call or stop by the library to sign up. Sat, Aug 15th at 2pm.
Lower Entrance to be Closed
The library's lower entrance area, including the handicap access ramp and the lower book drop, will be closed for several days the week of August 10th. We apologize for the inconvenience. There is some maintenance/construction work that really needs to be done on the entrance area. If you are physically unable to use the front entrance and need library services during the time that the handicap entrance is unavailable, call the library and speak with the director.
Contour Drawing with Sam Hamar
For ages 10-18. Class size is limited: register now to reserve your seat. Mon, Aug 3rd, 3-4:30pm.
Family Movie Day
The children's department will be showing a recently released PG-rated feature film. Remember to bring your blanket and pillow. Registration is required. Sat, Sep 19th at 2:30pm.
Star Wars Reads Day
Drop into the children's room any time throughout the day and help us celebrate Star Wars Reads Day. There will be fun activities for children of all ages. You do not need to register for this program: you can just show up. Sat, Oct 10th.
Happy Halloween
Visit the children's room any time between 10 and 4 on October 31st for family-friendly Halloween crafts and activities. Costumes are welcome. You do not need to register for this program: you can just show up.
My Little Pony Party
Join us for an afternoon of crafts, games, and other activities. For grades K-2. Call or stop by the children's room to sign up. Sat, Nov 7th, 2-3:30pm.
Life-Sized Monopoly
Do not pass go. Head straight to the library for our life-sized Monopoly game. The team with the most money after one hour wins. Registration is required. Call or stop by the children's room to sign up. Sat, Nov 21st, 2-3:30pm.
Games Club/Teen Board CANCELED
There will be no Games Club or Teen Board Meeting on the evening of Thursday, August 20th due to Community Room renovations. Thu, Aug 20th.
Fall Newsletter
Our fall newsletter is available now. Copies are available at the main desk for a limited time, or you can download the newsletter PDF any time.
New Lower Entrance is Open
The library's lower entrance area, including the handicap access ramp and the lower book drop, are open again. The construction work has been completed, so you can come to the library and check out our shiny new door. Thanks for bearing with us as we had this done.
Movie Day
We will be showing a 2015 superhero movie on our big screen. Teens and adults are welcome. Sat, Oct 3rd at 2pm.
Fourth Annual Zombie Prom
For ages 12-18. Registration is required. Sign up now. Sat, Oct 31st at 7pm.
Throwback Thursday POSTPONED
This event will be rescheduled for a later date. Thu, Nov 5th at 6pm.
Volunteers Wanted
We are looking for one or two adult volunteers to help with occasional Saturday afternoon programs for school-age children. If you would be available and willing to help in this way, please speak with someone in the Children's Room.
An Historical Tour of England
Take a virtual trip of England with Cathy Simcox. Learn about her experience of touring various historical and religious sites in England. Tue, Sep 15th at 6pm.
Bingo for Books
Play for your chance to win free copies of books by popular authors. There will be best-selling novels as well as non-fiction titles. Refreshments will be served. For ages 18 and older. Registration is required: call or stop by the main desk to sign up. Tue, Sep 29th, 6-7:30pm.
National Novel Writing Month
NaNoWriMo is the challenge of writing a 50,000 word novel in only thirty days. The library will hold write-ins to help participating writers stay inspired to keep writing. Write-ins include mini-workshops with different local authors, a quiet space to write, and refreshments.
Halloween Movie Marathon
Drop in anytime on Halloween for our movie marathon. We will be showing Halloween-themed movies in the Community Room all day. (To see which movies we're showing, follow links 1, 2, 3, and 4.) Join us for fresh popcorn, watch the movies on our big screen, with our new sound system.
Friday Afternoon Movie
Watch a movie with us. Fri, Nov 6th at 3:30pm.
Friends of the Library Used Book Sale
The money earned from the sale is used for needed projects and supplies for the library Of the various fund raisers the Friends support, the book sale is notable for the many hours of work it requires. We are grateful for all the work done and all the donations the Friends have received. Thu, Oct 8th, 9-8pm, Fri, Oct 9th, 9-5pm, and Sat, Oct 10th, 9-Noon.
OSU Raffle Tickets
The Friends of the Library will be selling Raffle Tickets for OSU/Minnesota.
Friends of the Library Meetings
Tue, Oct 6th at 9am, Tue, Nov 3rd at 9am, and Tue, Dec 1st at 9am.
Trapped in the LIbrary with Zombies
The Library has been overrun with zombies. The surviving staff have been injured and need your help. They have managed to barricade some of the zombies, locked themselves in the basement, and have hidden the only other key on the main floor. They left clues and puzzles behind, so that only your group can find them. Start at the main library entrance. Follow clues, solve puzzles, gather supplies, save the library staff, escape the library, and don't get eaten. This program is for adults. This program is free, but space is limited. Call or stop by the main desk to sign up. Sat, Oct 24th at 6pm.
Dinosaur Movie at the Library
Join us and watch a newly-released film about a dinosaur theme park. For ages 12 and up. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. Call or stop by the library to reserve your seat. Fri, Oct 23rd at 2pm.
Preschool Storytime
Join us on Mondays at 6:30pm and Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30am.
Therapy Dog Event
Meet Gracie, a Therapy Dog International certified therapy dog. Gracie will be accompanied by her owner, Marcia Yunker, who will be available to answer questions. Please join us if you would like to read with Gracie, have an interest in therapy dogs, or simply want to meet our lovable canine friend. No registration is required for this drop-in program. You can come any time during the hour. Thu, Nov 12th, 5-6pm.
Closing for Planned Power Outage
The library will be closed for several hours on an unknown date, probably during the second week of November, due to some electrical work that the city is doing. The power company will be turning off our power for about four hours. We will need to close during this time. They will try to give us 48 hours' notice. We will post the date and time here when we know what they will be. Thanks for your patience.
Job Announcement: Part-Time Publicity/Circulation Clerk
Galion Public Library has a part-time, entry-level position for a publicity clerk with extra circulation duties for a total of 20 hours a week. Must have computer experience. Prior experience with newsletters, graphic arts, social media, displays and/or programming for adults desired. Must be able to work days, some evenings and Saturdays and stand up for extended periods of times. Applications available at the library and must be returned by November 16th. For more information, see the attached job description or call Vicki or Heather at 419-468-3203.
Job Opening: Publicity Clerk
Galion Public Library has a part-time, entry-level position for a publicity clerk with extra circulation duties for a total of 20 hours a week. Applicants must have computer experience. Prior experience with newsletters, graphic arts, social media, displays and/or programming for adults is desired. Applicants must be able to work days, some evenings, and Saturdays and stand up for extended periods of times. Applications are available at the library and must be returned by November 16th. Further details are available on the jobs page.
Family Movie Day
Join us for a PG movie about little yellow folks. Popcorn and punch will be provided. Remember to bring your blanket and pillow Sat, Dec 19th at 2pm.
Board of Trustees
The library board meets at the library at 4pm on the third Monday of each month.
Closed
[closed] The library will be closed in observance of the holiday.