Program Guide Contents
August 2025
10:15 a.m.M Saturday Morning Book Club (Age 18+)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
10:30 a.m.H Hidden Protein (Age 18+) 10:15 a.m.H Beginner Bookworms (Age 5 & under)No Reg. Required10:30 a.m.M Back-to-School Picture Bingo (Age 11 & under) 3:30 p.m.M Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg. Required4-6 p.m.B Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party (Family & All Ages)No Reg. Required4:30 p.m.M Kids in the Kitchen (Grades K-2) 3:30 p.m.M Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg. Required4:30 p.m.M Kids in the Kitchen (Grades 3-5) 5 p.m.M Teens in the Kitchen (Grades 6-12) LAST DAY OF THE 4-6 p.m. HealthLinc Community Health Fair John J. Young Middle School See pg 8 for details
4:30 p.m.B Nature Nuts (Age 11 & under) 10:15 a.m.M Beginner Bookworms (Age 5 & under)No Reg. Required5:30 p.m. Greenhouse Storytime with Mishawaka Parks See pg 8 for details
5:30 p.m.M American Heritage SpotlightNo Reg. Required(Age 18+)
5:30 p.m.B BINGO (Age 18+)
10:30 a.m.M Alcohol Ink Art Series (Age 18+) 3:30 p.m.M Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg. Required -
4:30 p.m.B Around the World (Grades 1-5) 4:30 p.m.M Cooking Classics: Sweet Cinnamon Rolls (Age 18+)
2 p.m.M Popcorn & Painting (Grades 6-12) 6 p.m.B Night Owl Storytime (Age 7 & under)
5:30 p.m.M Edible Excursions: The Mediterranean (Age 18+)
10:30 a.m.M Alcohol Ink Art Series (Age 18+) 3:30 p.m.M Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg. Required -
MONDAY, AUGUST 4 4-6 p.m. Calendar Key:
Please Note:
Some programs have varying age groups . These programs have specific ages listed below the event . Programs are subject to change . Should a program be canceled, patrons will be notified at least 72 hours prior to the program .
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Harris Storytime See pg 12 for detailsNo Reg. Required10:30 a.m.M Alcohol Ink Art Series (Age 18+)
Bittersweet Storytime* See pg 12 for detailsNo Reg. Required5 p.m.H Teens in the Kitchen (Grades 6-12)
4:30 p.m.M Kids in the Kitchen (Grades 3-5)
Mishawaka Storytime See pg 12 for detailsNo Reg. Required4:30 p.m.M Kids in the Kitchen (Grades K-2) 3:30 p.m.M Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg. Required -
10:15 a.m.M Saturday Morning Book Club (Age 18+) 2 p.m.H Flavor Feud: Snack Cakes (Grades 6-12) 4:30 p.m.M Painting Pals (Grades K-2)
6:30 p.m.M Pop Culture Trivia Night (Age 18+)
Bittersweet Storytime* See pg 12 for detailsNo Reg. Required4:30 p.m.H Painting Pals (Grades K-2)
Harris Storytime See pg 12 for detailsNo Reg. RequiredALL MPHPL LOCATIONS CLOSING AT 12:30 P.M. STAFF TRAINING
10:30 a.m.M Books Before... Reading Challenge Kickoff! (Grades K-12) Mishawaka Storytime See pg 12 for detailsNo Reg. Required5:30 p.m.M American Heritage Spotlight (Age 18+)No Reg. Required3:30 p.m.M Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg. RequiredMishawaka Library Saturday, September 13 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Grades K-12
CLOSED LABOR DAY
Mishawaka Storytime See pg 12 for detailsNo Reg. Required3:30 p.m.M Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg. Required4:30 p.m.M Painting Pals (Grades 3-5) 4:30 p.m.H Painting Pals (Grades 3-5) Harris Storytime See pg 12 for detailsNo Reg. Required10:30 a.m.H Needle Felting: Fall Fun (Age 18+)
Bittersweet Storytime* See pg 12 for detailsNo Reg. Required5:30 p.m.M Edible Excursions: The Mediterranean (Age 18+) 5:30 p.m.H Teen Trivia Takedown (Grades 6-12) 3:30 p.m.M Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg. RequiredHarris Storytime See pg 12 for detailsNo Reg. Required1 p.m.M Homeschool Hangout (Grades K-5) 5:30 p.m.B BINGO* (Age 18+) 1 p.m.M Homeschool Hangout (Grades 6-12) * Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled. BINGO will move to the Mishawaka Library.
Bittersweet Storytime* See pg 12 for detailsNo Reg. Required4:30 p.m.M Cooking Classics: Sweet Cinnamon Rolls (Age 18+)
Mishawaka Storytime See pg 12 for detailsNo Reg. Required3:30 p.m.M Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg. Required -
HealthLinc Community Health Fair
John J. Young Middle School
1801 N. Main St. (Enter through Door B)
Tuesday, August 5 | 4-6 p.m.
Family & All Ages
Join us for a fun time! Our outreach team will have a table with games, crafts and MPHPL information .
Greenhouse Storytime with Mishawaka Parks
MEF Community Greenhouse
Broadway & Marion St., Mishawaka
Monday, August 11 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Family & All Ages
MPHPL is once again partnering with the Mishawaka Parks Department to co-host a greenhouse storytime . Join us to hear stories and learn about community gardens in the Mishawaka Education Foundation Community Greenhouse (located at the corner of Broadway and Marion streets) . After storytime, kids will get a take-home craft and can pick the plants that are in bloom! Please note: if inclement weather occurs, the event will be canceled.
Kids in the Kitchen
Mishawaka Library
Tuesdays: Aug. 5 or Sept. 2
4:30-5 p.m. | Grades K-2
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation! Adult caregivers must remain in the library .
Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders. Please register for either the August or September session.
Nature Nuts
Bittersweet Branch
Monday, August 11 4:30-5:15 p.m. | Age 11 & under
Join us outside in the courtyard for sensory nature exploration and art! Please note if inclement weather occurs, the event will be moved indoors . Adult caregivers must directly supervise participants 5 years of age and younger; caregivers must remain in the library for participants 6-11 years of age .
Registration required
Kids in the Kitchen
Mishawaka Library
Wednesdays: Aug. 6 or Sept. 3
4:30-5:15 p.m. | Grades 3-5
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes . The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation! Adult caregivers must remain in the library .
Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders. Please register for either the August or September session.
Beginner Bookworms
Mishawaka Library | Tue., August 12
Harris Branch | Wed., August 13
10:15-11 a.m. | Age 5 & under
Preparing your child to read includes reading, writing, talking, singing and playing . This month, little ones will practice their book and print awareness skills with different activities based on our favorite books and book characters!
Adult caregivers must remain in the room .
No registration required
Children
Back-to-School Picture Bingo
Mishawaka Library
Saturday, August 16
10:30-11:30 a.m Age 11 & under
Welcome back to the start of the school year with a fun picture bingo! A variety of prizes will be available . Adult caregivers must remain in the room .
Registration required
Around the World
Bittersweet Branch
Monday, August 18 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Grades 1-5
Ready to travel the world? During this fun and informative program, you’ll learn about countries from around the world through games, recipes or crafts Adult caregivers must remain in the library This month we will be learning about Japan!
Registration required
Books Before...
Reading Challenge Kickoff!
Mishawaka Library
Saturday, September 13
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Grades K-12
MPHPL is proud to announce a new initiative to help grow and motivate readers. Inspired by the success of 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, students are invited to join one of our new year-round “Books Before...” challenges.
Books Before Middle School 200 Books Before High School 60 Books Before Graduation 50
Help us celebrate! Join us to learn more, play games, create fun crafts, enjoy snacks and get registered.
Adult caregivers must directly supervise participants 5 years of age and younger; caregivers must remain in the library for participants 6-11 years of age.
No registration required
Painting Pals
Mishawaka Library
Monday, September 8 Harris Branch
Thursday, September 11
Gr. K-2
4:30-5:30 p.m. | Grades K-2
Participants will learn basic painting skills while creating their own unique masterpiece! During this month’s session, we’ll use shapes to create a cityscape . Adult caregivers must remain in the library .
Registration required
Painting Pals
Mishawaka Library
Monday, September 22 Harris Branch
Gr. 3-5
Wednesday, September 24
4:30-5:30 p.m. | Grades 3-5
Participants will learn basic painting skills while creating their own unique masterpiece! During this month’s session, we’ll learn about perspective and create a cityscape . Adult caregivers must remain in the library .
Registration required
Homeschool Hangout
Mishawaka Library
Wednesday, September 17
1-1:45 p.m. | Grades K-5
Homeschool students are invited to join us each month as we use hands-on activities to learn about a new topic . This month, we’ll focus on board games! Supplies will be provided . Adult caregivers must remain in the library .
Registration required
Groups may contact the Youth Services Coordinator at (574) 259-5277 ext . 1401 to inquire about special accommodations .
Bouncin' Babies | Birth-23 Months
Mishawaka Library
Tuesdays:
Sept. 2, 9, 16 & 23
10:15-10:45 a.m.
Harris Branch
Wednesdays:
Sept. 3, 10, 17 & 24
10:15-10:45 a.m.
Bittersweet Branch*
Thursdays: Sept. 4, 11, 18 & 25
10:15-10:45 a.m.
Bouncin' Babies is a structured 20 minute program that combines books, short rhymes, songs, fingerplays and movement activities to introduce children to the wonder of language . Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver . Caregivers are expected to participate in activities as able .
No registration required
Li'l Listeners | Ages 2-5
Mishawaka Library
Tuesdays:
Sept. 2, 9, 16 & 23
10:15-10:45 a.m.
Harris Branch
Wednesdays:
Sept. 3, 10, 17 & 24
10:15-10:45 a.m.
Bittersweet Branch*
Thursdays: Sept. 4, 11, 18 & 25
10:15-10:45 a.m.
Li'l Listeners is a structured 30 minute program in which books, story-related activities and take-home crafts provide an enjoyable group experience . Please note that we will close to additional attendees 15 minutes into sessions to help reduce distractions to our young audience members . Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver . Caregivers are expected to participate in activities as able
No registration required
*Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, Thursday storytime sessions will be canceled.
Night Owl Storytime
Bittersweet Branch | Monday, August 25
6-6:30 p.m. | Age 7 & under
Everyone enjoys one bedtime story, but what about three? Join us for our evening storytime with books, songs and a take-home craft . Older siblings are always welcome to join! Adult caregivers must remain in the room . Registration required
100 BOOKS
• Violet C .
• Juno G .
• Mazen G .
• Genevieve M .
• Ibanez M .
• Ayla S .
• Dean
• Penelope
200 BOOKS
• Aberdeen B .
• Alejandro C
• Sophia C .
• Elijah H
• Judah H .
• Jackson K .
• Elsie M .
• Titus M .
• Eden S .
• Elena S .
• Evelyn
• Lucy
300 BOOKS
• Colton K .
• Jax D .
• Ophelia G .
• Caden H .
• Callie H .
• Edric L
• Karmen L .
• Charlie M
• Atlas S .
• Cassiel S .
• Lorelai S .
400 BOOKS
• Harper B .
• Anastasia D
• Lochlan M .
• Rose O .
• Penelope P.
• Annabella V .
• Armando V .
• Grace W .
• Freyja
• Sammy
500 BOOKS
• Emmitt A .
• Theo B .
• Rafael E .
• Tatum H .
• Olivia L .
• Sierra M
• Ellie P.
• James P
• Penelope P.
• Eva
• Kadence
600 BOOKS
• Oliver H .
• Penelope I .
• Kieran M .
• Noah N .
• Prudence P.
• Caleb P.
• Eleanor S .
• Josie S .
• Lillian
• Melody
• Sergio
700 BOOKS
• Annie B .
• Lucy B .
• Scarlett D .
• Madelynn H .
• Penelope H .
• Penelope I
• Eden L .
• Jacob L
• Penelope L .
• Kieran M .
• Griffin P.
• Prudence P.
• Evelyn S .
• Lilliana W .
• Elliot
800 BOOKS
• Sadie C .
• Noah N .
• Brody P.
• Isla S .
• Mariella V
900 BOOKS
• Judah K
• Oliver L .
• Gretchen M .
• Henley M .
• Myles R .
• Maeve W .
Oliver L . Aria M .
Ellie M . Penelope N .
Aubriella S . Annette S . Owen P. Lucia S .
Teen Gaming
3:30-5:30 p.m. Grades 6-12
Mishawaka Library Tuesdays in August & September
Join us in the teen department for gaming! Play our Nintendo Switch™ or choose from an assortment of card, dice and board games. Stop in and play for a few minutes or join us for the full two hours.
No registration required
Teens in the Kitchen
Mishawaka Library | Thursday, August 7 or Harris Branch | Thursday, September 4 5-5:45 p.m. | Grades 6-12
Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill in the kitchen? Now is your chance! Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new kitchen skills and recipes, then sample your delicious creations . The same recipe will be made at the August and September sessions Teens must have a signed permission slip on file or an adult caregiver must sign a permission slip on-site .
Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders. Please register for either the August or September session.
Popcorn & Painting
Mishawaka Library | Saturday, August 23
2-3 p.m. | Grades 6-12
Arrive at school in style by learning a variety of painting techniques to personalize your own canvas pencil bag! While the paint dries, enjoy some yummy popcorn .
Registration required
Snack Cakes
Flavor Feud: Snack Cakes
Harris Branch Saturday, September 6 2-3 p.m. | Grades 6-12
Do your tastebuds have what it takes to take on the snack cake challenge? The participant who can identify the most flavors will win a special reward!
Registration required
Books Before...
Reading Challenge Kickoff!
Mishawaka Library
Saturday, September 13
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Grades K-12
MPHPL is proud to announce a new initiative to help grow and motivate readers . Inspired by the success of 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, students are invited to join one of our new yearround “Books Before . . .” challenges:
Help us celebrate! Join us to learn more, play games, create fun crafts, enjoy snacks and get registered.
Adult caregivers must directly supervise participants 5 years of age and younger; caregivers must remain in the library for participants 6-11 years of age .
No registration required
Homeschool Hangout
Mishawaka Library
Wednesday, September 17 1-2 p.m. | Grades 6-12
Homeschool students are invited to join us each month as we use hands-on activities to learn about a new topic . This month, we’ll focus on board games . Supplies will be provided .
Registration required
Teen Trivia Takedown
Harris Branch
Wednesday, September 25 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Grades 6-12
Go head-to-head and find out if your brain is “rot” or “not!” Join us for general trivia rounds, snacks, drinks and a whole lot of fun . Whoever has the most questions answered right will receive the grand prize! Prizes will also be awarded for second and third place .
Registration required
Teens
Saturday Morning Book Club
Mishawaka Library
Saturdays: August 2 & September 6
10:15-11:15 a.m.
Adults (18+)
Join us at our Mishawaka Library to discuss the month’s book selection . Books are available a month in advance at the front desk of the Mishawaka Library on a first-come, first-served basis .
August 2: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
September 6: Station Eleven by Emily St . John Mandel
Registration required for each session.
Mishawaka Library
2nd Tuesdays: August 12 & September 9
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Adults (18+)
August: New York Central Railroad
Railroads have a fascinating history in our community . Brent Holaway, the director of the National New York Central Railroad Museum, along with Steve Dinehart, the museum’s model train curator, and Dave Overton, a former curator at the museum, will provide a general overview of the New York Central Railroad in our region, specifically focusing on Elkhart and its surrounding areas .
No registration required
Hidden
Protein
Harris Branch
Thursday, August 14
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Adults (18+)
Join us in the Makerspace to learn easy and delicious ways to incorporate more protein into your everyday diet – featuring the star of the show – cottage cheese .
Registration required and limited to MPHPL cardholders
September: Indigenous Knowledge and Information Justice
Tara Kenjockety, University of Notre Dame librarian, will examine how flawed historical narratives and inaccurate data have contributed to injustices for Indigenous populations . Learn how information is created, shared and too often withheld .
No registration required
Cooking Classics:
Sweet Cinnamon Rolls
Mishawaka Library
Monday, August 18 or Monday, September 15 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Adults (18+)
Want to try your hand at easy culinary creations? Join us as we experiment with different flavors to make irresistibly delicious goodies!
Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders. Please register for either the
Alcohol Ink Art Series
Mishawaka Library
Fridays: August 22, 29 & September 5 10:30 a.m.-Noon | Adults (18+)
Join us for a three-week series where you’ll learn basic and advanced techniques using alcohol ink markers Each week participants will walk away with a completed design .
Registration is required. Register once for all three sessions.
Edible Excursions: The
Mediterranean
Mishawaka Library
Thursdays: August 28 or September 25 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Adults (18+)
Join us for an evening of exploration and eating! Participants will virtually visit a new part of the world and then make a popular snack that is enjoyed in that area . During this session, we’ll explore the Mediterranean!
Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders. Please register for either the August or September session.
Pop Culture Trivia Night
Mishawaka Library
Friday, September 12
6:30-8:30 p.m. | Adults (18+)
Show off your pop knowledge at our Pop Culture Trivia Night! We’ll cover a variety of cultural topics: movies, TV, music, toys and more!
BINGO
Bittersweet Branch
Wednesdays: August 20 & September 17
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Adults (18+)
Join us for an evening of bingo and beverages! Winners will receive small prizes and raffle tickets for a chance to win a door prize .
Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, this program will be moved to the Mishawaka Library.
Registration required for each session
Needle Felting: Fall Fun
Harris Branch
Saturday, September 27
10:30 a.m.-Noon | Adults (18+)
Join us for a morning of crafting and conversation! Learn the relaxing art of needle felting . Participants will use various colors of wool to create a oneof-a-kind autumn scene that is perfect for fall decorating .
Registration required
During this event, we will also be taking donations of non-perishable food items for the Mishawaka Food Pantry . Any participant who donates an item will be entered for a chance to win a small prize . Teams must have 2-6 members .
Registration required and limited to 15 teams
LAST DAY: AUGUST 4
REMEMBER TO REDEEM YOUR PRIZES!
Read in your preferred formataudio, digital and physical all count! Check out our digital apps for more ways to read!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO: mphpl.org/reading-challenge
What do I need for a LIBRARY CARD?
To obtain your Library card you must:
1. Live in Penn or Harris township, OR have a home Library card from a Library system which is reciprocal with MPHPL* (some restrictions may apply) .
2. Provide required documentation:
1 . a valid photo ID with current address OR
2 . a valid photo ID and proof of current address** if ID address is not current OR
3 . a valid photo ID and a valid resident home Library card for reciprocal applicants .
can I CHECK OUT?
3. A parent/legal guardian's signature is required for any minor under the age of 18 wishing to register for or renew a Library card .
Ask us about MPHPL Digital Cards!
*Non-residents may purchase a fee card . Contact Circulation Services for prices . **Including but not limited to: utility or phone bill, car registration, etc .
Renewals:
• All DVDs - No renewals
• All other items - 3 renewals, as long as no one else has placed a hold on the item .
• Eligible items will be automatically renewed 4 days before their due date if there is not a hold on the item . You will receive a courtesy notice if your items have been renewed .
CARDS:
If your card has been lost or stolen, please call Circulation Services at any MPHPL location . You are financially responsible for material that is checked out until you report your card lost or stolen. LOST OR STOLEN
Get Reminders Before Materials are Due:
All you need is an email address! Ask about this service at the checkout desk .
Holds:
Placing a hold is free and available for all materials, excluding new release DVDs .
Fees & Fines:
• New Release DVDs - $1 per day
• All other items - 25¢ per day
Circulation
Mark Your Calendar
Monday, Sept. 1
CLOSED in observance of Labor Day
Wednesday, Sept. 10
CLOSING at 12:30 p.m. for Staff Training
Board Meetings
3rd Thursday of each month 4 p.m. at Mishawaka Library
10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday CLOSED
Photo/Video Policy
We often take photographs and video at library events to use in our publications, on our website, social media and/or video sharing platforms . For registered events, by selecting ‘Yes’ under Photo and Video Permission, the library assumes that permission has been given For non-registered events, you will have the option to opt out during the event