Registration begins Tuesday, January 17
Event Highlights:
Teen Lock-In
Cooking Classes
Adult Trivia Night
Pi Day Celebration
Chicory Café Book Club
Storytimes & STEAM Squad
Valentine's Day Walk-In Craft (Ages 2-11)No Reg. Required10 a.m. Chicory Café Book Club (See page 22 for details) 4:30 p.m.M Ready, Set, Cook Junior! (Grades K-2)
3:30 p.m.B Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg. Required -
10:30 a.m.M & B
10:30 a.m.Zoom Virtual Craft Hour 6:30 p.m.M Valentine's Day Teen Lock-In (Grades 6-12)
10:15 a.m.B A Wackadoo Bluey™ Party! (Age 5 & under) 10:15 a.m.M & Zoom Mug 'n' Muffin 4:30 p.m.M Ready, Set, Cook! (Grades 3-5) 6 p.m.M National Library Lovers Night Out 10:15 a.m.B Early Literacy Café (Age 5 & under)No Reg. Required2 p.m.B Homeschool Hangout 5:30 p.m.M Delectable Lit
Bowl
Registration begins Tues., Jan. 17 for Feb. & March programs. Register online at mphpl.org, by calling (574) 259-5277 or in person.
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.
10 a.m. Chicory Café Book Club (See page 22 for details) 10:30 a.m.M Furs and Skulls
7 p.m.Zoom Sips & Spines: Historical Fiction
Bittersweet Storytime (See page 10 for details) 11 a.m.B
STEAM Squad (Ages 6-11) 4:30 p.m.M Ready, Set, Cook Junior! (Grades K-2)
10
9
Mishawaka Storytime (See page 10 for details) 11 a.m.M
8
STEAM Squad (Ages 6-11) 3:30 p.m.B Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg. Required -
3:30 p.m.M
MAR10 Day
Bittersweet Storytime (See page 10 for details) 11 a.m.B STEAM Squad (Ages 6-11) 2 p.m.B Homeschool Hangout 5:30 p.m.M Delectable Lit
Mishawaka Storytime (See page 10 for details) 11 a.m.M STEAM Squad (Ages 6-11)
7 18 March 2023
13 14 15 16 17
10:30 a.m.B BINGO
10:30 a.m.Zoom Virtual Craft Hour 4:30 p.m.M Junior Extreme Exploring (Grades K-3)
Bittersweet Storytime (See page 10 for details)
10:15 a.m.M & Zoom Mug 'n' Muffin 11 a.m.B
Mishawaka Storytime (See page 10 for details) 11 a.m.M
STEAM Squad (Ages 6-11)
STEAM Squad (Ages 6-11) 3:30 p.m.B Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg. Required -
4:30 p.m.M
Cooking Classics: Homemade Pickles
10:30 a.m.M International Waffle Day 3 p.m.M International Waffle Day
4:30 p.m.M Pastries & Painting (Grades K-5)
Bittersweet Storytime (See page 10 for details) 11 a.m.B STEAM Squad (Ages 6-11) 2 p.m.B Homeschool Hangout 6 p.m.M Date Night with a Book: Women's History Month
! REGISTRATION BEGINS FOR APRIL & MAY PROGRAMS!
10:30 a.m.B Overwhelmed by the Thought of Moving: Where to Start and What to Expect
10:30 a.m.M Fresh From the Kitchen: Rolls 3:30 p.m.B Teen Gaming (Grades 6-12)No Reg. Required4:30 p.m.B Cover to Cooking (Grades 3-5)
p.m.M Popcorn & Pages (Grades 3-5)
All Ages
Homeschool Hangout
Bittersweet Branch
2nd & 4th Thursdays:
Feb. 9 & 23; March 9 & 23
2-4 p.m. | Families
Meet and greet with fellow homeschool families . Enjoy a place to hang out, share ideas and meet friends . Board games for all ages and assorted building block activities for younger children will be available Adult caregivers must remain in the room for participants 11 years of age and younger .
Registration required.
Pokémon™ STEAM Day
Mishawaka Library | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Bittersweet Branch | 3-4 p.m. Sat., Feb. 25 | Families
Do you want to be the very best? Come to the library for a fun STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) event and see if you can catch them all! Adult caregivers must remain in the room for participants 11 years of age and younger .
Registration required.
Pokémon is a trademark of Nintendo Co , Ltd Nintendo is not a sponsor of this free event .
Furs and Skulls
Mishawaka Library
Sat., March 4
10:30-11:15 a.m.
Families/All Ages
Coyotes, Raccoons and Mink! Oh My! Discover more about some of the mammals that call Indiana home in this interactive program . Join Ally Pudlo from the St . Joseph County Soil and Water Conservation District as she talks about some of Indiana’s mammals, using real furs and skulls . Participants will also learn about carnivores, herbivores and omnivores . Adult caregivers must remain in the room . Tickets (free upon request) are required and will be available at the Mishawaka Youth Services desk beginning Mon., Feb. 13. Limit 10 tickets per adult.
MAR10 Day
Mishawaka Library | Fri., March 10
3:30-4:30 p.m. | Families/All Ages
Celebrate with Mario™ and all of his friends and nemeses! Come dressed as your favorite character from the Mushroom Kingdom, get in on the action with the Nintendo Switch™ and enjoy a variety of other activities commemorating Mario Day! Adult caregivers must remain in the room for participants 11 years of age and younger.
Registration required.
Mario is a trademark of Nintendo Co., Ltd. Nintendo is not a sponsor of this free event.
Pi Day Celebration
Mishawaka Library & Bittersweet Branch
Tues., March 14 4-5 p.m. | Families
Celebrate Pi Day (3 .14) with us at the library . Whether you calculate it or eat it, Pi (and pie) bring joy to many! Adult caregivers must remain in the room .
Registration required.
International Waffle Day
Mishawaka Library
Sat., March 25 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 3-4 p.m.
Families
Join us for a breakfast-themed storytime celebrating our favorite morning foods including waffles! Partake in the waffle bar with a variety of toppings for you to enjoy .
Adult caregivers must remain in the room .
Registration required.
All Ages
Registration required for the monthly storytime session. Caregivers are expected to participate as able. Groups may contact the Youth Services Coordinator at (574) 259-5277, ext. 3101 to inquire about special accommodations.
BOOKS & BABIES TODDLER TIME PRESCHOOL PALS
Birth-23 Months
Books & 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. Sessions are limited to 15 participants.
Ages 2 & 3
Toddler Time is a structured 30 minute program in which books, story-related activities and take-home crafts provide an enjoyable group experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Sessions are limited to 30 participants.
Ages 4 & 5
Preschool Pals is a structured 30 minute program in which books, story-related activities and take-home crafts are used to increase early literacy skills and kindergarten readiness. Children are encouraged to interact socially with other children and attend sessions independently. Caregivers must remain in the library. Sessions are limited to 30 participants.
Wednesdays: March 1, 8, 15 & 22 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Bittersweet
Thursdays: March 2, 9, 16 & 23 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Wednesdays: March 1, 8, 15 & 22 11-11:30 a.m.
Bittersweet
Thursdays: March 2, 9, 16 & 23 11-11:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: March 1, 8, 15 & 22 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Thursdays: March 2, 9, 16 & 23 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Mishawaka Library
Wednesdays:
March 1, 8, 15 & 22
11-11:30 a.m. | Ages 6-11
Bittersweet Branch
Thursdays:
March 2, 9, 16 & 23 11-11:30 a.m. | Ages 6-11
During each 30 minute session, children will explore hands-on projects that incorporate multiple STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) skills. Children are encouraged to interact socially with other children and attend sessions independently. Caregivers must remain in the library. Sessions are limited to 30 participants.
Registration required.
Ready, Set, Cook Junior!
Mishawaka Library
1st Thursdays:
Feb. 2 & March 2
4:30-5 p.m.
Grades K-2
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new cooking skills and recipes . The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation . Adult caregivers must remain in the library .
Registration required for each session. A MPHPL library card is required when registering for this program.
Creatives Club
Mishawaka Library
Tuesdays:
Feb. 7 & March 7
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Grades 3-5
Join us each month for a different project where we stretch our imaginations and get creative .
Feb. 7: Mini loom weaving and finger knitting
March 7: Perler beads and modeling clay
Sixth graders welcome as space allows . Adult caregivers must remain in the library .
Registration required for each session.
Early Literacy Café
Mishawaka Library | Wed., Feb. 8
Bittersweet Branch | Thurs., Feb. 9
10:15-10:45 a.m. | Age 5 & under
Join us for a morning of early literacy fun! We’ll have a variety of play and sensory stations set up for little ones to practice important literacy skills .
Tips will also be provided to families to ensure the learning can continue at home . Adult caregivers must remain in the room .
No registration required.
Mishawaka Library & Bittersweet Branch
Sat., Feb. 11 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Ages 2-11
Make a valentine craft for someone special . A variety of Valentine’s Day crafts will be available to choose from while supplies last . Adult caregivers must remain in the room .
No registration required.
Ready, Set, Cook!
Mishawaka Library
3rd Thursdays:
Feb. 16 & March 16
4:30-5:15 p.m.
Grades 3-5
Candy Heart Party
Mishawaka Library
Tues., Feb. 14
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Grades 3-5
Join us for a fun filled hour of valentinethemed activities and snacks. Answer trivia about famous literary duos while listening to music and eating yummy treats! Adult caregivers must remain in the library.
Registration required.
A Wackadoo Bluey™ Party!
Mishawaka Library | Wed., Feb. 15
Bittersweet Branch | Thurs., Feb. 16 10:15-11:15 a.m. | Age 5 & under
It’s a wackadoo party featuring Bluey, Bingo and the rest of the family! Celebrate our favorite blue heeler puppy with Bluey stories by Penguin Young Readers, a craft, games and other fun activities . Adult caregivers must remain in the room .
Registration required.
Bluey is a trademark of Ludo Studio Pty Ltd .
Ludo Studio is not a sponsor of this free event .
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new cooking skills and recipes . The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation . Adult caregivers must remain in the library .
Registration required for each session. A MPHPL library card is required when registering for this program.
Cover to Cooking
Bittersweet Branch
Wednesdays:
Feb. 22 & March 29
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Grades 3-5
Young foodies welcome! Participants and their families are welcome to join us to learn a new recipe based on a book . No need to read the entire book beforehand . Each month a different book will be sampled, so participants will be able to decide if this is a book appetizing to their reading palate .
Feb. 22: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
by Judy Blume
March 29: The Chocolate Touch
by Patrick Skene Catling
Books can be picked up a month in advance at a Youth Services desk .
Sixth graders welcome as space allows . Adult caregivers must remain in the library
Registration required for each session.
Passport Pals Live
on Zoom
4th Mondays: Feb. 27 & March 27
4:30-5:15 p.m. | Ages 4-11
Ready to travel the world? During this fun and informative session, you’ll learn all about countries from around the world . Craft, activity and recipe resources will be provided so you can experience a little bit of the country from home .
Feb. 27: Croatia
March 27: Morocco
Registration required for each session. Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be emailed to registrants .
Junior Extreme Exploring
Mishawaka Library
Fri., March 17
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Grades K-3
In honor of Saint Patrick’s Day, try your hand at a variety of fun and engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) activities .
Adult caregivers must remain in the library
Registration required.
Popcorn & Pages
Mishawaka Library
Tues., March 28
6:30-7:30 p.m. | Grades 3-5
Join us for this book club where we take our artistry and appetite to the next level! After reading the book on our own, we will meet at the library to discuss and devour our way through the pages and popcorn . We will get creative with crafts and activities, answer trivia and discuss what made us giggle and what made us laugh out loud! This month's selection is Roll with It by Jamie Sumner . Copies of the book will be available for checkout at each Youth Services desk beginning Feb . 20 . Sixth graders welcome as space allows . Adult caregivers must remain in the library
Registration required.
Pastries & Painting
Mishawaka Library | Fri., March 31
4:30-5:30 p.m. | Grades K-5
Calling all artists, or anyone who likes pastries! Join us to create a masterpiece using your creativity and imagination . Express yourself with a one-of-a-kind piece of watercolor art .
Adult caregivers must remain in the library .
Registration required.
MPHPL encourages families and caregivers to read 1000 books with their children before they enter kindergarten. Build closeness and early literacy skills with your child by participating in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
TO OUR PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS!
Lucy B. recently completed the program by reading 1000 books!
Other milestone achievements:
• Olivia L. - 200 books
• Lilly F. - 400 books
• Leona R. - 600 books
• Maeve L. - 800 books
TO LEARN MORE, VISIT MPHPL.ORG/1000BOOKS
Coming Soon...Youth Local Author Fair on Thursday, April 6.
If you are a local children's author, please contact a.britton@mphpl.org to reserve your free table and find out more information.
Teen Gaming
Mishawaka Library | Tuesdays
Bittersweet Branch | Wednesdays
(No session on Wed., March 8) 3:30–5:30 p.m. | Grades 6-12
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.
Teen Tinker
Lab
Bittersweet Branch
Mondays: Feb. 6 & March 6 4-5 p.m. | Grades 6-12
Join us each month for a different project where we stretch our imaginations and get creative.
Feb. 6: Squeegee Painting
March 6: Chalk Pastel Galaxy
Registration required for each session.
Borrow magazines, ebooks & audiobooks, all in one app!
Read on Libby.
The one-tap reading app from our library.
Mishawaka Library | Fri., Feb. 17
6:30-8:30 p.m. | Grades 6-12
Join us for our Valentine’s Day Lock-In. No matter your relationship status, you will have fun with our sappy love song karaoke, famous couple trivia and cookie heart decorating. Bring a friend and enjoy some snacks at this after-hours lovesick event.
Registration required.
Teen Advisory Group
Mishawaka Library
3rd Tuesdays: Feb. 21 & March 21
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Grades 6-12
Teens are invited to share their ideas, opinions and skills with the Teen Advisory Group . MPHPL wants your input on events, services and books for teens in the community . We will also provide opportunities to earn volunteer hours!
No registration required.
Teen Treats
Mishawaka Library
4th Fridays: Feb. 24 & March 24
4-4:45 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 cooking skills and recipes, then sample your delicious creations .
Registration required.
Sips & Spines
Live on Zoom
1st Fridays: Feb. 3 & March 3
7-8 p.m. | Adults
Looking for a book club with a little more flexibility? Then join us for Sips & Spines, an afterhours virtual book club where, instead of reading a specific book, we choose a topic or genre and you get to select the book that works best for you! Book suggestions will be emailed to participants upon registration in case you need help deciding what to read . During the meeting, participants can share what they read as we share drink recipes related to that session’s theme .
Feb. theme: True Crime
March theme: Historical Fiction
Registration required for each session.
Take a Trip
Live on Zoom
1st Tuesdays: Feb. 7 & March 7
6:30-7:30 p.m. | Adults
Eager to travel the world but aren’t sure where to start? Don’t have the resources to travel right now? (Hey, travel is expensive!) Then join us for this entertaining and educational exploration of the countries of the world! Each month, we’ll focus on a different country, virtually exploring the sights and sounds of each location while also learning about each country’s history and culture .
Feb. 7: Dominican Republic
March 7: Bulgaria
Registration required for each session.
Soup-er Bowl
Bittersweet Branch | Wed., Feb. 8
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Adults
Getting ready for the big game, but don’t know what to make yet? Join us as we sample some soup and prepare a take and make version to be used at a future date .
Registration required.
Delectable Lit
Mishawaka Library
2nd Thursdays: Feb. 9 & March 9
5:30-7 p.m. Adults
Nothing beats a good book and a good snack In this unique book and food club, we get the chance to combine the two! Come join us as we discuss novels and learn to make delicious dishes . Books can be picked up a month in advance at the front desk .
Feb. 9: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
March 9: True Grit by Charles Portis
Registration required for each session.
Cooking Classics
Mishawaka Library
2nd Mondays: Feb. 13 & March 13
4:30-5:30 p.m. | Adults
Want to try your hand at easy culinary creations? Join us as we experiment with different flavors to make irresistibly delicious goodies!
Feb. 13: Homemade Fudge
March 13: Homemade Pickles
Registration required for each session.
Yak, Snack and Read
Bittersweet Branch/Live on Zoom
2nd Tuesdays
Feb. 14 & March 14
1- 2 p.m | Adults
Join one of our longest running book clubs! Books can be picked up a month in advance at the front desk
Feb. 14: A Train in Winter by Caroline Moorehead
March 14: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Registration required for each session if attending via Zoom; no registration required for in person attendance.
American Heritage Spotlight
Mishawaka Library
2nd Tuesdays: Feb. 14 & March 14
6:30-7:30 p.m. | Adults
Join us as our guest speakers discuss a variety of topics of local interest
Feb. 14: Speaker Greta Fisher will present Stage Struck: A History of Mishawaka Theaters. She is a local history author, County Genealogist, previously worked in the Local & Family History Department of the SJCPL and has been published in various historical magazines . Join us as we learn about spaces that served as venues for movies and live theater from the mid-19th century to the present .
March 14: Speaker Mark Doddington will present on his book Haunted Elkhart County. Mark was the technology manager for The Northern Indiana Paranormal Society and served as the lead investigator for Stateline Paranormal Exploration and Research . Join us to learn about the ghostly history behind the locations featured in his book .
No registration required.
Mug ‘n’ Muffin Mishawaka Library/ Live on Zoom
3rd Thursdays:
Feb. 16 & March 16
10:15-11 a.m. | Adults
Enjoy a morning of coffee, conversation and muffins! Books can be picked up a month in advance at the front desk
Feb. 16: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
March 16: The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan
Registration required for each session if attending via Zoom; no registration required for in person attendance.
National Library Lovers Night Out
Mishawaka Library
Thurs., Feb. 16
6-7:30 p.m. | Adults
Show your love for the library and join us as we celebrate National Library Lovers Month with a variety of bookish activities! We’ll have crafts, cooking, games and book recommendations!
Registration required.
Virtual Craft Hour Live on Zoom
3rd Fridays: Feb. 17 & March 17
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Adults
Join us virtually for a morning of creation! In each session, a staff member will walk you through the creation of a craft project . Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be sent via email to registrants .
Feb. 17: Flower painting with cotton swabs
March 17: Embroidered notebooks
Registration required for each session.
Indoor Seed Starting
Live on Zoom | Tues., Feb. 21
6:30-7:30 p.m. | Adults
Want to get an early start on your spring garden this year? Join us for a presentation about indoor seed starting! Learn about the basics of indoor seed starting, planting dates and general growing tips . This virtual event will be hosted by Mitch Yaciw, the director of operations from Unity Gardens .
Registration required.
Date Night with a Book
Mishawaka Library
4th Thursdays: Feb. 23 & March 23
6-7 p.m. | Adults
Looking for new reading recommendations? Each month we’ll select books based on a particular theme and gather them for your perusal . We’ll also have themed activities and light refreshments . Librarians will be on hand to discuss the books and to make additional recommendations!
Feb. theme: Black History Month
March theme: Women’s History Month
Registration required for each session.
Snack Attack
Live on Zoom
4th Fridays: Feb. 24 & March 24
10:30-11:15 a.m. | Adults
Sick of the same old store-bought snack? Ready to try a new simple recipe, but don’t know where to start? During this monthly virtual cooking demonstration session, learn to create a new snack that will satisfy all the cravings in your household .
Feb. 24: Crackers
March 24: Pinwheels
Registration required for each session.
Customize It!:
Resin Keychains
Bittersweet Branch | 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Mishawaka Library | 2-3:30 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 25 | Adults
We’d all be lost without our keys . Come join us as we design and create personalized keychains that will make your ring of keys stand out .
Registration required.
Make with Us: Recycled Card Crafts
Bittersweet Branch
Mon., Feb. 27
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Adults
Join us for a morning of crafting and conversation! At the end of each session, participants will walk away with a product based on that day’s theme . This session, we're making recycled card crafts Do you have stacks of old greeting cards lying around? Put them to use at this program where you can turn cards into new crafts to brighten up your home! Participants are encouraged to bring their own cards but some will also be provided, while supplies last .
Registration required.
The Scroll of Esther: The Heroine's Firsthand Account and Its History
Mishawaka Library
Tues., Feb. 28
6-7 p.m. | Adults
Dan Ravitch, Program and Camp Director of the Jewish Federation, will be joining us to discuss Purim. The holiday of Purim falls in the month of Adar in the Hebrew calendar, roughly February or March in the Gregorian calendar. This celebration is rich in history and tradition that dates back to the period of Jewish persecution under Persian rule, and historically is a time that requires a deeper look to understand the tales relevant today.
Registration required.
BINGO
Bittersweet Branch
Sat., March 18 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Adults
Join us for a morning of Bingo and beverages! Winners will receive small prizes and raffle tickets for a chance to win a door prize.
Registration required.
That’s What I Call
Music Trivia Night
Mishawaka Library
Fri., March 24
6:30-8:30 p.m. | Adults
Attention music lovers! Grab some friends and show off just how many songs you know during this musical evening of trivia. We’ll cover music throughout the decades, from the 1950s through today. The winning team will receive a small prize. Teams must have 2-6 members.
Registration required and limited to 15 teams.
Virtual Popcorn Tasting
Live on Zoom | Tues., March 28
6-7 p.m. |
Adults
Join us for a virtual pop-luck! Learn some fun facts about popcorn as you sample different flavors of the popular treat .
Registration required. Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be sent via email to registrants .
Fresh from the Kitchen
Mishawaka Library
Wed., March 29
10:30-11:15 a.m. |
Adults
Did you know that March is National Flour Month!? Come celebrate with us as we make delicious homemade rolls that are sure to impress .
Registration required.
Overwhelmed by the Thought of Moving: Where to Start and What to Expect
Bittersweet Branch
Thurs., March 30
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Adults
Are you overwhelmed by the thought of moving? Learn where to start and what to expect from local realtor, Kirsten Sharpe, the REALTOR for SENIORS™ . In this program, participants will learn about the preparations needed in order to move and sell their house .
Registration required.
114 W. First St., Mishawaka
1st Saturdays: Feb. 4 & March 4 10-11 a.m. | Adults
Join us at the locally owned Chicory Café of Mishawaka for a fa-“brew”-lous time discussing that month’s book. Books can be picked up a month in advance at the front desk of the Mishawaka Library .
Feb. 4: Portrait of a Thief by Grace Li
March 4: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie Registration required for each session.
