Book Club 

Be part of the Book Club at the Huntsville Public Library. All interested persons are welcome to join the virtual fun from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on July 8 via Zoom. The book selection for July will be Remember by Lisa Genova. Current and future book choices can be found at www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com. Book Clubs are an excellent way to enjoy books, challenge one’s mind, and socialize with other book lovers! They can also encourage one to read more often or read books one might not otherwise choose. We have fun reading a wide variety of books, making friends, meeting like-minded people, and stimulating the brain cells! Please contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at (936)291-5471 for additional information.

 Sittercise 

Get fit while you sit with Sittercise! Everybody’s favorite exercise program is being offered from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Huntsville Public Library in conjunction with Huntsville Memorial Hospital. Class dates are July 1, 6, 8,13,15, 20, 22, 27, and 29. Sittercise is designed to help those who are aging and/or dealing with chronic illnesses. Sittercise focuses on strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, endurance, and overall improved function. Please consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program. Liability waivers are required to participate and are available from the instructor. The class is free and open to adults ages 18 and older. Class is limited to 25 so social distancing can be maintained. Please contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at (936) 291-5471 for additional information.

 FamilySearch Workshop

 The Huntsville Public Library is pleased to announce an opportunity for genealogy enthusiasts and newcomers alike to meet with experienced and qualified genealogical researchers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. One-hour sessions about FamilySearch will be offered weekly on Wednesdays in July. Sessions will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Attendance will be limited to no more than four researchers. The small group will allow each participant to receive individual attention. Interested persons should contact Mary Kokot, Adult Program Coordinator, at 936-291-5471. Sign-up is required. This program is for adults 17 and older. 

Summer Genealogy Weekend 

The Huntsville Public Library and the Walker County Genealogical Society will host the annual Summer Genealogy Weekend on July 30 and July 31, 2021. Coffee and light refreshments will be available at 9:30 a.m. on both days at the Huntsville Public Library. Programs will be presented from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 30, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 31. A light supper will be provided on Friday and the library will remain open until 8 p.m. for further research for attendees only. A silent auction of books and genealogical materials will be held during the weekend and will end at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The event is free, but advance registration is required and there will be limited occupancy. Contact Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471 or sign up at myhuntsvillelibrary.com. Due to Covid-19 concerns, please be advised that the event is subject to cancellation. 

Free Microsoft Word Classes

 Want to create and edit professional resumes, newsletters, and documents? The Huntsville Public Library is offering Free Microsoft Word Classes during the month of July. Join us at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays or at 5 p.m. on Thursdays. These classes will feature activities on typing and how to make corrections, formatting text, working with pictures and graphics, and using tables and outlines with bullets. Class size is limited and registration is required. A library card is needed to participate in the classes. If you don’t have a card, bring your ID. Adults 17 and older can register for classes online at myhuntsvillelibrary.com or call the IT Reference Desk at 936-291-5485.

 Preserving Your Story 

The Walker County Genealogical Society (WCGS) and the Huntsville Public Library are beginning a joint, community-wide project to preserve the local history of the Covid-19 Pandemic. A major health and historical event, the pandemic has touched the lives of everyone in Walker County, and its aftermath will continue to affect our citizens well into the future. What have we learned that the next generation needs to know? We want to record your personal stories so today’s experiences can become part of tomorrow's collective memory. WCGS President Johnnie Jo Dickenson reminds us, “Many of us have lost cousins or other family members and were unable to attend their funerals. We have had to cancel annual family reunions. Let's involve the children. They have missed sleepovers, birthday parties, and their school life has been so different than years before. Let them tell their stories. Each of us has a different story to tell. It is important to the history of our community that these stories be recorded for future generations. Please help us with this project. Your story is important.” The Walker County Genealogical Society will preserve these stories in their archives for future generations as a part of Walker County history. Email your story to wcgen.com or mail it to WCGS, P.O. Box 1295, Huntsville, TX 77342-1295. If you need help writing down your memories, contact the Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at the library, (936) 291-5471, and she will arrange for someone to help record your thoughts and have them transcribed. Alternatively, drop it off at Huntsville Public Library or email mkokot@huntsvilletx.gov. 

Story Time 

Come to Story Time, a fun early literacy program for kids 5 and under. Join us for interactive stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts. The early literacy practices featured each week help build a foundation for the lifelong love of reading and learning. For parents and caregivers, Story Time offers an opportunity to experience early literacy strategies in action, discover great books and resources for home use, and socialize with other parents afterward. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday sessions all share a theme with something new and exciting each week. Sign up is not required. Story Time is held Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., and Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:45 a.m. in the Staggs Community Room. July dates are July 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 27, 28, and 30. For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Baillie Pretzer at 936-291-5910. 

Mother Goose Lapsit 

Bubbles, rhymes, and books--oh my! You won’t want to miss the return of Mother Goose Lapsit at the Huntsville Public Library. This program is a storytime designed for children 2 years or under. Enjoy this early literacy initiative at 10:45 a.m. Mondays in the Rex Children’s Room. Sign-up is not required. July dates are July 12, 19, and 26. Due to the library’s closure in observance of Independence Day, Mother Goose Lapsit will not be held on Monday, July 5. For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Baillie Pretzer at 936-291-5910.

 Wild Things Zoofari Round 2!

 If you missed our Wild Things Zoofari program in June, worry not - Wild Things Zoofari is returning to the library on Friday, July 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the Staggs Community Room! Come and learn about the unique animals and wildlife conservation efforts from Wild Things Zoofari’s experts. To respect social distancing guidelines, attendance is limited to 50 people. Please fill out the required registration form on our website at myhuntsvillelibrary.com to reserve your spot! Preference will be given to those unable to register for the June 2021 program. This program is suitable for all ages. For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Baillie Pretzer at 936-291-5910. 

Surviving the Inevitable Zombie Apocalypse 

CALLING ALL TEENS: Zombies in the Library !?!?! If you want to learn how to survive a Zombie Apocalypse, then this program is for you! Surviving the Inevitable Zombie Apocalypse will be an afternoon of fun discussions of what could happen in a Zombie Apocalypse and what you should do to protect yourself. Join us on Thursday, July 15 at 2:00 p.m. in the Staggs Community Room to become zombie-prepared. To respect social distancing guidelines, attendance is limited to 50 people. Please fill out the registration form on our website at myhuntsvillelibrary.com to reserve your spot! Sponsored by The Friends of Huntsville Public Library, this program is intended for teens only. For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Baillie Pretzer at 936-291-5910. 

Crocodile Encounter

 What has the strongest bite of any animal in the world and can go long periods of time without any food? A Crocodile! Gear up and put your game face on as you enjoy the chance to get up close and personal with some of the world's oldest reptiles! Have all of your crocodile questions answered at this spectacular Crocodile Encounter event on Friday, July 16 at 2:00 p.m. in the Staggs Community Room. To respect social distancing guidelines, attendance is limited to 50 people. Please fill out the registration form on our website at myhuntsvillelibrary.com to reserve your spot! This program is suitable for all ages and is sponsored by The Friends of Huntsville Public Library. For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Baillie Pretzer at 936-291-5910.

 Reading Magic Show

 Abracadabra, ala-kazoo! You’ll join us for a special Reading Magic Show, won’t you? With the flick of a wrist and a glint in his eye, Professional Magician John O’Bryant is coming to show you a magical time on Tuesday, July 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the Staggs Community Room. Enjoy an incredible and fun afternoon full of powerful messages, lots of laughter, and some magic you’ve never seen before! To respect social distancing guidelines, attendance is limited to 50 people. Please fill out the registration form on our website at myhuntsvillelibrary.com to reserve your spot! This program is suitable for all ages and is sponsored by The Friends of Huntsville Public Library. For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Baillie Pretzer at 936-291-5910. 

“Tails and Tales” Texas Summer Reading Program

 Don’t forget! The deadline for the Texas Summer Reading Program at the Huntsville Public Library is Friday, July 23. Participants must conclude recording their reading progress on READsquared by the end of this day. Children who have earned prizes with their Reader’s Passport must redeem their rewards with participating businesses by Saturday, July 31. The Library’s raffle prize drawings will be held during the first week of August. Raffle prizes must be picked up no later than Monday, August 16. For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Baillie Pretzer at 936-291-5910.

 Bird Buddies

 Did you know Owls aren’t able to move their eyes to see at all? In the animal kingdom, owls are known as silent predators as they hunt throughout the night. Owls are fascinating creatures that come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. Join Professor Diane Neudorf for Bird Buddies on Tuesday, June 29 at 1:00 p.m. in the Staggs Community Room as she entertains you with interesting facts about Owls. To respect social distancing guidelines, attendance is limited to 50 people. Please fill out the required registration form on our website at myhuntsvillelibrary.com to reserve your spot! This program is designed for audience members in elementary grades and younger and is sponsored by the Huntsville Audubon Society. For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Baillie Pretzer at 936-291-5910.